7 Tips for Live Band Karaoke

Singing karaoke with a live band is a completely new ball game for most of us and can be pretty intimidating.  Not only are you on a bigger stage, but you’ve got to adjust to the (increased) stage volume and high energy.  Luckily, we’ve got some helpful hints for you.  After playing in San Diego’s original live band karaoke show for over 4 years, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to be successful.  Read on and be the rock star that you know you can be.

1.  Own the stage. So this one might sound a little obvious, but you’ve got to act like you’ve been there before… even if you haven’t.  Even a mediocre singer with great stage presence and dance moves will wow the audience much more than a great singer who just stands there.  Rock Out Karaoke regular, Kristen gives us a textbook example of a singer owning the stage.

2.  Song choice. If you’ve ever watched American Idol, you know that song choice is key.  Make it count.  While we like to think that all our tunes rock (since they pretty much do), there are simply some karaoke tunes that rock somewhat harder than others.  Go for a song you really know by heart, so you can concentrate on tip #1.

3.  Liquid courage. Sure it’s expected that you’ll indulge in a few drinks to lubricate the pipes, but there’s also a point at which you become “that guy (or girl.)”  Enjoy the drink specials and try to find your sweet spot just before you hit the stage.

4.  Bring your own cheering section. Even if you’re not a great singer, having some familiar faces there to cheer you on makes you seem that much more like a rock star.  Plus, they can sing along with you, help calm your nerves, record your performance to post on YouTube, and have that cold beer waiting for you when you return to the table.

5.  Look at the audience. This one goes back to points 1 and 2.  If you can connect with the audience, they’ll love you.  Relax, take your hands out of your pockets, and step up with some confidence.  It’s okay to smile, too.  Look them in the eye and tell them how you’re the Man in the Box.

6.  Stick to the lyrics. Unless you’re singing a Weird Al song, changing the lyrics is probably only enjoyed by you and a couple of your buddies who don’t get to hear the F* bomb enough.  Read what’s on the prompter and rock the original version.

7.  Come back for more. With live band karaoke shows all over the US, you’ve got no excuse for making it part of your social scene more often.  In San Diego, we play about 6-8 public shows each month.  That makes for plenty of opportunities to ‘rehearse.’  The best way to get better at something is practice, practice, practice!

Most of all, enjoy yourself and others will too.  Rock the stage with a live band and brag about it at work the next day!

Rock Out Karaoke is San Diego’s most dynamic live music performance group, combining the raw power of a live rock band with the fun of audience participation, where individual singers take center stage with the live band! Complete with lyrics displayed on a monitor in real-time with the music, nothing is missing from this unique karaoke show! Rock Out Karaoke is available for your San Diego wedding or special event. Contact us today to find out how we can make your party one to remember!

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