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So You Want to Be a KJ

© Hilary Williams

First, we need to define the term "karaoke." Many believe it means "tone deaf," or "a bunch of drunks singing badly." While at times this may be true, according to Karaoke.com , the word is actually a Japanese compound word meaning "empty orchestra." In lay terms, karaoke usually involves music tracks, minus the vocals, which allow the singer to sing along, using either a lyric sheet or a monitor, which displays the lyrics in time with the music. Karaoke has been popular in Japan for nearly twenty years, and has gained popularity in the United States in recent years. Some people see it as an occasional fun happy-hour diversion, while others have nearly made it their lives' obsession.

Just as the people who spin discs in dance clubs are referred to as "disc jockeys," the ones who host karaoke shows are known as "karaoke jockeys," or "KJs." KJing can be a very fun job, but one thing must be made clear: you will not make a profit overnight. If this is the kind of business you are looking for, then being a professional KJ is probably not for you.

The first order of business is buying the proper equipment. There are many types of set-ups, from simple all-in-one monitor/player/microphone systems, to complicated, expensive systems that include extras like separate amplifiers, speakers, and other bells and whistles. Some KJs even buy special lighting equipment, or props like inflatable guitars, silly hats, and wigs, all of which add to the total experience. Deciding which setup and accessories is best for you depends on many factors, from your starting budget, to the type of venues you wish to play. Some bars and clubs have some of the equipment already in place. If you plan to only do private parties, you will probably need all of your own equipment, but the systems can usually be smaller and less elaborate. Although the temptation is, of course, "the cheaper, the better," this is not always the case. Brampton, Ontario's Cathy Vaughan, of Average Joe Entertainment, stresses, "Do not cheap out on your sound equipment ... buy good stuff and really learn how to use it!! Good sound quality is a VERY VERY important thing!" It will be up to you to decide what combinations are best for you.

The next step is building up your music library. There are different formats that can be used, from DVD, to laser discs, to the most popular format, CD-G. CD-Gs are just like regular CDs, with an added track that includes the lyrics, which are displayed in time with the music when the machine is attached to a monitor or television screen. Just be sure the music you buy is compatible with the format of your machine! Many karaoke systems come with packages featuring some of the more popular tunes, and a few discs covering specific genres, like country standards, teen pop, Christmas music, etc. Once you have a good eclectic mix of these "beginner" discs, you can start to boost your library with some of your favorites. Do you like Billy Joel? Or Shania Twain? There are bound to be discs out there featuring ten to 12 songs from these artists and many other favorites. Finally, take tips from your audience. Many bar patrons will give you ideas for artists or song styles you may not have thought of. Karaoke music is not cheap, so you will probably not want to buy hundreds of discs overnight. Buying a few per week should not be too prohibitive, and will still soon give you a fairly broad library to choose from.

The copyright of the article So You Want to Be a KJ in Karaoke is owned by Hilary Williams. Permission to republish So You Want to Be a KJ in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.