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Mirror Magazine

It's Karaoke time!
By Esther Williams & Radhika Dandeniya
"There's no better way to chill out on a Friday night than at a karaoke bar. It can be so much fun," says Monique Wille, an accomplished karaoke singer. With a live-sounding band for accompaniment, words that are easy to follow, all you need to do is relax and sing.

New Karaoke machine: key to singing in tune
Tuneless singing could be a thing of the past. A Japanese company has developed a karaoke machine which helps to make the singer sound better. Taito Corporation said the new machine, which will go on sale in Japan this summer, will automatically adjust the pitch of the song to the singer. The company spokesman, Makoto Tanaka, told the AFP news agency that the machine will also wait for the singer if he/she is struggling to keep up.

A professor of music, media art and science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Barry Vercoe, and US chipmaker Analog Devices collaborated on the project.
The machine works by allowing the singer to register the pitch of their voice and then adjusts the key of the song to the key of the singer.

Reward system
The product also awards points for performance. "The grading karaoke machine currently available only compares singer's performance against standardised tunes of the selected songs. But this new machine would recognise the singer's use of vibrato, tremolos and other techniques for grading singers," Mr Tanaka explained. He said Taito had no immediate plans to introduce the machine abroad. The impact of a poor karaoke singer on the general public is minimised in Japan, because the entertainment is enjoyed in intimate rooms called "karaoke boxes" which hold up to 15 people rather than in front of big pub audiences, as in the West.

Jason and family were returning home one evening when they decided to stop over at the Mandarin Grill for a quick bite. Soon after they had placed their order, the lights were dimmed. Thinking that they were in for a movie, they were pleasantly surprised to find it was the start of a karaoke night. Never having been to one before, they found the experience quite enjoyable. The children were elated when the waiters displayed their knowledge of music preferences as they played Venga Boys' "Sha-la-la". Does this mean that karaoke can be family entertainment?

One of Colombo's most popular karaoke clubs is the "Show Boat" that is almost bursting at its seams every weekend. Young and old alike sing their hearts out for Rs. 180/- an evening apart from the cost of food and drink.

A K.J. (Karaoke Jockey) at the lounge collects the request slips, plays the music and passes the microphone around, ensuring that everyone has a go. The Central Control Console is where the sophisticated equipment that monitors music being played in all the different cabins or lounges, is kept. Having smaller sized rooms allows them to cater to different tastes of music.

Show Boat is equipped with the latest in English, Korean, Sinhalese and even Hindi songs too. Their competitions, which attract enthusiastic participants, are so well known that they have taken them to Negombo and Kandy. Says Managing Director Carol Swee, "Our karaoke champions have gone international and joined music groups abroad like Universal Music. We help in grooming those with talent, show them how to act and in a way package them." They also sponsor costumes, make-up, give international exposure and a chance to sign up with international music organizations.

"Young people after exams or after a stressful week at work, like to celebrate here," she says. They see, listen, hear, sing, and become more confident and happier, in that order. She further explained that with most schools following the vernacular medium, karaoke helps in English diction; pronunciation and expressions as singing along with the original group helps them practise this. Song-manuals are kept available for reference.

"Show Boat also specializes in Oriental cuisine with a team of 10 chefs who make the most sumptuous Singapore Chili Crab, Pandan leaf chicken and the Kottu rice that is favoured by many," says General Manager, Lee Hong Uwang. "I like the atmosphere here and I love the food," says Public Bank General Manager, Ho King Min.

Good collections of old songs are also available at the Karaoke Bar at the Colombo Hilton. House-guests and others above 18 visit it regularly, attracted by the latest English songs in the repertoire. The small cosy, tastefully decorated bar with television screens strategically placed, creates a relaxed atmosphere, where even older people feel comfortable. Several regulars are often seen at the bar singing old favourites.
The Bar is a single lounge that accommodates up to 40 on weekdays and 80 on weekends, 60% of whom are locals. "Our security team screens crowds, ensures selective admittance and prevents overcrowding," says Kapila, Food and Beverage Manager.

Priced at Rs. 270/- per person with a smart-casual dress code, the bar is open from 8.00 p.m. to 3.00 a.m. on weekdays and 8.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on weekends. 'Sing for your Supper', their competition has been recently introduced every third Friday with the finals scheduled for December.

Japanese restaurant Moshi Moshi popular for its Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, an assortment of raw fish and tempura (batter fried vegetables and prawn) has a regular clientele of Europeans, Russians and locals, besides the Japanese. A separate floor for Karaoke at Rs. 300/- entrance has a large lounge and a smaller cabin for private, family parties.

Employed there are a few girls who sing, setting the mood for a mixed crowd of young and old to join in the singing. Ananda de Silva, Manager of the restaurant says that they have the most wanted music in Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese and Sinhalese which their customers enjoy singing with.

BOSS on Flower Road is reputed to have the latest hi-fi equipment in their Karaoke lounges. The system is similar to a jukebox that can be operated by remote, and the songs are programmed. However, admittance is reserved for foreigners only!!!

Karaoke which literally means 'singing without orchestra', originated in Japan around 50 years ago. It is now a much sought after way for music lovers to relax. It is increasingly used for get-togethers with family, friends or colleagues and with music ranging from the 60s to the latest, there is something to suit every taste. In a way it has replaced the sing-along sessions that were an essential part of every party, perhaps a generation ago.

Not everyone has the chance or sufficient talent to enter the spotlight of the music industry. However, the closest to being a pop singer is by singing with them. Some may frown upon Karaoke Bars but there are quite a few that do provide good, wholesome fun and entertainment.

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