Singing in public has its perks. There’s the adrenaline-pumping conclusion of knowing you sang in front of strangers. There’s the hilarity that accompanies watching your friends goof off on stage. Unfortunately, there can also be an intense anxiety leading up to the moment of musical truth. Karaoke is a rite of passage for any friend group, however, it’s a rare case when everyone in the group has the courage to hop up on stage and start singing. What better way to make all of your friends feel comfortable and included than to host your very own karaoke night at home? 

The pressure of performing in public, no matter how vocally trained one is, could easily head south and potentially ruin a night out with friends. The solution to these fears is clear: an at-home karaoke night.

Sam Horvath, a University of Miami senior majoring in psychology, hosted plenty of her own karaoke nights. Although Horvath has 12 years of classical training under her belt, not many of her friends are as musically inclined. Horvath is no stranger to performing in public, but she knows that her friends feel much more comfortable singing strictly with each other in the comfort of one of their homes.

“At-home karaoke nights have a more relaxed environment because you’re not worried about strangers hearing you sing and what they’re thinking. When you’re just with your friends, you can be a good or bad singer, and it doesn’t matter,” Horvath says. 

Although an at-home karaoke night might not have the equipment a karaoke bar provides, there are a variety of alternative methods to imitate a proper sound system.

Sticking to a college student’s budget means that buying a karaoke machine might not be the most fiscally responsible decision. YouTube is easily accessible, but don’t be afraid to branch out and try different platforms for your music. Smule and StarMaker are fantastic apps for karaoke that offer a wide range of genres to perform.

Microphones and speakers will help project the music, but they don’t need to be expensive. For instance, stores like Five Below sell a Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone with a speaker embedded into the handle. You can even try your luck with Amazon at a somewhat affordable price.

Horvath says, “I’ve taken different routes depending on the occasion. If this is an event I’ve been planning for a while, then I connect my phone to a speaker, I set up a microphone and I use the Smule app. When my friends and I do an impromptu karaoke night, we pull up YouTube on my TV and we hold hair brushes like microphones. It’s fun either way.”

Creating a laid back, easy-going ambience for the night is just as important as the karaoke itself.

“I add some fun lighting, so my friends don’t have to deal with the glare of the overhead lights in my dorm. Making sure that everyone has a comfy place to sit is important too, no matter how big the crowd,” Horvath suggests.

Dimming the lights and rearranging some furniture to leave room for a “stage” can enhance the atmosphere of your karaoke party. As for decorations, try sticking to a theme to help navigate the night.

Horvath reminisces on past themes from her own karaoke nights.

“One time, I set up a karaoke night where everyone had to sing a Disney song. Another time, we did eighties songs. Blind karaoke is really fun too, when you pick a song for someone to sing, and they have no idea what song you picked. They just have to go along with it and hope that they’re singing the right lyrics. That always cracks people up.”

If you choose to host your karaoke night, one aspect is absolutely essential: the drinks.

Titanic Brewery & Restaurant in South Miami is an award-winning, full-service restaurant with an extensive beer selection and a knack for music. Every Sunday, Titanic hosts a thrilling karaoke night for those who are unafraid to perform in public.

Ben Johnson, server at Titanic, says that for an at-home karaoke night, “The drinks are the most important. Make sure you have enough for everyone.”

A little liquid courage can go a long way when trying to establish a comfortable, relaxed vibe. Reach out to your friends and ask what drinks they prefer to be present. 

When it comes to some light bites, Titanic Kitchen Manager Kelton Morton recommends “Finger-foods: wings, nachos, and fries.”

Morton describes the ideal type of person to have around at an at-home karaoke night. 

“People who have energy and are happy to bring that energy to the party are the best. Not the ones who think they’re too cool to go up and sing,” he says.

Whether your friends are new or old, you spend $10 or $100 on a karaoke set and if you cook yourself or have Uber Eats come to the rescue, your at-home karaoke night can be one for the books. So, using this go-to guide for a successful karaoke night, cue up your favorite songs and start singing like nobody’s watching. 

words&photo_kelsey conrad.

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