Karaoke Machines

Karaoke comes from two Japanese words meaning “empty” and “orchestra.” Basically, a karaoke machine is a device that will play the music but not the voice(s) of the original artist. The voice of the amateur singers are dubbed into the empty spots.

As with all modern electronic equipment, the machines come in a range of complexity varying from simple to unbelievably sophisticated. The most popular karaoke machines remove the voice, or reduce it, then electronically change the pitch of the music so any amateur singer can follow the music in his own vocal range without losing the original tempo.

The karaoke machines include a microphone so the amateur singer’s voice can be heard over a public address system. Also, many machines include a video screen so the audience and singer can follow along with the words. The words are highlighted with colors or with what used to be called the “bouncing ball” to help the singer.

Many of the less sophisticated entertainment systems attempt to remove the vocal tracks from regular CDs by a system called center removal. This is a quasi-karaoke track made by subtracting the left channel of a stereo system from the right channel. In most instances this system does not allow for adjusting the pitch. The Sega Saturn is an exception since it can adjust the pitch of the songs.

The karaoke machine comes in a variety of systems. Among the elderly Cantonese, the Karaoke VCD is popular. This machine plays the vocal on one speaker of a stereo and the music on the other. When the karaoke is desired, both speakers play the music only.

Karaoke on mobile phone is becoming popular in the U.S. This device is still developing so its popularity is unknown. Beginning in 2003, Karaoke on the Internet and personal computer began taking hold. The Internet gives the operator thousands of songs to choose from and the means of transferring them to his computer. Also, the Internet provides an unlimited audience.

Karaoke is popular world-wide. The progress of electronic development can only improve its popularity.

Karaoke Fun

The absolute best machine you will need to practice and improve your karaoke techniques is “The Singing Machine”. It is used in conjunction with your Ipod. What no Ipod? If you are serious about karaoke it is worth getting one. Here’s why- you can download instantly almost any song every recorded at your finger tips. The “Singing Machine” plugs into your television where the words come up, it weighs about 9lbs and is about $140. You can’t go wrong.

The top 5 songs at the moment for karaoke are Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler, Intergalactic Planetary, by The Beastie Boys, Map, by The Yeah,Yeah,Yeahs, Song 2, by Blur, and Gasolina, by Daddy Yankee.

Karaoke contests are held all over the United States. They are sometimes a little difficult to track down due to the fact that they get canceled with very little notice. It is always a good idea to call ahead and make sure that it is a go. There is a contest going on right now in Minnesota and South Dakota. It is hosted by Dion in cooperation with Dakota Entertainment. The finals will be held on April 12, 2008. First place takes home $1500.

Karaoke is still in its infancy when it comes to national organization. Contest winners are spread out all over the United States. A few names keep on showing up as winners. They are Spencer Erickson, Mike Rivers, Rachael Crissinger, Katy Olinger, and Anna Lafoon. There is so much undiscovered talent out there Hopefully more organization on a national level will bring us new stars.

Win at Karaoke Contests

For the Talent Quest 2008 Karaoke Contest, local sites are open from February 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008. Regional contests run from July 18, 2008 to August 15, 2008. The National Finals begin September 21, 2008 and end September 28, 2008 at Tropicana Express Hotel & Casino, Laughlin, NV.

Find listings of both local and regional sites on the Internet at www.talentqst.com/contestsites.php where each site is listed by state. The rules for entry are also listed at this Internet location. The Local sites send winners to the regional sites where winners are selected to go on to the national competition.

Contestants may enter the National Talent Quest 2008 by winning at a regional site or by self-sponsoring. Those who enter through a regional site can get expenses paid by the regional site for transportation and hotel costs to enter the national competition. Those who are self-sponsored must pay a fee of $375 that will also cover hotel costs for seven nights at the Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino.

The Talent Quest 2008 is expecting to spend over $375,000 in prizes, cash, and giveaways.

