- Choose the right song. The right song is crucial, because if you choose the wrong song, you could end up sounding like a dying cat. If you're an alto, sing a song maybe by Alicia Keys, Stephanie Ferguson (Fergie), or Rihanna. If you are a soprano, you could sing a song by Beyonce, Katy Perry, or Taylor Swift.
- Do vocal warmups. Some vocal warmups are located here in this article.
- (optional) Go to the deejay and request a specific song. this may bump your confidence.
- Start to sing your heart out. Don't listen to either the boos or the clapping.
How to Choose and Buy a Karaoke Machine
Here are some hints and tips on things to consider when choosing and buying a karaoke machine:
Type of Karaoke Machine
The first thing to decide is whether you want a DVD Player/Karaoke Machine or a stand-alone karaoke machine. If you already have a good home entertainment system, you may want to choose a DVD Player/Karaoke Machine, as you can use your home entertainment system speakers with it. These models are also versatile as you can use them in the same way as a standard DVD player, and they tend to be compact and easy to store.
However, if you are looking for a karaoke machine that has its own in-built speakers and television screen, the stand-alone karaoke machine will be the best option. These tend to be bulkier but are ideal if you are going to be having regular karaoke sessions.
If your karaoke machine is only going to be used by the kids, you may want to consider buying one of the funky and fun karaoke machines or stands specifically designed for children.
You should also check the product description of any model that you are considering to make sure that it plays the type of disc that you are likely to use. The main types of disc used are CDs, CDGs and DVDs.
You can find out more about these different types of karaoke machines and karaoke discs on our Types of Karaoke Machine page.
Effects and Features
When you are using your karaoke machine, you’ll want to make your voice sound as good as you can, and different models of karaoke machine have different features and effects to help you to do this. Check the product descriptions carefully to make sure that your chosen model has the effects that you think you’ll want.
Some of the features and effects that you can get are:
- Pitch controller – this alters the pitch of the backing track by speeding it up or slowing it down so that you can change it to suit your vocal range
- Key controller – this alters the key of the song so that you can change it to suit your vocal range
- Echo – this adds an echo effect to your voice, which makes it sound more professional and interesting to listen to because it gives it depth.
- Auto vocal cut – this automatically removes the vocals from recordings that contain the vocal track when you start singing, which means that you can play the track with the vocals to help you learn how to sing the song. This doesn’t work for standard audio CDs, so you can only use it with certain karaoke CDs known as “multiplex recordings”.
Accessories for Karaoke Machines
Check to see whether your chosen model comes with microphones and karaoke discs, as this can add extra value. It’s worth buying a selection of karaoke discs so that you have plenty of choice and two microphones so that you can sing duets!
If the model that you’re buying doesn’t include these, it’s worth ordering them at the same time. You can find out more about some of the different products that you can buy to go with your new karaoke machine on our Accessories page.
Warranty
Check the product description to make sure that you are happy with the terms of the manufacturer’s guarantee, as the warranty length can vary depending on the brand and model that you choose.
Further Information
To find out more about the different types of karaoke machine available, visit our Types section.
For details of specific models of karaoke machine, visit our Brands section.
To find out where you can get some great deals on karaoke machines, visit our Where to Buy section.
To find out more about the types of accessories you can get for your karaoke machine, visit our Accessories section.
A karaoke machine has an audio input, an audio output and a way of changing the music’s tone and pitch. There are karaoke machines that have the means of vocal suppression. The machine actually suppresses the original singer’s voice and allows the music to be feed through the machine; the results, it must be said, are not great. Generally, karaoke machines have a microphone input replete with Video CD, CD+G, Laser Disc, et al. Of these, CD+G possess sub code, a particular track that is used to encode lyrics and pictures that are displayed on the screen. Some places that offer karaoke have KTV, which is karaoke with the ability to display video lyrics.
