As a disc jockey (DJ), have you ever considered adding karaoke to your toolbox? Hear me out.
There are numerous bars and clubs where you can work as a karaoke jockey (KJ) to get people excited about singing their favorite songs—even if they aren’t exactly the next Olivia Rodrigo, The Weeknd, or Beyoncé. Plus, you’ll need your mixing skills to rotate songs even if people aren’t singing, so consider this opportunity a win-win situation!
Not convinced? No worries. Below, we cover everything you need to know about becoming a successful KJ. You’ll get great tips and insights for finding the right niche, rubbing elbows with suitable venue owners, choosing the best equipment, buying the right karaoke insurance policy, and more.
What’s a KJ or Karaoke Jockey?
A karaoke jockey (aka a KJ, karaoke DJ, or karaoke host) is a type of disc jockey or DJ. They play and manage music that people sing in front of a crowd, usually at clubs, bars, weddings, corporate events, sports stadiums, and more. They are also responsible for the songbooks, microphones, and other equipment, ensuring people enjoy singing their hearts out.
When asked what professional KJs love about their jobs, Vester Harper, CEO and Master KJ for Lady BG Productions, based in Houston, Texas, said she enjoys giving people a fun atmosphere to sing openly and comfortably.
“I like providing a safe space for people to let their hair down and have a good time through music and social interaction with those who share the same love for karaoke. [I remind them] that it’s not about if you can sing or not. That it’s all about having fun as long as they can read.”
The Best Places for KJ Gigs
Karaoke jockeys take song recommendations or match the right songs with a specific individual for a fun singing experience in a variety of venues and settings.
For example, like DJs, you can find KJs spinning tracks at events like:
- Weddings: As a KJ, you can calm those first-dance jitters by ordering the happy couple’s favorite songs so they can sing along and bust some newlywed dance moves. Even the robot. (No judgments.) After the formalities and cake-cutting, use your karaoke hosting skills to entertain while wedding guests celebrate the occasion with food, drinks, and dancing.
- Clubs/Bars: Karaoke mic nights or designated karaoke hours can heighten any bar or club atmosphere. Think of yourself as conductors in charge of the orchestra of great music—you’re there to keep people engaged and having a great time.
- Proms/School Dances: Since your audience has teenagers and adult chaperones, you must adjust your songbook to radio-friendly, non-explicit songs. Nevertheless, if you can get people excited to sing at bars, weddings, and other settings, school dances should be no sweat.
- Corporate Events: Looking to liven up a company picnic or Christmas party? Be the karaoke host that gets Craig from accounting, Diane from marketing, and Toliver from sales singing hits like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” or Lady Gaga’s “Shallow.”
But what sets awesome KJs apart from the mediocre ones? We have eight great tips to help you foster your karaoke jockey dreams. Let’s take a look.
8 Tips for Becoming a Successful Karaoke Jockey
1. Build Your Brand and Niche
Like any other business, you must develop a brand and niche. Do you want to be the nostalgia KJ that plays golden oldies from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s? Do you want to appeal to Gen Zs and Millennials, or would you only cater to international audiences?
Next, let’s talk wardrobe. Find a style that fits your brand and music with props like oversized sunglasses, tracksuits, wigs, glitter suits, and more to distinguish yourself in the vast KJ market.
Another part of your brand is building a website and having a social media presence. Zippia reported that 73% of small businesses have a website. If you want to get found online, you’ll need an online brand presence, too. Fortunately, it’s easy to do thanks to non-coding tools like WordPress, Wix, and others that simplify website-building.
Joey Gwynn, a KJ and founder of Bay Area DJ and Karaoke Event Services in San Francisco, California, stressed the importance of having valid KJ and business skills.
“Take a business class and a website building class. If you want to be successful in this business, you have to know how to get the business.”
2. Invest in the Right Technology
Microphones
Having the right mics is a no-brainer. You need high-quality microphones to belt out those lyrics across crowd-filled rooms.
A dynamic, handheld mic can catch vocals in a loud environment and give participants more walking room. Getting matching mics for duets, trios, or quartets is also essential for those who don’t like singing solo.
Some ideal mics for your karaoke equipment kit include Shure BLX288/B58, SM58, and BONAOK Q78.
Speakers
Projecting music and sounds across nightclubs, ballrooms, and other venue spaces can be a chore if you don’t have good speakers. Plus, many speakers are portable, so you don’t have to worry about lugging heavy equipment to every gig.
Bluetooth capabilities also allow you to connect to other devices quickly instead of sifting through long spaghetti cords and trying to remember where to plug things in. Some of the best karaoke speakers include Marshall – Action III, JBL Party Box 710, MOYLEAF Karaoke Machine, and more.
For more options, check out our list of the best DJ speakers right now.
Karaoke Software/Display Screens
Karaoke software turns your computer or mobile device into a musical library of songs. You can even use this software with display screens to showcase song lyrics.
Some apps allow you to change lyric fonts, colors, backgrounds, and more for an even more immersive experience. Songs in different languages and genres, such as K-pop, hip-hop, country, and more, can attract singers from numerous backgrounds and cultures for a truly diverse lineup.
Popular karaoke software for KJs include LYRX, Karafun, and Smule.
Gwynn said Virtual DJ was his go-to software of choice.
“Your system is only as good as the weakest link, so every cable connecting everything is brand quality. I personally use Virtual DJ as the software for mixing karaoke, music videos, and regular MP3s. The software gives endless possibilities for mixing, scratching, hot cueing, looping, creating an auto-mix, and organization for your songs.”
3. Promote Your Services
What good is being a karaoke jockey without self-promotion? Get on social media and post about your business. To show your performance range, add photos and videos of your sets at different venues and themes (i.e., ‘70s night, ladies’ night, a Christmas set, and more).