When selecting a song for the competition, follow a few suggestions from one of the judges. Select a song that gives you a chance to demonstrate your range. Choose one that is known to the judges but not one that is overdone. Do not pick a song that is long and stay away from ballads unless they have a variety of pitch and tempo to demonstrate your ability. You don’t want something too simple. Remember, you want to impress the judges with your range and your talent. Your song must do this for you.

A Brief History of Karaoke

The first Karaoke machine was invented by Japanese musician Daisuke Inoue in Kobe, Japan in the early 1970s. As its popularity spread through Japan, karaoke spread to East and Southeast Asia during the 1980s and other parts of the world in its modern form. It is a Japanese tradition to provide musical entertainment at a dinner or a party. Japanese drummer Daisuke Inoue constantly asked by many guests at Utagoe Kissa, to give them a recording of his performance so that they could sing along a vacation. Seeing an opportunity to make money, Inoue made a tape recorder that played a song for a 100-yen coin.

Being a shrewd business mind, Inoue did not give his machines away; seeing an opportunity for a constant income, he leased the machines. Although it was originally seen as a expensive fad in the 1970s, it caught on as a popular entertainment. The machines were originally placed in hotel rooms and restaurants. Soon, new businesses called karaoke boxes, with individual rooms, became popular.

In 2004, Daisuke Inoue was awarded the tongue-in-cheek Ig Nobel Peace Prize for inventing karaoke, "thereby providing an entirely new way for people to learn to tolerate each other."

Although Inoue was a shrewd business man he failed to patent his invention, losing his chance to become one of Japan's richest men. A Filipino inventor, Roberto del Rosario, who called his sing-along system Minus-One, now holds the patent for the device now commonly known as the "karaoke machine." Following inquest with a Japanese company claiming to have invented the machine first, it was found del Rosario's patents were issued in 1983 and 1986, more than a decade after Inoue's original unpatented invention of the device in 1971.

Most popular Karaoke songs and bars

The most popular karaoke songs are hard to determine as they vary from country to country, sometimes region to region. The most popular and most requested karaoke songs are typically country and can be classic songs such as performed by Johnny Cash or modern such as performed by Carrie Underwood. Top karaoke songs do also typically mirror what is most popular on the pop charts and the top lists currently include artists such as Sean Kingston, Fergie, Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus.

If you are looking for a great karaoke bar in San Francisco, look no further than the Mint Club Karaoke. Located at 942 Market Street, this Castro district gem has been open since 1993,and has quickly become one of America’s favorite karaoke bars. This conveniently located bar attracts professional karaoke singers and boasts professional KJ’s to entertain you all night. It also is home to one of the most extensive karaoke song collections in the world. This singer’s hotspot is open 365 days a year- no rest for those vocal cords- and has open hours from 4pm until 2am. The professional KJ’s typically do not start until 7pm, however, if you have a group of ten or more people and are planning your event before 7pm, the Mint will arrange to have a KJ on site for you. As an added bonus, the Mint does not charge extra for your party or event. They have reasonable prices for their libations as well, and there is never a cover charge or cost per song at the Mint.

If you are a first timer, don’t be held back by the professional karaoke singers who frequent this bar, as the Mint loves to welcome newcomers. To coin their catch phrase “If it’s karaoke, it’s the Mint”, so get out there and let your voice be heard!

Karaoke and Karaoke Machines

Karaoke is the hugely popular entertainment phenomena that allows the individual stardom. The karaoke player or machine allows you to play special CDs that hook up to your television where you can view the lyrics and sing along. These song renditions usually cut out the lead vocals (that is the performer's job!) and do not come from the original recordings.

There are several players that are now on the market from an all in one player to a more professional DJ-type setup. Players generally range in price from about $150 and can go up over $1,000. The all in one players generally come with a CD or cassette player, a speaker, one or two microphones (for solos or duets), a pitch controller and a video connector. Many come with some karaoke discs to get you started. The more professional grade players come with additional features like multi-discs and extra programmable features to allow you to create favorite settings and cue them easily. These machines also come with at least two or more microphone inputs.