Karaoke machines possess equipment to electronically alter the music’s pitch, allowing the user to pick a key appropriate for his or her vocal range without any change in the tempo of the original track. A well-known karaoke game randomizes the songs that people can attempt to sing. In some karaoke machines, this game - known as ‘Kamikaze Karaoke’ in parts of North America, is programmed to a particular genre so that all can participate.
Karaoke systems like ‘boom boxes’ have a mode that alienates the vocal track from the audio CDs. A process called the ‘center removal’ manages this. This unsophisticated approach often manifests itself in the low performance of voice removal.
Computer programs are being developed that serve the same purpose as a karaoke machine. In place of a normal recorded track, these programs use musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) instrumentation that provides the musical accompaniment. MIDI accurately defines each and every musical note in a musical instrument like the eclectic guitar and synthesizer, allowing computers and electronic musical instruments to swap data.
Saturday, 27 October 2012
How to Sing Karaoke Without Getting Embarrassed
Sunday, 13 May 2012
How to Win a Karaoke Contest
Steps
- 1Practice singing. No matter what else you do, it’s important to be able to carry a tune andsing on pitch. While you need not be the "best" singer at the competition, and you certainly don’t need to be professionally trained, those things won’t hurt you. Karaoke contests are usually judged on some combination of vocal ability, audience response, and stage presence, but if you can nail the singing part, the judges may give you some leeway on other aspects of your performance. The best way to practice karaoke is to sing karaoke.
- 2Learn your songs by heart. Most karaoke contests allow you to pick your own songs, and if you’re going to win, you should have practiced these time and time again. Yes, the words are right there on the screen, but if you know the words and have perfect timing, you don’t even have to look at the screen. There have also been instances where the MC deliberately mutes the song, or the music is genuinely mis-recorded, and you won't hear the song for some time. You have to keep on singing until the music returns. Not only will your overall performance be more masterful, you may impress the judges and audience with your knowledge of the songs. An elimination round in a contest is a bad time to find out that you can't pull off a particular song.
- 3Understand the format of the contest. Karaoke contests are usually either judged by a panel of judges or by the audience. In some of the latter, the audience will actually formally vote, while in most a judge or judges will try to gauge the audience's reaction to a song. You also want to know how you're being judged. Most contests are based on overall performance, but some look strictly at how well you impersonate the artist (or how original you are), or other factors. Finally, know how many songs you'll be expected to sing so you'll have enough prepared in advance.
- 4Follow the rules. Some contests require that you sing a particular kind of music (80s rock only, for example), or that you appear in costume. Make sure to follow the rules or you probably won't win even if you give the best performance.
- 5Extend courtesy to other performers. Yes, other performers are your competition, but don't try to malign them or mock them, even if someone really can't sing. Be polite, and unless the rules dictate otherwise, applaud everybody. Remember you will very likely be judged on your audience's reaction to your songs, and many of your competitors are part of the audience. They won't treat a heckler kindly.
- 6Cater to the audience (or the judges). Above all, sing to the audience, not to the karaoke screen. Beyond that, know your audience. Understanding your audience will help you choose songs that most appeal to them. If you haven't been to a venue before, you might want to visit it in advance to check out the crowd and see what they're playing on the jukebox. On the night of the competition, try to gauge the judges' or audience's reaction to songs and see if you can spot trends (maybe they hate love songs), and choose your songs accordingly if you still can.
- 7Sing a song to showcase your range and talents. There are a lot of songs that just about anybody can sing passably, but if you've got an exceptional vocal range or if you can rap just like Snoop (rap is notoriously difficult to karaoke) choose songs that reflect that. If you want to awe the audience--and you do--you need a great performance of a difficult song.
- 8Develop stage presence. People come to karaoke (or to concerts) to see a performance, not just to hear one. Don't just stand there and sing, and don't act like you don't know what to do during an instrumental interlude. Convey the emotions of the song with your facial gestures and body movements, and by all means dance if appropriate. Get some ideas by watching concert videos of professional performers. If you can find a video of the original artist performing the song you're going to sing, all the better.