Insurance Canopy spoke to DJ insurance policyholders: 43.2% said they used social media to promote their business, while 29.7% said they used a customer referral program. Of the DJs who used social media, 83.9% used Facebook, and 41.9% used Instagram.
4. Build Relationships
Research local clubs and performance spots that best suit your KJ needs. Then reach out to venue owners via email, a phone call, or by physically visiting the location to inquire about opportunities and get a better understanding of the venue and its patrons.
If they have karaoke nights, attend one and observe how their KJs operate. Take notes. Talk to the owners about areas for improvement or how you could liven up the events with your KJ style.
On the other hand, if the venue of interest has never had a karaoke setup, persuade them to why they should hire you as their KJ. Talk about your niche and show them your website and social media posts that showcase your KJ skills.
What if you’d rather do corporate events or birthday parties instead? Great question. Network with friends and family to see if they know anyone looking for a karaoke host. Try Facebook and other social media groups to network with other KJs and people looking for KJs for ideas and pitches.
Once you get your foot in the door and you bring your A-game during those karaoke events, people who enjoyed themselves may recommend you to their friends and families so you could get even more gigs. Keep networking for more revenue and exposure. Consistency is key.
5. Hype Up Your Crowds
Being a KJ or any other performer requires social skills. Psychology Today stated that 7% of the American adult population suffers from an extreme fear of public speaking. Your job is to make others feel comfortable and confident in singing in front of a crowd, no matter their skill set.
You can get potential singers excited to take the mic in numerous ways, such as:
- Getting to know each singer personally (name and favorite songs)
- Creating a safe space for the singer (e.g., offering private rooms if available, taking the pressure off by reminding them they’re not on American Idol)
- Matching singers with the best songs for them
- Sharing a video or photos of their performance as memorabilia
- Singing the first part of a popular song, then handing off the mic to them to sing the rest of the song
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Travel
Zippia data reported that 38% of business travel is for meetings and events. So don’t be afraid to take your KJ skills on the road if you want to travel to different venues, events, or conventions. You’ll see more places and network with new faces along the way. Insurance Canopy’s DJ insurance also travels with you for better peace of mind.
Gwynn described the feeling of discovering new places in The Bay Area thanks to several booked shows.
“When you DJ inside Levi Stadium, that is something very special that many DJs will never experience. There are so many beautiful venues in Napa, by the coast, and throughout the East Bay that I would have never known about if I wasn’t booked for an event there. The Bay Area has endless niche venues and hotels that each offer a different experience and memories that I am blessed with.”
7. Protect Your Business with Insurance
As with any other business, KJs need to get liability insurance. It covers a range of risks, from your equipment accidentally scuffing a venue’s stage to a participant tripping over a cord while you’re setting up your DJ equipment. In cases like these, insurance can save you thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees.
Insurance Canopy offers 1-3 day event coverage for those who only perform occasionally. If you perform regularly, you can opt for our more comprehensive annual policy and get peace of mind so you can stay focused on your next performance.
DJ entertainer insurance annual plans include:
- General liability for third-party injuries or property damage
- Personal and ad injury for claims of false advertising, slander, or plagiarism
- Damages to premises you rent to perform in
- Ability to add unlimited Additional Insureds for $10
- Optional equipment insurance in case your gear gets stolen or damaged
In Insurance Canopy’s survey, 100% of DJs said they’d recommend our insurance to a friend or colleague. These numbers are tough to beat!
8. Never Give Up
Being a KJ isn’t just about being social and having the best machinery. Karaoke jockeys must also have grit, persistence, and high self-esteem. Karaoke, like other entertainment markets, is a challenging road to break into if you’re not prepared or determined enough to constantly sell and promote your brand.
Harper explained the obstacles of breaking into the entertainment industry.
“I would advise aspiring KJs to invest in yourself and your dreams. Take yourself seriously and hold yourself accountable even when no one else does. People often think of karaoke as a joke or not as reputable a service as regular DJ services. Don’t let that keep you from reaching for the stars. I’m living proof that chasing your dreams can be well worth it.
“As an African-American woman who 100% owns her own business, it has not been an easy road, but definitely a road worth traveling. Women alone face many more adversities, especially when you don’t have investors, business partners, or promoters financially backing you.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where Do KJs Perform?
KJs most commonly perform in karaoke-friendly venues like clubs and bars. KJs can perform in numerous venues and events, like weddings, corporate or private parties, sporting events, and more.
How Much Do Karaoke Jockeys Make?
According to ZipRecruiter data, karaoke DJs make $35,600 on average. It varies based on factors like experience and market (urban KJs are likely to make more than those in suburban venues, for example) and by state. The states where karaoke jockeys make the most are New York ($45,088), Pennsylvania ($41,286), and New Hampshire ($40,371).
Should Karaoke Jockeys Have Insurance?
Yes! Professional KJs need insurance to protect them from claims and save money on scenarios like burned-out subwoofers (~$4,000), damaged speakers and turntables while traveling to a gig (~$600), or rain damage on audio and lighting equipment (~$100).
Protect Your KJ Gigs with Insurance Canopy’s Entertainer Insurance!
Whether you’re a KJ with multiple gigs or just a few, Insurance Canopy offers annual and event entertainer insurance policies at $59 for 1-3 day events or $199 a year—as little as $16 a month. Most venues ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) and many require that you add them as additional insureds. Insurance Canopy DJ policy makes it easy to add additional insureds right from your dashboard, 24/7.
Gwynn, a current Insurance Canopy customer, said: “Working with Insurance Canopy has been great. They offer a good product for the right price.”
You don’t want to miss out on this great deal. Get protected today and keep your KJ dreams alive!
