Whether you want to blow off some steam on the weekend or showcase your amateur singing voice, karaoke is a fun activity that will always keep the night interesting. But if you’re new to the practice, taking to the stage at your favorite bar can sometimes feel a little intimidating. To help you embrace this popular pastime with confidence, here are a few simple do’s and don’ts to follow the next time you sing karaoke.  

Do:

Pick a catchy song you know.

While it’s important to choose a fun and refreshing song to sing along to, you don’t want a selection that will be too complicated or unfamiliar for yourself or the audience. Before you come to the bar, figure out a few favorite options ahead of time. Stick to crowd-pleasing titles that you know by heart and can finish in less than four minutes.

Be a respectful audience member.

When you’re in the audience, treat other participants with the same respect you’d want on stage. To keep the energy happy and light, applause your fellow singers and steer clear of heckling. While it’s perfectly acceptable to sing with the crowd, make sure you don’t outperform the person on stage from your seat.

Involve your friends.

If you’re nervous about taking to the stage by yourself, convince your friends to join you. Sharing the microphone makes it easier to get over stage fright and can make for a memorable bonding experience.

Don’t:

Wait too long to pick a song.

Karaoke sign-up sheets can fill up fast, so it’s a good idea to get to the bar early and claim your spot as soon as possible. If you spend too much time browsing the songbook, you may not get on the list with enough time to sing.

Stand still during your performance. 

To have a good karaoke performance, you need to do more than sing—you also need to get the crowd’s attention. Dancing, even just a little bit, can help you get into the groove and fill awkward interludes. You don’t have to dance too dramatically. Simply sway back and forth with the rhythm to avoid standing still throughout the song and encourage the crowd to dance along with you.

Mishandle the equipment.

Although you want to get into your performance, you don’t want to be so absorbed by the experience that you damage the bar’s equipment. To show respect for the venue and host, always handle the microphone with care. Make sure you don’t throw it, drop it, or put your mouth directly on it.

When you want the perfect spot for karaoke in Holmen, WI, head to Features Sports Bar & Grill. When you’re not singing, enjoy delicious appetizers, pasta, fried fish, pizza, and burgers. They also serve an expansive drink menu that features, spirits, cocktails, wine, and beer. To learn more about their selection and upcoming events, visit this venue online or call (608) 526-3600.