- 9Dress the part. Your attire can help the judges remember you, especially if you go to a themed competition or if you're only singing certain kinds of songs. If you're going to sing glam rock, dress like a glam rocker, or maybe dress like a country singer to add a bit of humor to your performance.
- 10Be true to the original. Even if it's subconscious, most people judge a karaoke performance by how close it sounds to the original. It's amazing when someone gets up to sing a Garth Brooks song and you could swear they were just lip-syncing to a CD of Garth himself. While you need not be a professional voice impersonator, try to fit the mood and style of the song (i.e. add a bit of twang to a country song).
- 11Add your own twist. Musicians who cover a song can alter it all they want. You don't have that luxury because the karaoke music is designed to sound just like the original version. That said, there's a little room for creativity. For example, try inserting the name of a local landmark in place of one mentioned in the song. This can have a humorous effect and is likely to get a rise out of the audience.
- 12Relax and have a good time. If you have a problem with stage fright, you've got to learn to suppress it. There are a number of ways to do this, but probably the best is to fight it by singing a lot of karaoke. Don't take yourself too seriously up there, and even if you're nervous, show the audience that there's nothing you'd rather be doing.
- 13Be a good winner (or loser). If you win, congratulations! Now be gracious. If you don't win, don't mope, don't make excuses, and don't get mad about how "the contest was fixed." You'll likely see these people again if you continue to compete in karaoke contests, and you want to leave them with a good impression of you.
Nothing Beats Karaoke
Karaoke is a fun activity for people of all ages. Children and youth can enjoy karaoke in family-friendly restaurants. They will love choosing familiar songs and standing up in front of crowds to perform. Parents will love watching their kids laugh and sing. In many ways, something as simple as karaoke can be a great way to promote self-esteem and confidence in children. They get practice being in front of people and risking on an activity that they are probably unfamiliar with. Karaoke is a low-pressure way for kids to learn to express themselves and to have fun in the presence of other people.
Teens and young adults will love karaoke as well. They will feel almost like adults when they are out for an evening enjoying good food, the company of friends, and the laughter that karaoke inspires. Parents can be assured that their children are out participating in safe activities and that they are having harmless fun. Karaoke can be a great way for teens to continue to develop confidence and self-esteem as they try new things in front of people. There is no better time than during the teenage years to experiment and be silly.
College students and adults might be surprised to discover how fun karaoke is for them and their peers. After a stressful week of classes or work, doing karaoke with friends can be a great way to relax and unwind. Few things are as healing as time spent laughing, and few events provoke as much laughter as karaoke.
A great thing about karaoke is that you do not always have to go out looking for it to be offered at restaurants or bars. Most towns and cities have places where karaoke machines can be rented. So when you are planning a party of any kind, you can rent a karaoke machine and bring all the laughter and fun to your home. Surprise all of your guests with a karaoke competition and award prizes for the best singers. You will have your friends laughing and keep your guests entertained for hours on end.
So, whether you are bored next Friday night or whether you are throwing the party of the season, don't forget to try karaoke.
http://fresharticles.info/articles/love/Nothing_Beats_Karaoke.txt
Monday, 30 January 2012
How to Win a Karaoke Contest
Steps
- 1Practice singing. No matter what else you do, it’s important to be able to carry a tune andsing on pitch. While you need not be the "best" singer at the competition, and you certainly don’t need to be professionally trained, those things won’t hurt you. Karaoke contests are usually judged on some combination of vocal ability, audience response, and stage presence, but if you can nail the singing part, the judges may give you some leeway on other aspects of your performance. The best way to practice karaoke is to sing karaoke.
