Singing it out loud and proud: karaoke is for everyone
I’ve been singing for my whole life — in the shower, while driving my car, and even when I’m cleaning up around the house. But one thing I never felt comfortable doing was singing in front of people. My stage fright has always stopped me from signing up to play at an open mic night or auditioning for a musical, even though I practice in preparation for months in advance.
[trx_slider engine=”swiper” custom=”yes” count=”3″ offset=”0″ orderby=”date” order=”desc” controls=”yes” pagination=”no” titles=”no” descriptions=”0″ links=”yes” crop=”yes” autoheight=”yes” slides_per_view=”1″ slides_space=”0″ interval=”5000″ top=”inherit” bottom=”inherit” left=”inherit” right=”inherit”] [trx_slider_item src=”https://www.theontarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Karaoke2_KarenKTran.jpg”] [trx_slider_item src=”https://www.theontarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Karaoke1_KarenKTran.jpg”] [trx_slider_item src=”https://www.theontarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Karaoke3_KarenKTran.jpg”] [/trx_slider]With karaoke, it’s different. When I’m up on that stage, it doesn’t matter to me that there’s an audience. I’ve surprised myself at times by singing with undiscovered confidence or sometimes completely failing — and that’s fine, too. Even when I hear my voice crack, the MIDI track keeps playing and I have to move on with it. And when the song ends, I feel my heart racing as I brace for the “boos” and “you sucks,” but they never come. Here’s my theory: there are no expectations at karaoke, and people will applaud you just for having the courage to get up on stage.People don’t expect you to be Whitney Houston or Freddie Mercury, and they won’t notice if you miss a few notes.
So if you’ve ever thought about singing at a karaoke night, but haven’t yet because you’re waiting for a sign, this is it. You can do it.
Tips for karaoke newcomers
Choose a song in advance. You don’t want to be that person that nails the first verse and chorus before realizing you don’t actually know what the rest of the song sounds like. It happens more often than you think.
Choose a backup song. Not all karaoke places are the same, so they might not have your top pick. And though it’s rare, someone could perform the song you were about to choose, right before it’s your turn to go on.
Bring a friend. Singing a duet is always fun, and knowing that you’re both in it together is reassuring.
Don’t be afraid to improvise. If that high note is just not within your vocal range, sing a lower harmony instead.
Sing a karaoke classic. “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” are sure to rouse audience members into joining you, and by then, everyone else will be singing so loud you won’t be able to hear yourself.
What makes a good karaoke singer isn’t always their voice. At the end of the night, the most memorable performers are the ones who had the most fun up on stage — so don’t worry about what the audience will think. Dance as crazy as you want, make up your own lyrics, and just enjoy yourself. The stage is yours on karaoke night.
Karaoke nights in Guelph
Tuesdays at DSTRCT
Most Fridays at Q-Ball Billiards & Bar (Live Band Karaoke)
Scheduled Fridays/Saturdays at Doogie’s (Live Band Karaoke)
Sundays at Sip Club
Photo by Karen K. Tran/The Ontarion