HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT KARAOKE SONG
HAVE STAGE FRIGHT? WORRIED ABOUT EXCEEDING YOUR VOCAL RANGE? HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GRAB THE MIC
NOT EVERYONE can sing. But everyone can do karaoke. Whether you’re in front of a crowd at a bar or at a noraebang (a private karaoke room) with a handful of friends, figuring out your go-to karaoke song is key to having a good time with the least amount of self-consciousness. ¶ For tips, The Times spoke with Adam Jones, who KJs at R Bar in Koreatown and Ye Rustic Inn in Los Feliz; singer and karaoke host Kiki Park, who KJs at Prince O’ Whales, the Shack and Banter Bar in
West L.A.; Graeme Hinde, the bass player and band manager of Casual Encounters Live Band Karaoke; composer and YouTube musicologist Howard Ho; Sarah Cabrera, vocal teacher at Westminster Arts Academy; and singers A.J. Rafael and Alyssa Navarro, who memorably went viral on TikTok for their impromptu duet of “Reflection” from “Mulan.” ¶ Experts agree that it’s best to curate your own list of songs. But if you aren’t sure where to start, here are some factors to consider — and a guide that will help you find the ones that work for you.