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Q: What inspired the initial concept or innovation behind Sing2Karaoke, and how has it evolved since you launched just over a year ago?
A: My partner Keith and I have been involved in the karaoke scene since 1990. Our journey began when we were asked to judge a local karaoke competition. That experience sparked our interest, and we soon started creating our own karaoke tracks. Believe it or not, we produced some of the best-selling karaoke content on VHS tapes during that era.
As time went on, our careers evolved. I established a successful disco and events hire business, while Keith focused on producing high-quality karaoke tracks for prominent companies like Sunfly and Vocal Star. Fast forward to 2023, our paths crossed once again.
We decided to collaborate on a new rendition of ‘We Are Family’ and, during this process, we rediscovered our shared passion and ambition to work together. Keith, feeling ready for a change, decided to leave his position with other companies. And so, in February 2024, Sing2Karaoke Ltd was officially launched.
The company has experienced remarkable growth in a very short period. We often find ourselves reflecting on our achievements and marvelling at how much we’ve accomplished. We are brimming with innovative ideas and are excited to implement them as we move forward.
Q: In today's rapidly changing market, what are the biggest challenges you face in producing karaoke tracks, and how are you adapting to overcome them?
A: We are committed to creating at least one new karaoke track every weekday, Monday through Friday. These tracks are then uploaded to our website, YouTube and TikTok. This process includes producing a 40-second preview of each track.
The most significant challenge we face is building trust with DJs. We’ve encountered scepticism, with some DJs labelling us a “scam company” and accusing us of stealing tracks from other companies. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Our extensive back catalogue, consisting of over 20,000 tracks, has all been produced by Keith, and we hold the exclusive copyrights to this entire collection.
Q: Sustainability is increasingly important. Can you tell us about your company’s efforts to minimise its environmental impact in your manufacturing processes?
A: We are committed to minimising our environmental impact in the production of our credit card USB drives and CD+Gs. To achieve this, we partner with a UK-based company for our manufacturing needs. This company ships our products directly to our office. All artwork arrangements are handled through email and phone communication.
For larger items in our inventory, we utilise a drop-shipping model. This means these items are shipped directly from our supplier or wholesaler to the customer, streamlining the delivery process.
Q: What sets your product apart from your competitors? What unique advantages do you offer?
A: We offer the unique product of karaoke backing tracks delivered on a credit card-sized USB drive. This innovative format is presented in a physical CD-style case, complete with a detailed track listing, a QR code linking directly to our website, and a link to our YouTube channel. For just £18, customers receive 50 chart-topping hits on a convenient USB drive, which equates to less than 50 pence per track.
Q: What emerging technologies or trends are you most excited about, and how do you see them impacting the future of the karaoke industry?
A: We’ve seen a significant increase in inquiries for karaoke services at pubs, bars, and weddings. It’s been predicted that karaoke will become the second-largest home entertainment trend within the next five years. As we all know, YouTube’s popularity continues to grow, and DJs are increasingly utilising it to access and select tracks.
However, relying solely on online streaming poses a risk. If the Wi-Fi connection fails, the night is essentially over. This highlights a shift away from DJs building their music collections on traditional hard drives.
Q: Can you share a specific example of how your products or services have positively impacted your customers or the broader community?
A: Our credit card-sized USB drive is packaged in a case resembling a standard CD case. This allows DJs to conveniently store the USB drive along with the included track listings, a QR code that links to our website, and a direct website link. This comprehensive packaging elevates the product beyond a simple thumb drive and provides a tangible, professional presentation.
Q: What are the key factors that contribute to the quality and reliability of your manufactured goods?
A: Keith is a highly accomplished sound engineer with a proven track record, having successfully managed his own recording studio. His talent extends to songwriting, and he has even achieved chart success. As a member of a band, Keith possesses a deep understanding of music. He is also a passionate advocate for new technology, constantly seeking to push creative boundaries and develop innovative ideas.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs looking to enter your industry or indeed a seasoned jock that wants to add karaoke to the service they offer their clients?
A: First, get comfortable using a microphone. You don’t need to be a singer to do this, but you are acting as a presenter. If you’re nervous using a mic while simply playing music, this will help you build confidence.
Back up your music tracks onto a reliable hard drive. More and more venues are now hosting karaoke nights, often during midweek or even afternoon gigs. This offers increased opportunities to work and, importantly, to earn money.
Q: Looking ahead, what are Sing2Karaoke’s future goals and aspirations for growth and innovation in the coming years?
A: Our aim is straightforward: to achieve significant company growth and capture at least 20% of the UK karaoke market. We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our proprietary karaoke application later this year. Furthermore, we are organising the UK rounds of the World Karaoke Championships, with the final taking place on Sunday, 24th August 2025. The winner will advance to the world finals in Bangkok in November 2025. We will be searching for the best solo and duo performers to represent the UK at the international competition. Additionally, we will recognise outstanding talent in a separate category: Best UK DJ Presenters. While this award does not include a trip to Bangkok, the winner will receive a distinguished first prize.
Q: Thanks for spending time with me today and it’s so exciting to see that Sing2Karaoke is growing so well. Where can our readers see you in person next, are you planning on attending meet-ups and expo shows?
A: I plan to attend as many meet-ups as possible. You can often find me at SEDA meet-ups. We will also be present at numerous expos throughout the year. If you are organising a group meet-up, please feel free to contact me at ian@sing2karaoke.com and I will do my best to attend. Of course, I will also be at the UK finals of the World Karaoke Championships.
