Karaoke: Making Stars Around the World

Some say that music soothes the savage beast. While that may be true, karaoke can bring out the animal in even the shiest performer.

Everyone wants to be in the spotlight, even if it's for just a little while. Through song, we can relieve daily stresses and leave the rat race behind. Therapeutic stress relief aside, singing is just plain fun. It's a great activity to share with families and friends, particularly through mini concerts or group jam sessions.

When translated, karaoke means "empty orchestra". The term is derived from two Japanese words: Kara, which means "empty" and Oke, short for "okesutora". Karaoke entertainment systems supply pre-recorded musical scores of popular songs without singing. Karaoke performers follow lyrics on a video screen as the music plays on, providing the words they need to sing along.

After karaoke music and parties fully swept Asia, they began to form a solid presence in North America. Since the first virtual concert machine was introduced in Japan in the 1970's, karaoke parties have become favorite pastimes for small time stars of all types. In fact, karaoke became so popular that the media adopted the term to use for all occasions when live music was replaced by "canned" or pre-recorded music.

Musical elements have always been paramount in the formation of Japanese traditions. Music is reflected in all aspects of Japanese mythology, history and culture. Even Japanese Samurais implement singing, dancing and music into their vigorous education and training regimes.

The history of karaoke in Japan begins in the early 1970s with a singer named Daisuke Inoue. He was so popular at a bar called "Utagoe Kissa" that the crowd began to ask for recordings of his music so that they could sing along. Seeing the potential, Inoue created a tape recorder that would play a song for a 100 yen coin. At that time, 100 yen would buy two lunches, so this was considered to be a rather pricey pastime. Regardless, the combination of old-fashioned jukebox and would-be karaoke machine proved to be a huge hit in Japan. Inoue decided to lease the machines to nightclubs and stores, so that they would not have to purchase new songs on their own.

The development of the karaoke machine held such social importance, Daisuke Inoue was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. His award was based on his ability to provide "an entirely new way for people to learn to tolerate each other".

The act of singing karaoke is known as "Karaoke Time", and has been a popular form of entertainment in East Asia since the early 1980's. The karaoke phenomenon quickly spread to other parts of the world, and its popularity soon reached record heights. Before long, the karaoke craze reached North American shores, took the entire continent by storm and opened brand new opportunities for enterprising individuals.

The new entertainment import industry of karaoke flourished in the Western world. Many Americans, quick to see the investment potential in this new style of entertainment, saw the moneymaking value in offering a new, trendy and fun way to bring people together in a tolerant, patient manner. Across North America, karaoke bars and nightclubs known as "KTV boxes" began to pop up. Eager karaoke performers took advantage of these new venues, software and equipment.

Since first arriving in the United States and other western countries, karaoke has gained regard and respect. Even though American bars are unlikely to feature karaoke seven nights a week as they do in East Asia, many have upgraded their equipment from the small, standalone machines that started the craze more than twenty years ago. While the singers perform, those in the audience can read along with the lyrics on television screens displayed throughout the bars. Many clubs even provide big screen TVs.

Karaoke has also found its way into may North American homes. There are inexpensive children's versions and high-end machines available for home use. These systems can be connected to any stereo or entertainment system, allowing entire families and partygoers to join in the fun. Karaoke music is widely available on CDs at virtually any record store, and can be downloaded online, allowing fans to sing along through their computers when personal karaoke machines are not available.

When your inner party animal needs a little soothing, try belting out a few karaoke tunes. It's a great way to have fun, relieve stress and get your fifteen minutes of fame.

Article Source: http://mylilpeanut.com

Author Horace Jurdon writes for some of today's most popular Internet magazines, on recreation and hobby store themes.
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