thoughts about MIDI and Karaoke

[pmack]

Hiya everyone just had some thoughts on the subject or MIDI and Karaoke .When i first heard what a computer would do via the midi formatt i was completely amazed but at the same time .kinda felt like to use it on a live gig would be cheating. Slowly over the years I have been drawn back to the midi files maybe due to lazyness cause it takes a lot of rehearsal to put a live band together with the pro sounds of some of the Midi files.Now just add Karaoke and you cant go wrong cause it positions you in the song in case you lose your way.All we need is a program(vkaraoke) that plugs in quitar chord changes as well and i would probably would be completely addicted.helps as ya get older..hahaha I realize its all enertainement but i still get a guilty twinge..let me know how you feel ? PETER MACK NY

[midimart]

Hi Peter.

It's great when we get members contributing.

I personally think karaoke is for armatures, words on the screen etc. I don't know how the situation lies in the Big Apple, but locally, artistes that do the pubs and clubs scene all differ. Some use karaoke (and you can tell) others use midi files. Midi files to me create a more professional outlook, than someone standing staring at a monitor of some kind. At least the midi file user, has to rehearse and come in at the right moment. But a karaoke singer just has to wait for the ball to start bouncing on a screen. Karaoke is OK just for fun - where everyone can have a go, even if they are rubbish, they have used the spotlight and had five minutes of fame.

I'll leave the karaoke to my daughter and her friends. (but they have fun)

[davesasinger]

Don't feel guilty! They've been doing it in the charts since the eighties!!

If you sing and play reasonable guitar, and use technology to ADD to that - no problem. But if you mime to screaming guitar solos coming from a Sound Canvas - THAT'S cheating. But, the average punter wouldn't spot the difference, so it's down to you and your conscience.

Dave.

[pdiroma]

You know guys, it's all relative. I personally don't like karaoke as it has taken a lot of work away from muscians and singers. However, if that's what you whant to do on a gig, then go for it. There are a lot of entertainers that use the karaoke discs and just stand there and sing. I persoanlly use Midi because I have control over the music tracks while it's playing even if i'm playing guitar or keys. Also, midi does not have the HiFi sound of karaoke. I personally feel midi sound better as it has a more realish feel to it, especially if you have a decent tone generator as with the Roland SC-88 and up.

Patrick

[midimart]

I spotted a quote form daveasinger about cheating.

I often pop out and about to local gigs and the club scene, well this week I went to a very well known venue in Nottingham (UK) and low and behold a very well known band (No Names) of the 60's - 70's was playing.

At the interval I went to have a look at their gear (I'm nosy like that), and to my amazement neither the keyboard or the lead guitar was even plugged in. I may be wrong but is there some new technology that transmits the sounds from an unplugged keyboard now. What I mean is the power lead was not even attached to the keyboard. I don't think a band like this would rely on battery power.

After the interval, I watched closely and the keyboard player was not even hitting the keys, I don't play the guitar well but I do know some of the placements for chords and bridging. His left hand was not in the right place for the majority of the performance.

With amateurs or semi pro's you may come to expect this - but NOT with professional bands on live gigs.

I don't think anyone else noticed, as like daveasinger said - most punters wouldn't, but anyone in the know - Would. They was being paid a great deal of money for cheating the public, I have been to their web site and complained (also I ask for my entrance fee returned) but have not received a reply as yet - I will keep you informed on this.

Both the guitarist and the keyboard player was miming TO MIDI........

What a shock...... Or could it be that the arthritis was getting to them.

By a well known band, I mean a Number 1 chart band....

I was totally and utterly disgusted.

[Emerald Midi]

I'm not too surprised by what you experienced Glenn. Lot's of well known acts mime like mad at venues and on the telly.

But even so, this shouldn't be the case.