Etiquette School is in session! > The Ehell Guide to Never Behaving Badly
Karaoke Etiquette
Hollanda:
For singers: Do not stand straight directly in front of the singer and say "But I hate that song! Please sing x by y for me?!" No. Just...no. Maybe later, but there is a time and place for requests.
For non-singers: Karaoke singers are not comedians. We do not appreciate being heckled half way through a song. We also do not appreciate being told that was "average", or "rubbish", as though you are Simon Cowell. This is not X Factor or Britain's Got Talent, but most singers I know do enjoy the experience of getting up to sing something. Please allow us to do that and try, just for 3 minutes at a time, to keep your mouths shut and listen. If you cannot manage that, then kindly leave us to enjoy what we do.
JennJenn68:
I don't go to karaoke events.
I've been told repeatedly that I ought to do so, because I am a singer and I'm told that I'm reasonably good. Nevertheless, I will not attend karaoke. The reason is that I follow Hollanda's etiquette suggestions to the letter, and I generally find it impossible to sit and listen to someone murdering any song. Why, oh why is it that invariably the people that hop up to sing are the people who could not carry a tune even if were contained in a bucket? I possess the mixed blessing of absolute pitch. It's handy in my musical profession, but hell to have to listen to people attempt to sing who really should have taken a pass. It is, quite literally, a painful experience. I'd rather stick a fork in my eye.
I understand Simon Cowell's reputation completely. Given his situation, I would be the same acidic, blunt kind of judge. And that is why I don't go to karoake events. But yes, Hollanda, you are absolutely correct. I just want to add, for the benefit of those who may not be aware of this... if you cannot sing when you haven't been imbibing of various alcoholic beverages, the chances that your voice and musical ability have improved with the addition of same are slim to none. And, for the love of God, don't get up to sing "American Pie" if you don't know more of the lyrics than "Bye, bye Miss American Pie"! That's just rude to everyone else who is forced to listen to you.
I think I'll go to bed now. JennJenn's starting to sound misanthropic...
Amalthea:
--- Quote from: JennJenn68 on April 09, 2012, 10:10:32 PM ---Why, oh why is it that invariably the people that hop up to sing are the people who could not carry a tune even if were contained in a bucket?
--- End quote ---
'Cause it's fun? It's not a crime to have fun doing stuff that you're bad at.
I've only been to public karaoke once (the other times were always private rooms). Is it normal for people to get up and dance, or was I just with crazy people?
Merry Mrs Martin:
--- Quote from: JennJenn68 on April 09, 2012, 10:10:32 PM ---I don't go to karaoke events.
I've been told repeatedly that I ought to do so, because I am a singer and I'm told that I'm reasonably good. Nevertheless, I will not attend karaoke. The reason is that I follow Hollanda's etiquette suggestions to the letter, and I generally find it impossible to sit and listen to someone murdering any song. Why, oh why is it that invariably the people that hop up to sing are the people who could not carry a tune even if were contained in a bucket? I possess the mixed blessing of absolute pitch. It's handy in my musical profession, but hell to have to listen to people attempt to sing who really should have taken a pass. It is, quite literally, a painful experience. I'd rather stick a fork in my eye.
I understand Simon Cowell's reputation completely. Given his situation, I would be the same acidic, blunt kind of judge. And that is why I don't go to karoake events. But yes, Hollanda, you are absolutely correct. I just want to add, for the benefit of those who may not be aware of this... if you cannot sing when you haven't been imbibing of various alcoholic beverages, the chances that your voice and musical ability have improved with the addition of same are slim to none. And, for the love of God, don't get up to sing "American Pie" if you don't know more of the lyrics than "Bye, bye Miss American Pie"! That's just rude to everyone else who is forced to listen to you.
I think I'll go to bed now. JennJenn's starting to sound misanthropic...
--- End quote ---
I think I disagree with this ....I'm not sure if your saying people who "can't" sing should not try or people who don't like poor singing shouldn't go or both. I don't think "You need to sign well" was ever the point of Karoake. I don't even think it's comparable to open mic night at a comedy club ( where your would essentially be auditioning for the audience and possible hoping to get booked) but I still don't think anyone can say "unless you know you're funny /you wont forget the punch line, you better not get up there and tell jokes.
Hollanda:
JennJenn68 I am so sorry you have had such terrible experiences with karaoke. I can tell you that it is not always the case. There are some establishments that actually do karaoke events well, people do not get too drunk and the standard of the singers is actually very high. ITA that there are some heinous places out there, and equally some heinous singers.
There is polite behaviour (either sit there, be quiet or leave if you - general you - really cannot stand it). Then there is rude behaviour (heckling, shouting, distracting etc).
In the establishment in which I entered the karaoke competition last night (very high standards, no words on the screen when it comes to the competition - the prize is to perform for an hour-long set as part of the city's Pride weekend), there is actually a notice on the door that says this:
"This pub holds karaoke on Sunday and Monday evenings. If you dislike karaoke, please feel free to stay, but please be polite to those who do wish to sing. Rude behaviour will not be tolerated. Equally, if you do choose to sing, please do not complain about the equipment used to provide your entertainment. If these rules are unclear, ask the bar staff. If you don't like them, feel free to leave!"
It's sad that this has to be explained. :(
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