The website karaoke.com is a great resource for all of your karaoke needs. They even offer express shipping if you are desperate to get in front of that microphone! If you have an order over $99 they offer free shipping. This site gives very detailed information on the different machines offered and has a very helpful frequently asked questions area. They also offer discs which are sorted by classification to pinpoint you toward your favored music style, or the appropriate genre for your next event.

Champps Cleveland

If you intend on singing at Champps in Cleveland, Ohio, you’d better bring your A game. This karaoke bar doesn’t mess around when it comes to producing, well, champs, and it’s certainly not for the shy. Still, Champps is a great place to go on a weekend night if you want to watch the truly talented take the stage.

The bar itself is as relaxed as they come, and you’d never think that some of the hunched over patrons could actually sing. As soon as the karaoke lights are dimmed, those quiet creatures that seem to keep to themselves begin to come alive, much to your shock, and you will be wishing that you hadn’t signed up for the karaoke contest. This bar packs in all those that know they can sing, and if you can’t, well, maybe you should re-think your entry. Come for the food, the beer, or the entertainment, but leave feeling less than humbled if your rendition of “Hurts So Good” winds up hurting the many ears that gather at Champps regularly. Then again, if someone other than your mother has told you that you can really sing, go for it – the Champps crowd will welcome you back if you can truly belt it out.

Enjoy a great atmosphere when you head to Champps, and remember to check out the fine drafts that they have at this great little hole in the wall. Champps is located all over Ohio, but the Cleveland Champps can be found at 2989 Canal Road (216-328-0083).

The Courtside Restaurant & Pub

Check your email via wi-fi; eat a hearty breakfast; enjoy cheap food and drink; and (of course) partake in weekend karaoke at The Courtside Restaurant & Pub in Boston, Massachusetts. The Courtside Restaurant & Pub is everything that you would expect a relaxed New England bar to be, with the addition of a hot DJ and a great karaoke song selection.

The mark of a truly excellent pub is brick on the wall, tables that are hidden underneath dark lights, and a friendly staff that knows how to mix a great drink. In short, The Courtside Restaurant & Pub has it all. If you feel like singing, go ahead and try out your vocal talents on the local crowd, or simply put your feet up and sip your beer as others around you sing with that distinct Bostonian accent. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night marks the start of a karaoke weekend, and this happens to be the only join in Boston boasting an all karaoke weekend party.

Of course, any excellent pub will also include traditional pub food, and thankfully the chefs at The Courtside Restaurant & Pub know how to cook. Head to the pub on Sunday for a hearty breakfast, or simply grab some tempting mozzarella sticks while you wait for your turn on stage. Any way you slice it, Boston loves The Courtside Restaurant & Pub for its food, atmosphere, and great karaoke weekends. You can find The Courtside Restaurant & Pub at 291 Cambridge Street.

The Roxy (Kansas)

When it comes to karaoke bars, Kansas City has one of the most provocative karaoke nights around. Not only do patrons head to The Roxy in order to sing and drink, some of them go to this bar simply to use the portable stripper pole. That’s right -- a portable stripper pole. What do the bar’s singers think about this interesting contraption? Well, the pole has definitely been worn down over time, which can only mean that singers adore this addition to traditional karaoke.

When your number comes us at The Roxy, get ready to sing and dance. The stripper pole will be carried over to your spot, and you simply stand up and sing (and do whatever else you like) while the crowd whistles and jeers. All in all, The Roxy is really all about good, clean, fun, though it is a hoot to watch certain people dance around the pole. If you want to catch the bar (and the pole) in action, head to The Roxy on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. A recent addition to this, already colorful, bar is the introduction of “theme nights,” so make sure you are appropriately dressed.

Who’d have thought that Kansas City would have one of the hottest karaoke joints in the nation? Though this city hardly gets enough credit, the pubs and bars within this town are anything but boring. Head to The Roxy the next time you feel like putting on a show, and see how karaoke is down Kansas City style. To find The Roxy, search out 7230 W. 75th Street.

