KARAOKE

So we’ve all heard the rumours. Karaoke is BIG in Asia. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is secluded to dodgy side street joints, open mic nights, or rented booths solely frequent by Hong Kong business men. In Asia, Karaoke is EVERYWHERE.

Up to now my only experience of Karaoke had been unfortunate table positioning on the top floor of a Chinese all you can eat Buffet in Scotland where over fed locals would insist on belting out their best Mariah after a few too many Tiger Beers, holding onto those high notes for as long as their tobacco battered lungs could manage. Or when some bright spark at an office party decides to “get the projector screen down” and from God knows where a microphone appears and the quiet guy from IT is outed as the Tom Jones of Generation Y.

I’d heard talk of Karaoke nights flying around the office, and some friends had even gone along and proclaimed what a great night they had. But let me tell you now, nothing can prepare you for the alcohol fuelled, grossly competitive, testosterone ridden, bonding event  that is Karaoke. Let me put this in perspective. Karaoke is taken so seriously here, that a hotel suit is not considered top of the range by the presence of a grand piano or perhaps a Picasso above the loo. No. What you strive for in life is your own Karaoke booth slotted in between the dining and bedroom sections.  (Because no one can nail Katy Perry ‘Firework’ without significant rehearsal.) 

I would like to take this moment to point out that not all karaoke is necessarily as raucous as ours panned out to be, we went straight in at the deepend and gifted out karaoke virginity to a bunch of enthusiastic (pissed) Australians. Brad and I arrived after a 'date night' at Pollen (a post on this to follow) dressed in our best and pretending to be sophisticated for the (faux)French waiter. In the Taxi en route Brad proclaimed "It will be good to go for a bit and to meet everyone, but I probably won't sing".... fast track 3 hours later Brad has hidden one of the microphones so he can get involved in all the songs with minimal mic wars and has half a bottle of Jack Daniels long armed down his front- which I think happened during an 80's rock solo..or a Whitney Houston number. 

this picture doesn't do the swelling justice

Despite the stained clothes, gravely voices, and my bruise from Tambourining too aggressively I would say the night was a resoundingg success, and definitely something we will be doing again. Screw British reserve and socialising around a table with a game of 5s suggested when you want to liven things up. There is nothing that will unite a room of strangers more than a private room, free flow of alcohol, every cheesy classic and modern hit you can name, 6 microphones and a box of percussion instruments. Granted. Karaoke was NEVER something I considered, nor was really aware of in the UK, but my advice- next time you have a birthday/friends visiting/ just want an excuse to get everyone together and can't be bothered with the same bars and the same faces, get down to a karaoke club immediately, even if you think you're too cool. You're not. 

The logistics 

Not only was the night great fun, but also great value for a boozy session, especially in singapore. We (about 10 of us) rented a room for 3-4 hours, bought approx 6 bottles of spirits, all the mixers came free and the song list was limit less...this came to a total of about $100 dollars each for the entire night (50 quid) unbelievable. We didn't even get fined for breaking everything.

Best Karaoke in Singapore

	PARTY WORLD KTV
		Sound systems: Sound systems are at good quality with Sony devices. Songs: Songs are updated monthly in around 10 languages. Recommended for friends, families and companies. View more info & photos
	TOPONE KTV
		Songs: Latest Songs from around the world, ranging from the latest Mandarin songs, to Canto Pop and latest feverish R&B Hip Hop / K & J POP dance tunes. Hokkien, Thai and Vietnamese songs are also available. Recommended for friends and family gatherings, birthday parties, bachelor and hens nights, corporate functions. View more info & photos
	DYNASTY CLASSIC KTV
		Live performances: Live performances by 16 Chinese Superstar Singers are available in the main hall from Monday to Friday from 9pm to 3am. Soundproof rooms: There are 38 soundproof rooms to relax and enjoy private moments. Recommended for group of friends, family. View more info & photos
	TEA LOVER KTV
		Gathering session: through karaoke gathering session, patrons get the chance to know new friends in Singapore. Ambience: nice and warm, inspire patrons to sing from their hearts. Recommended for friends and family. View more info & photos
	TEO HENG KTV STUDIO
		Price: The price is cheap. It is charged per hour, irregardless of the number of people. Outside food allowed: Patrons can bring their home or outside food in. Sound systems: Best karaoke equipments from BMB. Recommended for family and friends. View more info & photos

courtesy of thebestinsingapore.com

We are off back to the UK this week for a wedding and to visit family and friends, we CANNOT WAIT. I will let you know if I successfully manage to impose a karaoke night on anyone during this time. I'm hoping to god Brad doesn't find a rogue microphone at the wedding...I think i will pre warn the DJ.

Speak Soon.

XXX

The Comedy Club Asia

Comedy in the UK is, in my opinion, essential. Whether self depreciating, dirty or dry- a good dose of humour gets most of us through the day- maybe it's got something to do with the weather/economy/price of cabbage... but in Singapore (and this could just be something lost in translation) comedy you must go in search of.

So when Edinburgh is awash with performers, and everywhere from grand halls to toilet cubicles becomes a 'venue' and you don't have 'Live at the Appolo' at the touch of a button, you must take matters into your own hands. After a little googlnig we found this diamond in the rough.  The 'The Comedy Club Asia' hosts several events a month with 3 touring comedians from around the world, yeah so it's a bit hit or miss but isn't all stand up comedy? We however struck gold and had the pleasure of being entertained by this motley crew...

The venue changes with each line up which is quite a novel way of discovering new little haunts around Singapore. We were very lucky to be in the swish Klapsons Hotel a beautifully modern boutique hotel in the CBD, which popped up a stage in what I presume was a conference room but with a scattering of Sofas, free seating and standing tables successfully created and intimate and relaxed atmosphere- rare in Singapore which is all shiny and proper, but essential to pour in a bucket load of affectionately offensive comedy- I hear its good for dinner too.

The show starts at 8ish, drinks are limited to wine, beer, vodka and soft drinks, but prices are fair and some food is provided- chicken wraps and Nachos, so no need to try and squeeze in a rushed dinner beforehand.

So if you are looking for something a little different to do of an evening, that doesn't involve boozing in Boat Quay, or remorgaging your house for some average food that you'll eat too quickly I strongly recommend the Comedy Club- and at $25 a ticket, you are safe in the knowledge that "even if its not funny- it will probably be funny"

See below for a Clip of Allyson Smith, the Canadian comedian who managed to make me SPRAY lime juice all over Brad's leg and the head of the man in front. Now that is some positive audience feedback.

Laugh Lots

XXX