Curse Frankenstein

Curse Frankenstein

How to Be a Memorable Stage Presence During Karaoke

Those who think you have to be a good singer to do karaoke have a lot to learn.  One night at a hopping karaoke bar will show you that a memorable performance may require a lot of things, but good pipes isn't necessarily one of them.

If you do happen to be the next Aretha Franklin or Frank Sinatra, my hat is off to you. The rest of us, though, can follow these case studies I have witnessed over the years of performers I still remember, and how they made their stage presences so memorable.

 

Case Study A: Patient name "Alice Cooper"

She took the stage, all 5' 2" and 100 pounds of her, cute as a button in her skirt, curled hair and conservative heels. And then she knocked us all down with her song choice: "Feed My Frankenstein" by Alice Cooper.

Another similar example was a muscular, manly-man who looked like a lion, but roared "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga.

Both gave memorable performances. Not only did they choose good karaoke songs, but both singers also went against-type with their song choices. The humor element in seeing these visual-audible opposites really added to the overall performance.

If you can surprise the crowd and grab their attention from the start, chances are good that the sheer spectacle will make your song a memorable moment!

 

Case Study B: Patient name "Jazzy"

Sometimes, when a singer picks a song from a musical, a collective groan rumbles through the crowd. It's not that people don't like musicals – the people who frequent karaoke are just about the most likely group to love musicals, second only to those who are actually in the seats at a Broadway show. And it's not that people who choose songs from musicals are bad singers – a lot of them sound as good as the original.

It's just that people who err toward musical numbers at karaoke are often self-indulgent performers.  They might as well be singing in to themselves in the bathroom mirror.

But not patient "Jazz".  This little firecracker went off with a bang from the opening notes of "All that Jazz" from Chicago. To a nearly empty bar, she gave the performance of the night by incorporating the shyest men in the crowd to her act.  She sang seductively to an older gentleman in a booth, sidled up to the KJ, and graced a few laps with her presence.  She had the place rolling with laughter at her over-the-top performance.

That's not to say that being sexy is the way to get attention. You must match your style to that of the song. And don't make the mistake of trying to embarrass the crowd – instead of laughing at your audience, invite willing parties to become a part of your performance. Work the crowd!

 

Case Study C: Patient name "Meow Mix"

Every now and then, you'll find yourself called up to the stage in the midst of a bevy of excellent singers. In these cases, karaoke can seem daunting.  How do you follow up a great act?

You do something completely off-the-wall.

"Meow Mix", towering over the audience at 6-foot 6, took the stage and prepared to sing "Whip It" by Devo.

But he meowed all the lyrics. As in, made cat sounds. The. Whole. Way. Through.

I'm not condoning this behavior at all.  In this instance, his performance was unexpected and funny and like nothing I'd ever seen, so it remains in my mind years later.  My advice, however, is to tone it down a notch.

For instance, if you choose a song with curse words in the lyrics, change the bad words to funny, random words.  If you're a guy, pick a girl's song and rock the falsetto voice.

But do it with confidence – confidence is key in all of these situations!

 

Whatever your singing talent is, and no matter how much of a showman you may or may not be, it is in your power to be a memorable stage presence at karaoke.  This is your time to shine – why not just go for it?

 

Written By: Micki Grover

About the Author

Micki Grover is both a writer and editor.  She has experience visiting karaoke bars and has used that to help others know what to expect when heading out to their local karaoke night.

Help on a Quote from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein!!?

"'You can blast my other passions, but revenge remains -- revenge, henceforth dearer than light of food! I may die, but first you, my tyrant and tormentor, shall curse the sun that gazes on your misery.'"

Who is speaking? To whom is he/she speaking too? Can you explain the quote?

That is the monster speaking to Dr. Frankenstein. He is telling the good doctor that although the doc may have issues with any of the things that occupy the monster's time, he may not have issue with the monster's desire for revenge. The need for revenge is greater to the monster than the need for food. He is promising the nice doc (who created him, abandoned him and then refused to create a mate for him) that he (the monster) will be sure the doctor is sorry he ever created that monster.

The Curse of Frankenstein