Little Red Hen

There is a good reason why the Little Red Hen in Seattle, Washington, is always packed. This country/dance bar is a great place to go if you want to sing, relax, and enjoy a cozy atmosphere. “The Hen” (as locals like to refer to it) is known for a crowd that can’t be beat, and it may be the only country bar in town that prides itself upon serving up great karaoke country classics any way you like ‘em.

Though most people enjoy singing their favorite Garth Brooks’ tunes, you can also select anything from pop to rock at this join (though you will be overwhelmed with mostly country songs during the evening). Of course, singing your heart out always works up an appetite, which is why it’s so nice that Little Red Hen also produces some straight forward grub. You will find that the menu consisting of BBQ pork ribs, potato salad, chicken tortellini, artichoke hearts, and a rather impressive tall burger are just perfect for a night of singing and drinking.

The chairs are made from worn leather, the bar is thick with cuts and scars from many years of love, and the staff is sure to know your name by the time you order that fourth drink. The crowd at the Little Red Hen tends to be rather intimate, though heading to this spot a few times will have the entire place singing (quite literally) your praises in no time. The Little Red Hen bar is located between 71st street and 72nd street (make sure to try the chicken friend steak if you hit up the bar during breakfast time – it’s a real southern treat!).

The Vine

$2.50 beers, a karaoke stage, and a crowd that loves to hear any tune (whether or not it is dreadfully bad) – what more could you ask for? The Vine in Tempe, Arizona, is a great place to visit if you want to beat the heat and sing to your heart’s content. One of the best things about this bar is that it doesn’t come with any sort of pretension, so go ahead and show up in your flip-flops, your adoring fans won’t care at all.

The Vine is the type of bar that you want to go to when you just feel like singing. Don’t expect any home made flashy cuisine from this joint, The Vine is all about having a good time. The number one song at The Vine is the ever-popular Gloria Gainer’s “I Will Survive,” so don’t sing this tune whatever you do (though the happy crowd is sure to love it). The bar staff is somewhat slow, but still friendly, and you will find that the crowd is supportive of your vocal talents. Those that can truly sing are likened to gods at this pub, and those that cannot, well, they are still present.

Whether you like to sing or whether you like to make fun of your friends while they sing, The Vine is just the kind of place that you want to head to on a Thursday night. Karaoke happens to be every Thursday, so get to this place early (it gets kind of packed). Selection wise, you will find that nearly every tune you have ever hummed in the show is available, so get on up there (no excuses).

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore

Lights, camera, action – ready to take the Wii stage? Thanks go Konami, aspiring singers can now find out whether or not they would actually impress Randy, Paula, and Simon while attempting to sing favorite tunes. Wii has just introduced Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore – your gateway to singing fame (well, living room fame, anyway).

Players can choose their character along with some stage clothing in order to impress the judges. If you pass the audition round, you can move on to Hollywood – but if you are off-key, expect Randy to tell you to get lost. For the most part, the songs that are provided with this game are relatively easy to follow (though some of the songs are also somewhat obscure). Simply sing along (in time) to the music and see how far into the competition you can go. If you buy another USB mic, you can face off with another player of your choice, though the solo option can become slightly exhausting.

Though the game was meant for Wii, Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore is also available for the Xbox 360 and for PlayStation 2. On average, the game sells for $60 at most gaming stores. Think you’ve got what it takes to impress the judges? Find out for sure by playing this Wii game (and save yourself the humiliation of singing badly on television). American Idol may have its own stars, but you can become the star of your own world with Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore.

Amnesia

How would you like to take the stage immersed in a blood red atmosphere? Amnesia bar in San Francisco, California, is the best place to head for karaoke in all of San Francisco. A relax, haunting, atmosphere; a great place to grab a $1 beer; and an all around amazing gang of regulars makes this bar one popular spot.