- 2Learn your songs by heart. Most karaoke contests allow you to pick your own songs, and if you’re going to win, you should have practiced these time and time again. Yes, the words are right there on the screen, but if you know the words and have perfect timing, you don’t even have to look at the screen. There have also been instances where the MC deliberately mutes the song, or the music is genuinely mis-recorded, and you won't hear the song for some time. You have to keep on singing until the music returns. Not only will your overall performance be more masterful, you may impress the judges and audience with your knowledge of the songs. An elimination round in a contest is a bad time to find out that you can't pull off a particular song.
- 3Understand the format of the contest. Karaoke contests are usually either judged by a panel of judges or by the audience. In some of the latter, the audience will actually formally vote, while in most a judge or judges will try to gauge the audience's reaction to a song. You also want to know how you're being judged. Most contests are based on overall performance, but some look strictly at how well you impersonate the artist (or how original you are), or other factors. Finally, know how many songs you'll be expected to sing so you'll have enough prepared in advance.
- 4Follow the rules. Some contests require that you sing a particular kind of music (80s rock only, for example), or that you appear in costume. Make sure to follow the rules or you probably won't win even if you give the best performance.
- 5Extend courtesy to other performers. Yes, other performers are your competition, but don't try to malign them or mock them, even if someone really can't sing. Be polite, and unless the rules dictate otherwise, applaud everybody. Remember you will very likely be judged on your audience's reaction to your songs, and many of your competitors are part of the audience. They won't treat a heckler kindly.
- 6Cater to the audience (or the judges). Above all, sing to the audience, not to the karaoke screen. Beyond that, know your audience. Understanding your audience will help you choose songs that most appeal to them. If you haven't been to a venue before, you might want to visit it in advance to check out the crowd and see what they're playing on the jukebox. On the night of the competition, try to gauge the judges' or audience's reaction to songs and see if you can spot trends (maybe they hate love songs), and choose your songs accordingly if you still can.
- 7Sing a song to showcase your range and talents. There are a lot of songs that just about anybody can sing passably, but if you've got an exceptional vocal range or if you can rap just like Snoop (rap is notoriously difficult to karaoke) choose songs that reflect that. If you want to awe the audience--and you do--you need a great performance of a difficult song.
- 8Develop stage presence. People come to karaoke (or to concerts) to see a performance, not just to hear one. Don't just stand there and sing, and don't act like you don't know what to do during an instrumental interlude. Convey the emotions of the song with your facial gestures and body movements, and by all means dance if appropriate. Get some ideas by watching concert videos of professional performers. If you can find a video of the original artist performing the song you're going to sing, all the better.
- 9Dress the part. Your attire can help the judges remember you, especially if you go to a themed competition or if you're only singing certain kinds of songs. If you're going to sing glam rock, dress like a glam rocker, or maybe dress like a country singer to add a bit of humor to your performance.
- 10Be true to the original. Even if it's subconscious, most people judge a karaoke performance by how close it sounds to the original. It's amazing when someone gets up to sing a Garth Brooks song and you could swear they were just lip-syncing to a CD of Garth himself. While you need not be a professional voice impersonator, try to fit the mood and style of the song (i.e. add a bit of twang to a country song).
- 11Add your own twist. Musicians who cover a song can alter it all they want. You don't have that luxury because the karaoke music is designed to sound just like the original version. That said, there's a little room for creativity. For example, try inserting the name of a local landmark in place of one mentioned in the song. This can have a humorous effect and is likely to get a rise out of the audience.
- 12Relax and have a good time. If you have a problem with stage fright, you've got to learn to suppress it. There are a number of ways to do this, but probably the best is to fight it by singing a lot of karaoke. Don't take yourself too seriously up there, and even if you're nervous, show the audience that there's nothing you'd rather be doing.
- 13Be a good winner (or loser). If you win, congratulations! Now be gracious. If you don't win, don't mope, don't make excuses, and don't get mad about how "the contest was fixed." You'll likely see these people again if you continue to compete in karaoke contests, and you want to leave them with a good impression of you.