Secrets of a Karaoke DJ

In New York City, there is no shortage of karaoke bars. On any night of the week, you can head out to a karaoke bar with your friends and sing your heart out. Some people karaoke just to have a good laugh, while some are serious about it and do it to get singing and performance practice.  Often there is a long line to wait in before it is time to sing your song. At some point, you will definitely have an encounter with the Karaoke DJ for the night. This person is the karaoke expert; she/he handles the songs, keeps the crowd entertained, and even may sing a song once in a while. Krystle Martinez, New York City karaoke DJ and performing artist, extraordinaire, knows the scene like the back of her hand. YNY featured a story about Krystle yesterday and here is the follow-up. We asked Krystle the questions that aspiring karaoke stars want to know. Here are some of the secrets of a karaoke DJ:

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If you want to sing an original song, don’t sing…

Build me up Buttercup by the Foundations,

Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond,

I will Survive by Gloria Gaynor,

Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett or the Commitments

Summer Nights from Grease

However, on the plus side, they are the most performed songs so obviously people love to hear them. Just don’t be surprised if you sing it and someone sings the same song a few minutes later!

If you don’t want everyone to cringe when you start singing, don’t sing…

Songs that last 6-8 minutes, such as:

Some are Paradise by the dashboard lights by Meatloaf and

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Anything that is depressing that most people don’t want to hear while they are drinking and having a good time!

Keep the DJ happy by not…

Asking a million times when are you singing especially if you are just coming in or have just given them a song

Trying to talk to him/her while they are singing or in the middle of a conversation with another singer

Complaining that the song you picked isn’t the right version

Telling him/her that your song isn’t playing when they are in the middle of transitioning a song from regular DJ music to the karaoke song

DJ Krystle’s favorite karaoke songs to sing are…

I am telling you (Jennifer Holiday or Jennifer Hudson)

Cry baby/Piece of my heart Mash up (originally Janis Joplin remade by Joss Stone/Melissa Etheridge)

Bring me to life ( Evanescence)

Sweet Child O’Mine (Guns n Roses)

How to be a good karaoke DJ:

Be open to your crowd

Be personable

Take criticism well

No matter how annoying a karaoke singer is, act in a professional manner and talk to them as you would like to be spoken to

What makes a good karaoke song?

Upbeat songs, but it also depends on the crowd and venue.

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Next time you head out to the karaoke bar with your friends for the night, remember these tips, but most importantly, let loose and have a good time!

*originall posted 1/21/11