Amnesia is actually a wine bar, though this bar turns into karaoke mania when karaoke night rolls around. The stage is surrounded by a small (slightly rusty looking) fences that really gives an overall gothic feel to this bar. Additionally, patrons will find an eerie song selection available (well, some of the songs have that trip-hop feel to them) whenever its karaoke time. Why do people love this bar so much? Other than the wonderful atmosphere that Amnesia offers, many people simply find that this place is great for a bit of audible conversation. Though Amnesia is a great place to hang out, if you want to grab a set you’ll get there very early and snag the one booth that is inside of the bar. Otherwise, you’ll have to sit at the bar itself, which can become quite crowded.

Amnesia oozes lust and luxury all wrapped into one (a specialty of most bars within the San Francisco area), which means that you are in for a curious night if you head to this karaoke spot. Karaoke nights tend to change, so contact the bar for details. Amnesia is located at 853 Valencia Street in San Francisco, California. Remember, get to this bar early if you want that comfy seat, but stay late so that you can get your fill of singing those fabulous karaoke tunes.

The Mezzanine Lounge

Are you looking for the hottest karaoke spot in Houston, Texas? The Mezzanine Lounge is a favorite of local Houstonians, and this sports bar turns into a karaoke night club when the moon starts shining and the local sports teams are through playing. The Mezzanine Lounge boasts over thirty televisions, and a large karaoke selection that will thrill any song bird.

If you head to The Mezzanine Lounge during most evenings, you are likely to find the place crawling with sports fans. This sports bar loves to please its customers, and the staff will put on any game or show at your request. Of course, when the house lights start flickering that means that it’s karaoke time, so grab your drink and your singing voice – this bar loves to rock. Nearly every song that you can think of is welcome at this bar, and locals really love to mix up the music (so don’t be shy). With a bartending crew that makes it a point to know everyone’s name, and a karaoke stage that is welcoming and lots of fun, you really can’t go wrong with The Mezzanine Lounge.

If it happens to be your birthday, ask your bartender for “the birthday drink,” which is the sweetest (largest) drink on the menu. There is nothing pretentious about this laid back pub, and even those that aren’t so fond of the stage will love to get up in front of the Mezzanine crowd. The Mezzanine Lounge is located at 2200 Southwest Freeway Ste 150 in Houston, Texas.

Trader Todd's

Do you enjoy wasting away in Margaritaville? While Chicago has been called a lot of things, this city is not necessarily known for its warm climate and fruity cocktails ... still, if you step into Trader Todd’s bar, you may think that you have entered an alternate universe (one where Jimmy Buffet blares from the karaoke machine and patron wear flip flops). Trader Todd’s has just been named Chicago’s best karaoke bar (according to City Search), and for good reason.

Those that love to sing have voted Trader Todd’s the best karaoke joint in town, but not for the amazing song selection or prize winning DJ – Chicago songbirds love this spot because it is relaxed and easy going. In short, if you are tone deaf you won’t feel any pineapple chunks belting your body. Of course, no island oasis would be complete without the addition of some great eats, and Trader Todd’s has many different versions of crab cakes and jalapeño poppers to suit any hungry appetite.

While you’re at Trader Todd’s locals recommend that you indulge in an island inspired cocktail, and that you head to this spot around 9 pm when the karaoke machine starts to get warmed up. If you simply want to kick back and relax after a day of touring the Windy City, go to Trader Todd’s a bit earlier to grab a prime seat in front of the stage action. NO matter what the weather looks like outside, at Trader Todd’s it’s always warm and breezy. Trader Todd’s is located at 3216 N. Sheffield Avenue in Chicago, IL.

Limelight Stage & Studios

Those Bostonians that can carry a tune know Limelight Stage & Studios well. While most karaoke bars are bars first, Limelight is purely a karaoke spot. The night that you will spend at this place will be unlike any other than you have ever experienced, and you are sure to return time and again.

