The Singer's Guide
Whether you're a seasoned regular who knows every word or someone quietly summoning the courage to go up for the first time — welcome. Jamie's Karaoke nights are here for everyone.
This guide covers a few simple things that help the night run smoothly and keep it enjoyable for every singer in the room. There are no complicated rules — just a bit of common sense, a bit of respect for the equipment, and a lot of encouragement.
Read through, have a laugh, then get your name in.
Put the Right Name In
When you submit your request, use the name you want Jamie to call out. If it's your nickname, use that — just make sure you'll actually hear it over the music.
Keep Your Ears Open
Jamie will call your name before your song starts. Stay close enough to the performance area to hear it — stepping outside for a long chat right after you've put your name in is a gamble.
Get to the Front When You're Up
When your name is called, head up promptly. No one wants to stand on stage listening to silence while the crowd looks around the room.
Ask About a Key Change Before You Start
If a song is going to be a stretch in its original key, ask Jamie before the intro plays — not after three lines when it becomes very clear that a different key would have been a much better idea.
Look After the Equipment
The microphones and sound gear travel to every venue. Treat them well and they'll make you sound great.
Keep Drinks Away
Spilled drinks and microphones are not a good combination — for the equipment or for you. Keep any glasses or bottles well away from the mic stand and sound gear.
Hold It Right
Hold the microphone close to your mouth — about a fist's width away is usually right. Gripping it at the bottom like a trophy and pointing it at the ceiling will not produce the sound you were hoping for.
Don't Give It a Hard Time
Swinging it around, tapping it against the stand, shouting directly into the capsule or blowing hard into it — none of these are great for the mic or the ears of everyone in the room. Treat it as borrowed kit, because it is.
Return It After Your Song
When your song finishes, hand the microphone back to Jamie or return it to the stand. Walking off with it tucked under your arm is a surprisingly common move.
Support Other Singers
A good karaoke crowd makes the night — and it doesn't take much. Cheer people on, save the commentary for after, and remember that the person on stage might be doing this for the very first time.
Let Them Finish
Don't talk loudly over a performance or try to join in unless you've been invited up. Everyone deserves to get through their song.
Only Join In When You're Asked
If someone wants a duet partner or a backing chorus, they'll let you know. Leaping up uninvited and grabbing a second mic mid-song is not the team effort it might feel like from the bar.
Give First-Timers a Proper Welcome
If someone clearly looks nervous or announces it's their first time — cheer them on. That small bit of encouragement from the room can be the difference between someone loving it and never trying again.
Respect Everyone in the Room
Performers, venue staff, Jamie and your fellow guests are all there for a good night. Treat them accordingly — and if someone's attempt isn't going brilliantly, a supportive clap is always the right call.
Keep It Fair
Jamie runs the singer rotation as fairly as possible — one name in, one turn earned. Here's what helps keep it that way.
One Name, One Turn
Submitting the same song under three different names hoping to get three goes in quick succession is the oldest trick in the book — and also the most obvious one. It's not on, and Jamie has seen it before.
Duets and Group Performances
When two or more people sing together, it may affect where each person sits in the rotation afterwards. This keeps the queue fair for everyone who has been patiently waiting their turn.
Trust the Process
If it feels like it has been a while since your last turn, it probably just means the room is busy — which is a good thing. Jamie keeps track and no one gets forgotten.
Use Your Common Sense
Most of this is stuff you already know. It's just worth spelling out so the night goes well for absolutely everyone.
Explicit Songs
Not every venue is right for every song. If a track has content that isn't appropriate for the night — whether that's the crowd, the time, or the venue's own rules — Jamie may ask you to choose something else. It's nothing personal.
Venue Rules Apply
Age restrictions, licensing conditions and venue policies are there for everyone. Jamie works within them and asks that you do the same.
Jamie Can Say No
If a song choice or a performer's behaviour isn't suitable for the venue, Jamie may decline the request or end the performance. This is rare, but it is an option — and it keeps the night right for everyone else.
Very Long Songs
During a busy session, tracks that run to seven, eight or ten minutes — and yes, they exist — may be politely curtailed or swapped for an edit. There are only so many hours in a karaoke night and quite a lot of people who'd like a go. You know who you are.
Right Then — Go and Have a Great Night
That's the lot. Get your name in, cheer each other on and enjoy it. The stage is there for everyone.