Comparisons
Artist vs. Techie — Huge Difference
I was curious about differences between methodologies
Synopsis
At age 72, I performed my first karaoke song in The Villages, Florida. I had never even seen a karaoke show anywhere else and certainly had never sung in public, not even in high school. Now, three years later, I have 12 songs on my list.
I was always curious to see what other shows were like, especially after my niece visited. She said that shows in Chicago were mostly half-drunk people who could barely get to the end of the song. And she said all singers in The Villages were very good.
We found karaoke in Macon, GA, during the hurricane Ian evacuation. It turns out that the food, lighting, and most important, the host, impact the karaoke experience. The singers turned out to be about equally skilled.
Locations
Both places are bars serving food. The Macon place has a menu like most bars. Due to medical restrictions, my wife found only one sandwich that she could eat.
City Fire has a broader selection and better chefs, like a regular restaurant. They have created a dish just for her. There are even some dishes on the menu that she can eat occasionally for variety.
The food illustrates the type of environment and general management style.
Environment The Macon bar had normal tables and a bar. There was one long, high table that seated about eight. They also had a couple of pool tables separated from the rest of the bar by a full wall with openings at each end. When the music started, they turned the lights down so low that a customer would not be able to read the menu.
City Fire also had normal tables and a bar. However, a set of booths and high tables separated the bar from the regular tables. They also turn the lights down some, but not as much. The lights are patterned to direct light on the tables so patrons can read the menus. They also have an outside bar and tables since it is warmer in Florida.
For the singer, good lighting throughout the bar helps the singer connect with the audience.
Stages Both stages are about the same size against one wall and were slightly elevated.
The Macon host put two stools and a microphone on stage. He sat in an elevated booth halfway across the room.
The monitor with the lyrics hung in front of the stage from the ceiling. The singer had to look slightly up if it was needed. There were no other monitors. The Macon host also supplied one speaker.
The City Fire host, Alan Ross, ran the show from the back corner of the stage. The microphone has its own stand. Most singers hold the microphone while they sing, but some stand before the stationary microphone. The singer’s lyrics monitor was on a post at eye level on stage, easy to see and read.
Alan supplies a second monitor so the audience can follow the lyrics. As a spectator, I love that monitor. I had the lyrics of some songs completely wrong just from listening. Finally, Alan supplies three speakers positioned in strategic locations.
Microphone: more options for the singer. Monitors: Better audience experience.
Song selection
Alan Ross provided a list of 25,000 songs in a book for the singer to use to make the selection. It really helps to see a list by song and performer. Some songs have more than one available. Alan purchased his copies for commercial use.
Macon said he had over 300,000 songs. I suspect that Macon was downloading his from the internet. For that reason, I have not included his name or the bar in this article.
I did not get to select the performer of the song that I asked for. He picked one that was 1/3 the speed of the one I usually use. It was a horrible experience and I barely finished.
Seeing the artist lets the singer know the speed and style of the song.
Hosts
General process The host collects a list of singers and songs for the first round. If a singer wants to do a second song, it goes into the second round.
There can be many rounds, depending on the number of singers. City Fire averages about 25 to 30 singers, Macon had 5. I was shocked. Alan said that many bars have such a low number of singers.
The host performs a song at the beginning of each round to show how karaoke works. Both hosts were about equally talented as singers — very good. From there, things changed radically.
Singer The Macon host, up in his booth, announces the next singer, who doesn’t know that they are up next and might not be ready. The host plays intermission music while waiting.
When the singer comes to the stage and picks up the microphone, the host starts the music. At the end, the singer lays the microphone on the stool and steps off of the stage.
Alan Ross announces the next singer, who is ready because the audience monitor lists the current singer and the next two at the bottom of the screen.
He announces the singer’s name as the singer steps onto the stage, shakes hands, and gives him the microphone. At the end, he comes onto the stage, asks the audience for applause, and publicly thanks the singer.
Sometimes, he plays his imitation guitar behind the singer if the music is lively. If the song is a duet, he will take one side, male or female.
As a singer, I felt like I was on a real stage at City Fire instead of a living room.
Conclusion
Alan Ross, a true artist, impacts the entire show. He makes the song an experience for both the singer and the audience.
Macon, the techie, called up the singer, ran the music, and put in filler music while waiting for the next singer. Anybody from the street could do that.
I discovered that what applies to karaoke applies to computer software and many other fields. Personal involvement makes a difference.
References
- City Fire karaoke host
- Article lead photo displayed with permission
- My karaoke show is Wednesday at the Sumter Landing location
- Our karaoke moved to City Fire since the picture
- My lyrics are not yet on the monitor