If you enjoy the limelight, you can sing your favorite karaoke tunes to a live audience as you would at any other karaoke bar. Or, you may choose to rent a private booth where you can sing to yourself as much as you like. Then again, perhaps you are a bit of a voyeur, and you would like to see others sing ... you can do this too. Limelight uses a song system that contains over 5,000 songs, so you are sure to find the perfect ballad every time. Additionally, this bar is constantly playing host to a number of karaoke themed events from competitions to theme nights and even a few dance contests thrown in now and then.

One of the best things about Limelight is that you can also rent your own private room for your next birthday bash. Simply gather up a few of your closest friends; buy a few choice bottles of your favorite elixir; and sing the night away (Happy Birthday is sure to be included in the song library somewhere, just in case your friends forget the words). Limelight Stage & Studios is located at 204 Tremont Street in Boston, MA. If you want to reserve a private booth, make sure you call in advance ... otherwise, the open stage is first come first serve.

SongBurst

If you happen to live in the Orange County, California, area, you will be pleased to know that your chance at stardom has not passed you by ... quite yet. At the Orange County Market Place, you will find that a heated karaoke competition is currently taking place ... and it will take place again next year (just in case you don’t make this year’s March 8th deadline).

Winners of the O.C. karaoke competition will take home over $3,000 worth of cash awards and savings bonds. Though the competition itself will end of March 8th, the SongBurst finals will not be held until March 29th – at which point you can show up, listen, and vote for your favorite song bird. The competition is split into two categories: junior and adult ... though all age groups promise to be entirely entertaining.

For those that steal the adult show, the award will consist of $1,000 and a shiny trophy. Second place adult winners will gain $500; third place will take home $300; fourth place will still be happy with $200; and fifth place will be able to buy an O.C. tan with $100. Junior prizes will mimic the adult prizes, only they will be in the form of U.S. savings bonds (just in case you are tempted to spend all that cash). Of course, all those that participate will take home colorful participant ribbons as well. If you are in the O.C. area, why not spend your March 29th rooting for those that can carry a tune?

Backstage Bar & Grill

What’s the number one karaoke bar in Culver City, California? Those that love to sing have voted the Backstage Bar & Grill the best singing spot in town. This cozy little “dive bar” is located directly across from Sony studios, which means that it is a popular hang out for those Hollywood types that want to relax after a hard day of work.

The bar includes dim lights (for those with stage fright); a large comfy fire pit; inexpensive drinks; great bar munchies; and a fun jukebox. Of course, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night this bar turns into the greatest little karaoke join in town, and it has just been listed at L.A’s number on karaoke hot spot. This bar boasts over 100,000 songs to sing, and the crowd is always encouraging. Whether you want to blow off some steam, or whether you simply want to entertain a happy crowd, the Backstage Bar & Grill will become your favorite California karaoke bar in no time.

One of the things that regulars love about this bar is the fact that all the food served is made fresh right on the spot... now that’s refreshing for a karaoke spot! Great, wholesome, food; superb song selection; and a fire pit? This has got to be the best karaoke bar on the planet ... though that title has yet to be given. If you want to sing in front of a major crowd, Friday night is the best at Backstage... though Thursday is also a great option for those that enjoy a small audience.

Gilbert's Mediterranean Cafe

Those that love to sing within the city of Atlanta, Georgia, have spoken – they prefer Gilbert's Mediterranean Cafe to any other karaoke spot in town. This quaint little Mediterranean cafe also serves up some delicious dishes... just in case singing brings out your appetite.

Gilbert’s is located at 219 10th Street in Atlanta, but if you want to head to this hot night spot, you’ll have to make a reservation – this place fills up rather quickly. Not only do they offer karaoke on select nights, but the entire restaurant is made up of a cozy atmosphere that helps those that are a bit shy come out of their shells. Singers can choose from a variety of songs ranging from modern pop hits to classic rock, and no matter what you choose the crowed at this karaoke bar will remain supportive. Since most people that head to Gilbert’s are regulars, they are also quite familiar with the sounds of their peers... which may, or may not, be a good thing.

