If music soothes the savage beast, then the karaoke phenomenon can be credited with pleasing party animals all over the world.
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.
The word "karaoke" is a Japanese term derived from two words: Kara, meaning "empty", and Oke, a short term for "okesutora" (orchestra). This "empty orchestra" is actually an entertainment system that's packed with pre-recorded musical scores of popular songs and melodies. Most karaoke machines provide a screen with lyrics for the performers to follow along as the music plays on.
Karaoke has been popular in portions of North America for more than a decade, but it has been a full-on sweeping sensation throughout Asia for more than thirty years. The first virtual concert machine was introduced in Japan in the 1970s. Since then, karaoke parties have been favorite pastimes for all countless performers on the small stage. The phenomenon of karaoke was so huge that the media adopted the term to use for all occasions when pre-recorded music replaced live performances.
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 can be traced back to the early 1970's, and a singer named Daisuke Inoue. A crowd favorite at a bar called Utagoe Kissa, Inoue was often asked to provide recordings of his music so that fans could sing along. Realizing the potential, Inoue created a tape recorder that played a song for a 100-yen coin. At that time, 100-yen was about the price of two typical lunches, so it was considered expensive to use this new music machine. Even so, the combination of old-time jukebox and future karaoke machine proved to be a huge hit in Japan. Inoue decided that instead of selling the machines, he would lease them so that the stores and bars 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 its inception in the United States and other western countries, people have begun to take karaoke more seriously. American bars are unlikely to have karaoke seven nights a week as they do in East Asia. Many however, have upgraded their equipment from the small, standalone machines that started the craze over two decades ago. Crowds can follow song lyrics on television screens displayed throughout the bars, and some even offer 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. - 15478
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.
The word "karaoke" is a Japanese term derived from two words: Kara, meaning "empty", and Oke, a short term for "okesutora" (orchestra). This "empty orchestra" is actually an entertainment system that's packed with pre-recorded musical scores of popular songs and melodies. Most karaoke machines provide a screen with lyrics for the performers to follow along as the music plays on.
Karaoke has been popular in portions of North America for more than a decade, but it has been a full-on sweeping sensation throughout Asia for more than thirty years. The first virtual concert machine was introduced in Japan in the 1970s. Since then, karaoke parties have been favorite pastimes for all countless performers on the small stage. The phenomenon of karaoke was so huge that the media adopted the term to use for all occasions when pre-recorded music replaced live performances.
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 can be traced back to the early 1970's, and a singer named Daisuke Inoue. A crowd favorite at a bar called Utagoe Kissa, Inoue was often asked to provide recordings of his music so that fans could sing along. Realizing the potential, Inoue created a tape recorder that played a song for a 100-yen coin. At that time, 100-yen was about the price of two typical lunches, so it was considered expensive to use this new music machine. Even so, the combination of old-time jukebox and future karaoke machine proved to be a huge hit in Japan. Inoue decided that instead of selling the machines, he would lease them so that the stores and bars 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 its inception in the United States and other western countries, people have begun to take karaoke more seriously. American bars are unlikely to have karaoke seven nights a week as they do in East Asia. Many however, have upgraded their equipment from the small, standalone machines that started the craze over two decades ago. Crowds can follow song lyrics on television screens displayed throughout the bars, and some even offer 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. - 15478
About the Author:
Author Horace Jurdon writes for several popular web sites, on sports instruction and other sports subjects.
