all about karaoke
The word "karaoke" means "empty orchestra" in Japanese. Karaoke is a type of entertainment that refers to singing along with music accompaniment and looking at displayed lyrics. Anyone can become a singer.  This form of entertainment originates from Japan and is now popular throughout the world.

Karaoke Rules

Anyone who is a true blue karaoke lover should already know these rules and abide by them at all times.

RULE 1

THOU SHALL APPLAUD !! Come on now, anyone who gets up there deserves some attention and respect, don't you think ?  Besides, we're all here to have fun !! Some day, you may be up there. Everyone needs some encouragement.

RULE 2

THOU SHALL NOT jeer, heckle, boo, harass, or otherwise interrupt a singer. This is bad manners.

RULE 3

THOU SHALL NOT swing the mike by its cord, dance with the mike stand, or get too drunk to control your actions. Please have respect for the equipment, and be aware of the space available for your performance. That mike cord will only go so far you know. The equipment used for karaoke is also expensive, and you may be held accountable for damages. 

RULE 4

THOU SHALL NOT whine about when your next turn is; you will sing no less than everyone else.  Please be considerate and let others have a fair share of the singing, this is only fair . If the place is run by a karaoke jockey (K.J.), he or she will be fair about the schedule, and you will sing no less than everyone else. Granted, there are those who will favor their friends and co-K.J.s, and if you run across one of these, go someplace else where you will be treated better. Their loss right ?

RULE 5

THOU SHALL NOT be upset if another patron sings a song you were planning to sing. There are plenty of songs to choose from, and you can always do it another night. Good K.J. always knew her regulars and their favorite songs. If there were any duplicate songs coming up, he or she would ask you if you wanted to change your selection, or sing it right after the other, as a sort of challenge.

RULE 6

THOU SHALL NOT use foul language when at the mike. Most places and people find this unacceptable. You might find it is the last time on stage for you. 

RULE 7

THOU SHALL NOT come to the stage with a beer, wine, cigarette or cigar. The equipment is very expensive, and easily damaged by things such as spilled drinks and cigarette burns. You also don't want to get cancer and die young because of inhaling 2nd hand smoke while singing karaoke, right ?

RULE 8

THOU SHALL NOT sing along louder than the performer, or sing back-up or join the performer on stage unless specifically invited. This can be very irritating and distracting for the singer. This is definitely not a way to make friends. It could be very embarassing if the singer hands you the mike and told you to finish the song. If you really itch to sing along, it is only polite to ask for permission first.

RULE  9 

THOU SHALL NOT walk in front of the screen or block the singer's view of the screen. This is very rude, as the singer must be able to see the words in order to sing. If you are really high tide and need to go to release the flood gates, remember to say "excuse me".

RULE 10

THOU SHALL NOT carry on a loud conversation next to the stage. Most places are quite small and cramp. It is hard for a singer to follow the music cues when they have people talking loudly next to them. 

RULE 11

THOU SHALL NOT bring own food and drinks to karaoke. Support your local karaoke establishment, who is paying for the entertainment.

RULE 12

THOU SHALL NOT continuously ask the KJ when it will be your turn to sing and insert songs or ask the KJ if you can sing out of turn just because you have got "LEAVING" on your mind ! Everyone had waited just as long as you did.

RULE 13

THOU SHALL change key and tune if you cannot cope with the song. Do something, do not let it be. For goodness sake, spare your audience. Some KJs might not be very happy about changing keys though, especially if  they have everything keyed up. Good KJs will be understandable enough to help you change the key. Everyone singing karaoke is still trying to learn how to sing, we are not opera singers yet. 

Karaoke Penalties

For infringement of the above SHALT NOTs, you may experience the following penalties :
1. get nasty looks from those around ; 
2. be denied singing for the rest of the day and night ; or 
3. be sent out of the room or bar and get banned from entering again.

Note :
These rules, commandments and penalties are for fun and humorous entertainment purposes and in no way reflect the opinions of any karaoke lovers and should not be taken too seriously and not to be used for any commercial purposes without paying royalties. Prices are negotiable, please contact me.

Benefits of Karaoke

Familiar Favourites

KBOX - http://www.kbox.com.sg/

K-ster - http://www.k-ster.com/

SC Management - Leng Kee
Level 2 Leng Keng Community Club (Redhill MRT)
Tel : 474 1262, 475 1953

Sing Together KTV
53 Kampong Bahru Road (opposite SGH)
Tel : 220 2055

Spaceship
282A South Bridge Road (opposite Maxwell hawker centre)
Tel : 226 5238, 226 5239

Tea Lovers' Home
273 South Bridge Road (beside Yu Ren Shen Medical Hall)
Tel : 324 2053