Sing to your own key

Karaoke, according to livinglanguage.

com, comes from a Japanese word, a blend of two words “kara” (which means empty) and “oke” (which means orchestra). The site noted that the first karaoke machine was developed in the 1970s. “The machines started to show up in hotels and bars. During the early days, karaoke was presented to people as a diversion that enhanced the experience of drinking and socialising. In other words, karaoke was not a main attraction, it was more of a gimmick that allowed people to have fun while ordering more drinks.

“In the ‘80s, the karaoke box business started. When this happened, people were able to convene in a small, private room.

These private rooms also offered guests the option to order food and drinks from a menu.

The karaoke box fundamentally changed how people understood karaoke. Karaoke became the main attraction.

“The karaoke machine itself has changed a lot, too. When the karaoke machine was introduced, it was an enhanced cassette tape player. By the late ‘80s, karaoke players started using Laser Disc technology,” the article said.

The karaoke industry is estimated to be worth approximately $8 billion euros, according to a 2013 article by INA Global.

For some in TT , karaoke is a form of relaxation and allows them to fulfil dreams they’ve always wanted to achieve. Joan Jackson has been singing karaoke for approximately three years now. Jackson has always had dreams of being a singer but more importantly karaoke has been her form of relaxation for those years.

She said in a phone interview with Newsday: “Whenever I feel down karaoke makes me feel good about myself. The karaoke host that I follow is one of the best and I get a lot of inspiration from her. If you’re going off-key she would whisper to you to get you back on course. I just love karaoke.” Similarly, for Keith Thomas, as a former band member, it gives him the opportunity to enjoy the music he has always loved. Keith is often accompanied by his wife, Joan, who sings occasionally but attends the weekly karaoke session at the Nu Pub, “to dance.” For Helen Kennedy, a regular karaoke follower, her, “ability to share my crazy performances with the world and bring a smile or sometimes laughter to people who are unknowingly severely burdened is probably the greatest benefit which I’ve derived from karaoke. I’ve made a lot of friends through my involvement in karaoke and it has also enhanced my presentation skills (use of humour to lighten very intense material). I actually recommend karaoke to my undergraduate and post graduate students who are lacking in confidence. I could write a book on my karaoke exploits, both at home and abroad!” For Claudia Trim, karaoke is also a stress reliever too and Alicia Randall states karaoke leaves you, “feeling like a star for every song you sing.” Karaoke hostess, Natalia Ramjohn said she has seen a lot of people come and grow over her ten-year span in the karaoke business. “Karaoke to me is a form of relaxation.

It is also a form of enjoyment and entertainment for some.

The people I have met over my ten-year tenure as a karaoke DJ/ host simply loves to sing or loves music in all forms. “I have met so many people who like karaoke but they are often scared to take the microphone and sing in front of people....strangers or friends... some say they need more drinks...or some simply need a little encouragement or even a partner on the ‘stage’ with them....their fear eventually fades...I was once like that,” she said.

Ramjohn said she too was once shy about karaoke but discovered the magic of carrying one’s own key in 2004. Before her karaoke career, she sang calypso competitions, “getting stage fright and forgetting my lyrics.” But karaoke took that away since, “lyrics were there to guide me to ensure I sang the right words and didn’t look like a fool.” For her karaoke is something to be done by most people who have an open mind. While some might think of it as boring or being unable to listen to people they find sing badly, Ramjohn pointed out an important aspect of karaoke – it is very easy on the pocket.

For karaoke DJ Quacy Cooper hearing different voices and talent is something he enjoys.

So when you are on the look out for some good, wholesome and affordable entertainment find a karaoke spot and carry your own key.