‘KARAOKE PARTY’ Skills-How to Host a Sing Off Karaoke Party

Music is an essential part of the human race regardless of age, sexual orientation, occupation, and location and over the years, it has undergone some changes. Back in the 1880s, music was played from Gramophones, and gradually, the world turned to turntables and then karaoke.

However, if you want to host a sing-off party and you have no idea what to do, here are a few tips to help you out;

● Plans

Before stepping out to purchase Karaoke gear, you need to figure out how often you intend to throw karaoke parties. Once that’s done, you can then work on a budget to determine how much you are willing to spend on the tools.

● Two Microphones

Microphones are undoubtedly an essential tool needed when singing karaoke, and if you want to enjoy the party, you have to get two. This way, two people can participate in a duet or sing along and pass the mic when one party gets tired. You can opt for either wireless or wired mics which are carried by stores that specialize in karaoke gear. You may want to start off with low-maintenance and average priced mic and work your way up to mics with better quality.

● Song Software and Applications

Once you have the mics, you will need to find a good number of karaoke songs. You can get a classic karaoke machine if you have CDs and DVDs and prefer to do things manually. These days, all you need is a PC or mobile device where you can access an unlimited amount of karaoke software.

If you are tech-savvy and might only host a karaoke party occasionally, then subscribing to karaoke services like RedKaraoke, KaraFun, or Karaoke Version would be the way to go. While Red Karaoke is intended for your phone or tablet, syncing it with a wireless speaker is possible.

On the other hand, KaraFun and Karaoke Version are PC software that are used to create a modern-day version of CD-playing karaoke machines.

You can also install Kanto Karaoke which is free and allows you to create playlists, change the pitch/tempo of a song and activate background sounds.

● Sound System/Speakers

What’s a karaoke party without a decent sound system? Luckily, you don’t have to shell out a lot of money for this as any type of speaker – portable wireless or standard stereo – would do just fine. If your home system already plays your media files, can handle the connection of two mics and you have the knowledge of how amplifiers work, there won’t be any need to adjust or change anything. Otherwise, you might want to seek the counsel of a karaoke expert.

● Playlist

You need to create a playlist that works for everybody so the party doesn’t become a drag when nobody is performing on stage. You can visit a number of stores online to download songs that will keep the party going on for hours or use the songs that come with the karaoke software of your choice.

● Sound Check

When you are satisfied with your layout and playlists, there’s a need to run a sound check to figure out what works and what doesn’t. Turn on the mics and slowly turn the volume of each up until you are satisfied. Testing your speakers and making sure that the karaoke software doesn’t develop some glitch should occur a couple of days before the party.

● Sound Proof

If it is an indoor party, you would like to avoid your neighbors calling in the cop so you might need to make some sort of soundproof, to keep the fun inside your apartment. If you cannot afford soundproofing then giving your neighbors some warning would work just fine.

● Seating Arrangement

Depending on the number of guests invited, you will have to ensure that there’s enough room for people to sit, stand and move around. You might consider moving some furniture and electronics around to create the ideal setup. You have to keep in mind that a stage might help and that both performers and observers have to get a clear view of the screen displaying the lyrics of songs. A few people might even want to burst into some sweet dance moves, there needs to be enough room for whatever they have in mind.

● Lighting

A karaoke atmosphere is made better when a few lights are put in strategic places around the party venue. Disco/party lights could be placed around the make-shift stage to give off a festive vibe and ensure that guests keep their eyes on the performers. In other places like the kitchen and bathroom, the lights have to be bright enough for folks to see what they are doing and where they are headed.

● Food

Food makes a party, so you will have to ensure that guests do not go a long time without something in their stomachs. Since you are hosting the party at your house, spreading the food choices out would be no problem. A section of the kitchen can be designated to disposable plates and napkins, while another part can be used to display the fresh fruits, salad bar, nuts, cheeses, chips, dips, pizza, and more filling foods.

● Drinks

A lot of drinks would work best. Whether it is beer, wine, whiskey or vodka, a few people at the party might require a little intake before they hit up the stage to sing. You can equally ask guests to come with drinks of their choice to avoid running out. Water and ice also have to be aplenty for those who either don’t drink or need to lessen the effects of a hangover. Guests will need a surface where they can place their drinks and plates of food.

● Fun

Let your hair down and have as much fun as you can. Don’t forget to keep an eye on everybody and everything that’s happening though!