A: My partner Keith and I have been involved in the karaoke scene since 1990. Our journey began when we were asked to judge a local karaoke competition. That experience sparked our interest, and we soon started creating our own karaoke tracks. Believe it or not, we produced some of the best-selling karaoke content on VHS tapes during that era.
As time went on, our careers evolved. I established a successful disco and events hire business, while Keith focused on producing high-quality karaoke tracks for prominent companies like Sunfly and Vocal Star. Fast forward to 2023, our paths crossed once again.
We decided to collaborate on a new rendition of ‘We Are Family’ and, during this process, we rediscovered our shared passion and ambition to work together. Keith, feeling ready for a change, decided to leave his position with other companies. And so, in February 2024, Sing2Karaoke Ltd was officially launched.
The company has experienced remarkable growth in a very short period. We often find ourselves reflecting on our achievements and marvelling at how much we’ve accomplished. We are brimming with innovative ideas and are excited to implement them as we move forward.
Q: In today's rapidly changing market, what are the biggest challenges you face in producing karaoke tracks, and how are you adapting to overcome them?
A: We are committed to creating at least one new karaoke track every weekday, Monday through Friday. These tracks are then uploaded to our website, YouTube and TikTok. This process includes producing a 40-second preview of each track.
The most significant challenge we face is building trust with DJs. We’ve encountered scepticism, with some DJs labelling us a “scam company” and accusing us of stealing tracks from other companies. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Our extensive back catalogue, consisting of over 20,000 tracks, has all been produced by Keith, and we hold the exclusive copyrights to this entire collection.
Q: Sustainability is increasingly important. Can you tell us about your company’s efforts to minimise its environmental impact in your manufacturing processes?
A: We are committed to minimising our environmental impact in the production of our credit card USB drives and CD+Gs. To achieve this, we partner with a UK-based company for our manufacturing needs. This company ships our products directly to our office. All artwork arrangements are handled through email and phone communication.
For larger items in our inventory, we utilise a drop-shipping model. This means these items are shipped directly from our supplier or wholesaler to the customer, streamlining the delivery process.
Q: What sets your product apart from your competitors? What unique advantages do you offer?
A: We offer the unique product of karaoke backing tracks delivered on a credit card-sized USB drive. This innovative format is presented in a physical CD-style case, complete with a detailed track listing, a QR code linking directly to our website, and a link to our YouTube channel. For just £18, customers receive 50 chart-topping hits on a convenient USB drive, which equates to less than 50 pence per track.
Q: What emerging technologies or trends are you most excited about, and how do you see them impacting the future of the karaoke industry?
A: We’ve seen a significant increase in inquiries for karaoke services at pubs, bars, and weddings. It’s been predicted that karaoke will become the second-largest home entertainment trend within the next five years. As we all know, YouTube’s popularity continues to grow, and DJs are increasingly utilising it to access and select tracks.
However, relying solely on online streaming poses a risk. If the Wi-Fi connection fails, the night is essentially over. This highlights a shift away from DJs building their music collections on traditional hard drives.
Q: Can you share a specific example of how your products or services have positively impacted your customers or the broader community?
A: Our credit card-sized USB drive is packaged in a case resembling a standard CD case. This allows DJs to conveniently store the USB drive along with the included track listings, a QR code that links to our website, and a direct website link. This comprehensive packaging elevates the product beyond a simple thumb drive and provides a tangible, professional presentation.
Q: What are the key factors that contribute to the quality and reliability of your manufactured goods?
A: Keith is a highly accomplished sound engineer with a proven track record, having successfully managed his own recording studio. His talent extends to songwriting, and he has even achieved chart success. As a member of a band, Keith possesses a deep understanding of music. He is also a passionate advocate for new technology, constantly seeking to push creative boundaries and develop innovative ideas.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs looking to enter your industry or indeed a seasoned jock that wants to add karaoke to the service they offer their clients?
A: First, get comfortable using a microphone. You don’t need to be a singer to do this, but you are acting as a presenter. If you’re nervous using a mic while simply playing music, this will help you build confidence.
Back up your music tracks onto a reliable hard drive. More and more venues are now hosting karaoke nights, often during midweek or even afternoon gigs. This offers increased opportunities to work and, importantly, to earn money.
Q: Looking ahead, what are Sing2Karaoke’s future goals and aspirations for growth and innovation in the coming years?
A: Our aim is straightforward: to achieve significant company growth and capture at least 20% of the UK karaoke market. We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our proprietary karaoke application later this year. Furthermore, we are organising the UK rounds of the World Karaoke Championships, with the final taking place on Sunday, 24th August 2025. The winner will advance to the world finals in Bangkok in November 2025. We will be searching for the best solo and duo performers to represent the UK at the international competition. Additionally, we will recognise outstanding talent in a separate category: Best UK DJ Presenters. While this award does not include a trip to Bangkok, the winner will receive a distinguished first prize.
Q: Thanks for spending time with me today and it’s so exciting to see that Sing2Karaoke is growing so well. Where can our readers see you in person next, are you planning on attending meet-ups and expo shows?
A: I plan to attend as many meet-ups as possible. You can often find me at SEDA meet-ups. We will also be present at numerous expos throughout the year. If you are organising a group meet-up, please feel free to contact me at ian@sing2karaoke.com and I will do my best to attend. Of course, I will also be at the UK finals of the World Karaoke Championships.
The full review can be found in Pro Mobile Issue 130, Pages 60-63.
