To all and sundry, a big hi!

I know I'm a little late posting this but, using the old adage, better late than never. I am referring to Kititude's post on 13th May regarding a female pro restaurant singer who had backing tracks. I too, have purchased quite a number of professional backing tracks and midis which are all licenced for public performance but not for recording purposes. I currently work as a restaurant/club singer who still, when I have the opportunity, goes to a particular karaoke. They allow me to sing from these tracks and my own karaoke discs (I have approx 7500 karaoke tracks all on legitimate discs), probably as they have known me for many years and with the knowledge that I have the required paperwork to support their authenticity. I buy the majority of these backing tracks online from the uk. Most of the sites now have an instant download facility which beats the weeks of anticipation awaiting their arrival. This then requires the purchaser to burn the tracks to disc. Unfortunately it then does look as if they may be pirated. This may be the case with the singer mentioned, although, kjs are correct in questioning them and demanding to view the support paperwork if they are willing to play them. As a semi-pro singer I am in the same position as a kj, and can be prosecuted for not ahering to licencing laws. As this is my current means of income, I refuse to purchase tracks from sites that do not possess the correct licencing agreements.

Why would a singer buy these tracks, at sometimes 5 times the cost, in preference to a karaoke track? Mine are such: 1) The track is not available on any karaoke disc. 2) The version is not available. eg) Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me - Duke Ellington is available on 1 disc but Robbie Williams' swing version of the same song is not. 3) Some sites offer tracks in multiple keys which, for a female like me with a low voice, offers a more suitable version and lastly; 4) Some tracks are superior in quality.

Why would a pro/semi-pro wish to sing these at karaoke? As for the singer mentioned, only she could answer that but my reasons are thus. If I have a 4 hour gig as a soloist in a restaurant I actually sing for 3hrs 15mins. As most of the tracks are around 3mins long, I can sing approx 60 to 70 songs at one gig. Do I have a deep affection for each and every one of these songs - NO? But my job is to sing what those patrons like to hear and what is venue appropriate. So karaoke for me is purely a selfish thing. I go to sing what I truely love to sing not what is deemed to be a 'crowd pleaser' and of course to socialise, atmosphere being a major factor to me in choice of karaoke venue. The majority of the tracks I have purchased for working requirements but I do treat myself to ones that are for my pleasure and it is these that I love to sing at karaoke. Do I do it in the hope of 'pimping' myself for solo/duo work at the venue? No, I couldn't think of anything worse. If I worked at the venue there is a chance, that when going there for karaoke, regulars may request songs I had sung at a working gig which would defeat the whole purpose of me attending that venue for karaoke anyway. I have been on occasion at karaoke requested to sing a particular song and have even specifically learnt a request, but then the choice is still mine if I wish to do so. I feel it may be potentially awkward to say no if I also sang at that venue professionally. Do I do it to show off because I think I'm a great singer who is superior to others in the room? I am not, by my definitions, a 'great' singer, that accolade is shared by a very select few, but someone with a pleasant voice that is easy on the ear.

My apologies to all for droning on for so long, but I very rarely post so this perhaps makes up for it. Or maybe I'm just trying to compete with Johnny B, who sadly I have not yet had the pleasure to meet, but can only assume from his posts, is a character who I imagine to be a ball of fun.
Submitted by ceepat on 30-05-2007

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