Karaoke started as a Japanese invention, but has spread and caught on as a worldwide phenomenon. People have always loved singing their favorite tunes, and deep down inside, everyone has entertained the fantasy of becoming a rock star singing to a crowd. Karaoke allows people, for even just a small moment, to belt out their favorite tunes and pretend that they are singing live for a cheering audience.
When you have decided to graduate from your performances singing in the shower, it’s time to move on to karaoke. What better place to go to than the self-billed “Live Music Capital of the World” in Austin, Texas? Home of the legendary Willie Nelson, you may be able to find some place where you can sing your heart out, and if you’re good enough, maybe be discovered by a record producer! Here are some suggested places to look for in Austin.
- The easiest way to find one is to ask your friends from the area. Word of mouth is always a quick and efficient way to get honest feedback of the different karaoke bars in the area. If one of your friends recommends a place, you should ask what things they liked, and what they didn’t appreciate about the area.
- If you want a piece of history, you definitely have to try out the oldest karaoke bar in the area. The Common Interest, which you can find on Burnet, was opened in 1974, making it the father of Austin karaoke. The crowd is a mixed lot, with the loud, enthusiastic and sometimes off-tune youngsters and older people (who look like they take karaoke pretty seriously). The set up is just one huge area with a performing stage, and when you sing, you sing in front of everybody. There are even three extra mikes for your posse of back-up singers and groupies.
- Asia is the home of karaoke, so it’s not surprising to see a karaoke bar that caters to the immigrant population of Austin. If you try out the New Seoul Karaoke Studio near Austin Road, you will be treated to a place that offers both American and Asian song selection menus. Unlike Common Interest, you can opt to rent a private room, complete with open mikes, electric guitars and drums. This is truly a great way to live out your rock star fantasy. Just add groupies, copious amounts of alcohol and attitude, and you’re all set.
- If private rooms are your thing, look no further than Austin Karaoke, located in the North Lamar area. This establishment boasts of no fewer than nine karaoke rooms, some of which can seat up to fifty people! Austin Karaoke is open for business until 4am from Sunday to Thursday, while it extends up to 5am on Friday and Saturday, making it a perfect place to spend those all-nighter parties. Not only do they have these, they also have billiard tables and other things you can play while waiting for your turn at the mike.
There are countless karaoke joints in Austin, a testament to its rich
musical history. Go check the yellow pages, or even search online for a
complete listing of the different karaoke bars in the area.
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