The food is fantastic, the bar is hopping, and the songs are unique – what more could you want with a karaoke bar? Gilbert’s Mediterranean Cafe has recently been named City Search’s number one karaoke bar in Atlanta, which is saying a lot considering that this city has a number of karaoke bars. Hundreds of Atlanta residents wrote in to City Search in order to choose their favorite singing spot, and Gilbert’s wears this title with pride. Atlanta serves up their karaoke piping hot and with a Mediterranean twist.

Cabaraoke

You’ve probably heard of karaoke... but have you heard of cabaroke? A Kansas City cab company has recently decided to tap into the karaoke craze by offering riders a chance to sing karaoke on the way to their destination.

Though many people enjoy spending a Saturday night at a karaoke bar, some people simply don’t have the nerve to sing in front of a live audience... but what happens when these people are “alone” in the comfort of a cab? Add some weekend alcohol into the mix, and you’ve got yourself many different passengers belting out off-key tunes to the sounds of rock songs. This sort of cabaroke is therapeutic, soothing, and a great way to relieve some stress, there’s just one thing ... these cabs are equipped with video cameras. If you happen to have a fuzzy memory involving a cab ride and some rather squeaky tunes, don’t be surprised if you find a video featuring your own vocal stylings on the internet.

If you head to www.cabaroke.com, you will find videos of those people that were brave (liquid courage, anyone?) enough to sing their heart’s out in the back of the cab. As for the driver? Believe it or not, he doesn’t wear ear plugs. Instead, he is a karaoke fan himself. In order to begin singing, just hail a Yellow Cab, watch the monitor that faces the back seat, and sing any song that you choose ... now that’s a way to end a fun weekend night!

NYC's Got It All

It’s true, different karaoke bars attract different types of singers, but most cities do not offer a large variety of singing joints. Then again, most cities are not New York City, and this city certainly has it all. No matter what kind of music you prefer, you are sure to find the best karaoke bar for your singing style amidst the follow list:

Hip Hop Karaoke (116 Suffolk St.): the name of this bar says it all. If you think that you have rapping skills, this is the bar to show off your stuff.

Live Band Karaoke (97 Atlantic Ave.): have you ever dreamed about singing next to a whaling guitar? Well, now’s your change. This bar features some excellent live bands starring you.

Karaoke Killed the Cat (158 Ludlow St.): this bar is set up like your typical karaoke bar should be: karaoke machine, lots of fans, and an all around great atmosphere. But this bar happens to be in New York City, so don’t be surprised if a few movie stars pop in.

Lit (93 Second Ave.): if you are looking for a few fun pop songs, this is definitely not the place for you. Lit features punk rock and heavy metal karaoke -- not for the faint of heart.

There you have it, the best of the best in New York City. If you love to sing, NYC has it all – and you can even change your tune every night, just head to a different bar. From rap to punk rock, all of your singing dreams can come true in the city that never sleeps.

New Orleans Loves the Cats Meow

There is just something fantastic about the sights and sounds the encompass the city of New Orleans ... of course, some of those sounds may be coming from the world famous karaoke bar the “Cats Meow.” This karaoke joint was first established way back in the 1980s (when karaoke was a strange and foreign concept), but this bar is still hopping today... nearly 20 years later.

You can find the Cats Meow nestled inside of the world famous New Orleans French Quarter. In fact, if you look up above Bourbon Street, you may be able to see the two karaoke balconies that overlook the festive avenue. Additionally, this bar has a fantastic courtyard that is just perfect for singing and dancing underneath all those southern stars. Speak of stars, Brooks and Dunn, Seal, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, and N’Sync have all stumbled into the Cats Meow for a few songs and a few cold beers from the bar that stocks the largest selection of Miller and Budweiser products throughout New Orleans. If that doesn’t impress you, maybe this little statistic will – Pioneer (maker of excellent sound equipment) named the Cats Meow “the best karaoke bar in the world.”

