I got a lot of emails from Portland Karaoke lovers to post the 10 Karaoke Commandments from Ignite Portland 4. Alex Williams‘ entire Ignite Portland presentation can be seen online at Youtube.
So here are the 10 Karaoke Commandments (by Alex Williams)
First know: failure at Karaoke is being totally ignored.
- Karaoke is not a singing contest
No text message voting, no record contracts, you won’t win any awards - Leave it all on the stage
Don’t just stand there, get up and do some moves. Just perform, don’t have any regrets. - Use a fake name
Create a persona, it’s not you, it’s that other person - No groups – 2 people at most
There are only 2 microphones so if you’re not holding a microphone, you’re irrelevant and get off the stage - Know your range
Know what type of voice you have, if you can’t sing Don’t Stop Believing, stop believing you can sing it. Sweet Home Alabama is a great song to sing, not too high not too low. Don’t be a hero. - Pick a song you would play at a party
The party test: A song you’d play at a packed party, if you wouldn’t do that, don’t do it in karaoke. Do not pick the Beatles because you’ll never sound as good or better than them. - Know the verses of the song
If you don’t know the verses of a rap song, don’t do it. - Musical measures are the enemy
A long guitar solo is a long you solo - Karaoke DJ is The Soup Nazi
Hand them your slip, a tip and walk away (they’ll never be your friend) - Adapt to your Audience
Pick something the audience would like, not just something you want to sing.
Most importantly – Have Fun!
Here’s a list of my favorite Portland Karaoke bars & lounges : Voicebox Karaoke Lounge, Chopsticks II, The Boiler Room, Galaxy Restaurant and Lounge, The Alibi Restaurant and Lounge.