While out on the town, you will often see a tip jar located next to the DJ booth. Let’s pretend you went up and made a song request. Let’s pretend you went up made a song request and put some money in the tip jar. Which scenario might get a quicker response? Correct! It’s easy to add this up. None the less, some people are pretty clueless when it comes to tipping. Maybe they just don’t get out that often.
Let’s review:
• In the hospitality business good to great service is usually rewarded with a tip.
• Some DJs or KJ’s will decide not to play songs or make changes to the lineup not because of the money, or an amount of a tip, but because the request is just wrong or inappropriate for the moment, and or the venue. Sometimes it’s the attitude of the guest who is barking out orders that rub the performer the wrong way.
There are many reasons a deejay might choose to not respond to a guests request. Every host is different. Every venue is different. In most situations, it’s okay to go up to the DJ or KJ and talk to them. Just make sure the host is not busy mixing the music or speaking on or the microphone. At an appropriate time, try to get them aside so that you can just communicate and learn the lay of the land. Most venues that have been hosting karaoke for a long time have a very welcoming feeling and nightly regulars who will make you feel comfortable, and that obviously keeps people coming back for more. My suggestion when making a request, asking questions or voicing concerns is just be civil and easy going about it. Even better, put a tip in the jar and see if that helps you.
Let’s go even deeper with some quick karaoke Q and A:
Question #1: Do I have to provide a tip just so I can sing?
No, in most situations you don’t have to put money in the jar to sing. There are some venues that make you buy a two drink minimum or make you pay a cover charge. That is naturally a venue by venue, case by case scenario.
Question #2:
If I tip more than the next person will I get to sing more than the next person?
That really depends on your host and the venue. I would definitely suggest tipping if you or someone you are with is impatient and so overly anxious to sing. The karaoke host will notice your support of the night.