Head to New Orleans for the historic charm, but don’t forget to stop by the Cats Meow. From superb balcony views of all that’s happening on Bourbon Street to those tunes that can’t be beat, the Cats Meow is your New Orleans karaoke hot spot. Come early, grab a seat, and get ready to do your best howling... the guests at this bar have claws.

Cambodian Songs Banned

If you’ve been keeping up with your karaoke news, you probably know that most “karaoke bars” in Cambodia are anything but singing venues. Cambodia is famous for its brothels disguised as karaoke bars, but a recent ruling but the Cambodian government is rather unusual... it has been declared that any adulterous songs must be removed from the karaoke selection throughout Cambodia.

Many of the girls that work at these bars often create their own songs based upon adultery. Within their trade, attempting to lure married business men into their karaoke bar with songs about cheating seems to work wonders for their wallets. The Cambodian government feels that the elimination of these songs will result in more married men staying away from these karaoke bars... though some critics are more than puzzled at this recent law. Kep Chuktema (governor of Phnom Penh) told press that “we are searching for other songs which might affect people’s hour, especially that of women.” Previously, Cambodia initiated a law that would fine anyone caught committing adultery 1m riels (approximately $250).

Though most people believe that instilling these laws will not stop the Cambodian brothels from forming, it will stop those seeking a bit of karaoke from singing anything to do with adultery. Odd? Yes. Will it work? Most likely, no. Still, as one Cambodian official stated, “people can still play the songs in private. I don't think music has much to do with it, but it is an official request that has to be followed.”

SingSnap

Any avid karaoke fan knows that there are tons of karaoke websites popping up throughout cyberspace nearly every day, so what sets one site apart from all the others? SingSnap (www.singsnap.com) is a karaoke site that was started by two Canadians, and it is one site that encourages all people to pick up a microphone and sing... no matter how bad you may be.

Can’t carry a tune? Improvise. Some singers on SingSnap use sock puppets to help them belt out those tougher songs, and some people incorporate different instruments into their web cam videos. SingSnap is an online karaoke forum, but it is really a way for people to unwind at the end of the day. The SingSnap community is a free one (simply register, log in, and sing), though those that belong to this group encourage each other. Hundreds of people across the globe have found that SingSnap is really a form of therapy – as each person supports another one, those that take the time to sing their heart’s out really get to know one another. Most people that belong to this group no longer watch television during the evening hours, they get together and sing instead... kind of like your own personal Idol (only the singers on this virtual stage may actually have more talent).

Whether you are a singing sensation ready to come out of your shell, or whether you simply want to connect with those other singers around you, SingSnap is a great way to relieve stress. If you don’t want to share your vocal talents with the whole world, SingSnap also offers you the option to simply save your video file for your eyes only... though regular users of this site encourage you to post your video – after all, nobody logs on to judge.

New AV Video Karaoke Maker

AVNext released the AV Video Karaoke Maker in 2007, but this is one company that just won’t quit when it comes to perfection. Although the original model instantly became a karaoke favorite, AVNext has just released the all new AV Video Karaoke Maker (version 1.0.22). Believe it or not, this karaoke machine is even better than its predecessor.

What is the AV Video Karaoke Maker? AVNext has made singing karaoke tunes in your home easier than ever before. This machine will allow you to make videos; create audio tracks; synchronize lyrics; preview all that you have done; and you can even send all your hard work to your computer to create WMV tunes. Additionally, this karaoke machine will support avi, mpeg, asf, wmv, mov, wma, mp3, ogg, wav, jpeg, bump... and anything else that you can think of. Want to hear the best part about this karaoke software? It’s all free. That’s right, free.

You can download the old version of the AV Video Karaoke Maker, or you can download the newest version (faster and stronger)... but really, when it’s all free, does it even matter? The point is that AVNext has created a karaoke machine that has received rave reviews from CNet and many other websites... not to mention the fact that those at home can’t get enough of this software. If you love karaoke – what are you waiting for? Grab your free slice of the all new AV Video Karaoke Maker today and sing your karaoke tunes just the way you like ‘em.