So you need to let off some steam. While you’re at that, why not boost your self-confidence and make new friends? Across the world, more and more people have found a favourite pastime in karaoke – and many Indonesians have been following the trend. What makes it even better is that scientists actually approve of karaoke nights out, saying they’re good for your health because they help reduce heart disease and strokes.
Jakarta offers many different places for Karaoke lovers to sing their heart out, including Inul Vizta, Happy Puppy, d’Storm, Diva, Masterpiece, Lime Light Family Karaoke & Cafe, NAV and Glow by Melly Goeslaw. Take your pick, grab that mic and keep singing!
Rohandi Jaya Simanjuntak, 30
IT engineer
Fun karaoke experience
One time I went to a karaoke bar with my friends. I had a break in between and got lost! Everything was fine until I realised I was in a room full of strangers. I thought maybe my friends had already left, and new people had come in. “But why would they do that?” I wondered. After some time, they noticed my being there and asked, “Excuse me, who are you?” I simply replied that I had just got back from the restroom. A second later, I realised they were not my crowd. “I should get going!”, I told them and left right away.
Best karaoke songs
Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake, Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, That’s What I Like by Bruno Mars, Everlasting Love by Jamie Cullum, Flightless Bird, American Mouth by Iron & Wine, Fall Together by The Temper Trap, Wonderwall by Oasis
Dos & Don’ts
It’s fun and it’s social! Gather some friends. It’s necessary to show some confidence. Choose your songs wisely and make sure that everyone is familiar with them too. Get on with the vibes and rock it! Go wild, but don’t get too crazy. No matter how much you’re into it, keep the tools – including your mobile phone – safe!
Rizky Andrian Putra, 25
Auditor
Fun karaoke experience
I like singing (or screaming!) with my friends for sure. You usually have two options: private rooms or public spaces. Always choose the private rooms because karaoke should be private and you’ll also need some privacy to do some crazy things! Although I’d go for different music genres, one thing is for sure: dangdut never fails. I usually pick my partners who are good at singing dangdut to get higher scores. The funny thing is sometimes when you’re trying too hard, you don’t score well.
Best karaoke songs
That’s What I Like by Bruno Mars, Dive by Ed Sheeran, Reflection by Christina Aguilera, Payphone by Maroon 5, Malaikat Juga Tahu by Glenn Fredly
Dos & Don’ts
Don’t be afraid to try out all genres! Go with everything, from rap to melancholic songs. Dance like it’s the 80s, and most importantly, it’s karaoke, so go have fun!
Muhammad Iqbal, 26
Employee
Fun karaoke experience
Singing is my thing, be it in a karaoke bar or in the bathroom. In my view, karaoke is the best way to express emotions. It’s usually me who’d come up with the initiative to go to a karaoke bar with my best friends – in happiness, sorrow, love or boredom, we’re always together!
Best karaoke songs
Broken and Fall for You by Secondhand Serenade, Broken Arrow by The Script, Thinking of You by Katy Perry, Thank God I Found You by Mariah Carey
Dos & Don’ts
Some people believe soda is good to improve your vocal range. Have your playlist ready because time is priceless. Blend in with your friends even though you’re not that much into a particular song!
Agatha, 22
Accountant
Fun karaoke experience
What I like the most about karaoke is not the singing, but rather, it’s the fun and the chance to get together with friends!
Best karaoke songs
Beauty and the Beat, Something Just Like This, That’s What I Like, That’s Why You Go, Lost Stars
Dos & Don’ts
Not everyone likes karaoke, so stick with the ones who do enjoy it. Be bold with your voice, no matter how good or bad, just sing your heart out. Mingle with everyone and show off your positive energy and confidence!
Sekar Ayu Melati, 25
Linguistics consultant
Fun karaoke experience
For me, the best part about karaoke sessions is the fact that I get to sing my heart out and do it with friends who know and love the same songs I love. With the right people and the right go-to songs, I have spent four to five hours straight in more than one karaoke session and did not even get tired. I have also enjoyed karaoke sessions all by myself to repeat my favourite songs again and again.
Best karaoke songs
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Bang Bang Bang by Big Bang, When You Believe by Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey, I’m Not Okay by My Chemical Romance, Without You by Mariah Carey
Dos & Don’ts
Start your karaoke session with slow-tempo songs, and then build up the mood from there. You can also start with easier songs that do not need a wide vocal range or require too much power. Opt for songs that everybody knows can never go wrong. Do not order oily food as it can make your throat sore. Also, do not criticise your friend’s choice of songs — everyone is there to have fun and you shouldn’t ruin it.
Novia Rakha, 25
Guest Service Officer/Host
Fun karaoke experiences
Karaoke is more fun when I go with my parents! They would always pick keroncong and dangdut from the 80s and 90s, which I’m not so familiar with, but nonetheless it’s fun. The songs always end up sticking in my head!
Best karaoke songs
Despacito by Luis Fonci, Jatuh Hati by Raisa, Perfect Strangers and Mama by Jonas Blue, Too Good at Goodbyes by Sam Smith, Honeymoon by Johnny Stimson, Anganku Anganmu by Raisa & Isyana, Starving by Hailey Stainfeld, Clarity by Zedd, Wild Thoughts by DJ Khaled
Dos & Don’ts
Turn off the light – it’s good for the vibe! Pick your stage or room and make yourself at home. Make sure you drink water before you start singing. Grab the mic, play the instruments provided and have fun! You’re not there to impress people. You’re there to have a good time! Don’t be nervous, move to the music and enjoy your time in the spotlight. Don’t choose too many rap songs. Pick a song you know by heart and sing along.
Anneis Kusumaputri, 28
Kindergarten teacher
Fun karaoke experience
It’s important to have a good microphone, and then you can just have fun with your friends and go wild and crazy.
Best karaoke songs
A Whole New World, All I Ask, Joget Pahang, Terajana, Mantan Terindah
Dos & Don’ts
Keep track of time, order some food and beverages. Water is a must! Sing your heart out. The bigger the crowd, the better. Lose yourself in the moment but take turn with others. Don’t be selfish or sing awfully.
Miranti Kencana Wirawan, 26
Vocalist of Melody Group, writer, novelist
Fun karaoke experiences
My karaoke experiences always fit perfectly with my band. Our genre is mainly progressive pop, but sometimes we sing jazz or bossanova too. Karaoke is a fun thing to do with a group of people, especially with your friends. It allows me to develop my vocal progress too. Some of us are usually singing out loud while the others dancing or just snacking.
Best karaoke songs
Donna-Donna by Joan Baez, Kasih by Ermy Kullit, 500 Miles and Leaving on a Jet Plane by Peter, Paul and Mary, Melati dari Jayagiri, popularised by Bimbo, Thank you and White Flag by Dido.
Dos and Don’ts
You’re here to enjoy, so relax. Start with a normal song to warm up your voice. Never sing on an empty stomach, so do order some foods do drinks. If you’re in a large group, order some extra mics to make it more convenient. Don’t put the mic too close to your mouth.
T. Rivza Fauzar, 41
Fitness instructor
Fun karaoke experience
Karaoke is fun when done as part of birthday celebrations and everyone sings along to all kinds of popular nostalgic songs.
Best karaoke songs
Always by Bon Jovi, Carrie by Europe, Thank You for Loving Me by Bon Jovi, With or Without You by U2, Bis Kota by God Bless
Dos & Don’ts
Do it together with friends, take turns and share the happiness. Avoid smoking if you sing karaoke in a private room.
