Imagine having the ability to bring others joy simply by doing what you love. To make people dance, sing along, and connect with others around them. Being an entertainer of any sort is doing exactly this—spreading happiness by harnessing your talents.
The entertainment industry is a complex and competitive place. Many talented individuals do not get the chance to share their gifts because they don’t know how to get started and where to go. Enlisting the help of a talent agency is the most effective way to seek guidance for your career path, but thinking outside-the-box can also be a great place to start. There are many opportunities to get your voice out there and entertain the masses, it just might look a little different than you expected.
People are always on the hunt for emerging talent that will be the perfect fit for their bar, restaurant, or even their special day. Breaking into this type of role is a great way to get comfortable with being on stage and connecting with audiences who are hyped up and ready to let loose. Being an event-based entertainer also allows you to join up with like-minded individuals who are looking to get their talents discovered, and forming a group can help newbies find camaraderie in the industry.
Cover Bands and Event Entertainers
Cover bands are popular picks for special events as they allow listeners to hear some of their favorite familiar tunes. These types of performers are essential in creating an environment for attendees to feel comfortable in. Whether you’re a rock-and-roll enthusiast, a champion of the classics, or a pop pro, there is always a market for the type of music you specialize in.
Weddings are one of the most popular specialized events where cover bands can shine. Imagine being able to say you were the entertainment for someone’s most memorable day. Wedding singers, both group and solo acts, can earn anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 depending on their experience and the length of their performances. Highly sought-after acts quickly become crowd favorites and are hired for other types of special events.
Venues like bars and restaurants are also great places for cover bands to frequent. Several establishments bring in the same bands on a weekly or monthly basis, drawing in visitors who become fast fans. Claiming a regular spot as a cover-band at a bar or restaurant can help establish your name and get your music out there, often giving performers the chance to debut original tunes once an audience gets to know and like them.
The life of a cover band performer is often anything but typical and requires a special type of dedication, but the career path is one paved with memories. Popular cover bands can tour around the country or hit regular venues where they have an established fanbase. Many individuals in this niche find it extremely profitable and make a living while paying tribute to artists old and new.
Lounge Singers and Club Hosts
Being a hostess with the mostess calls for some serious star-power, and doing it professionally calls for some next-level charisma. Singers can opt for a singing job in lounge entertainment or through being a club host like a karaoke DJ. These solo gigs entail a lot of crowd interaction and audience engagement. Usually employed in intimate settings, lounge entertainers are experts in creating a cozy vibe for those in attendance. Their sets are typically jazz-based or slow R&B hits fitting for a romantic evening out.
Karaoke DJs work on the opposite end of the spectrum, most times hosting high-energy, hyped-up events that encourage audience members to get up and show their stuff. Both of these roles are great for a person looking for a singing job they can make their own.
Lounge entertainers are the in-house entertainment professionals that you’ll see frequently at a particular bar or club. They are consistent with their set curation and swoon audiences with their slow, sensual performances. This singing job calls for collaboration with the rest of the lounge’s staff, as lounge entertainers will occasionally remind guests to tip their servers and thank their bartenders.
Though the gig can be “freelance” in nature and call for a rotating schedule, many lounge entertainers are employed by venues to be repeat entertainment or the in-house talent. This job allows performers to be creative with their sets and try out different entertainment styles to see how they work in an intimate setting.
Karaoke DJs
Karaoke DJs are often employed for private events in place of a band, but sometimes they are the public entertainment choice of bars and restaurants. Some amateur singers like to find karaoke spots where they can test out their tunes, so a lot of establishments bring in Karaoke DJs fairly regularly.
Individuals who opt for this type of position tend to have a lively and fun-loving demeanor and are given the responsibility of getting the party started. They need to have the ability to make guests feel comfortable and confident, ensuring they provide a “safe space” to perform in front of a live audience.
Picking which place you feel most comfortable entertaining in has a lot to do with personality and personal preference. Are you more of an intimate setting type of singer? Or do you enjoy entertaining large crowds? Do you like the interactive aspect of performing? Or would you rather have an audience with all-eyes-on-you? You’ll need to consider the frequency of your performance schedule, how much of a profit you’re looking to make, and the amount of travel you’re willing to take on. The customizable aspect of being an event entertainer is what draws many singers to try it out.
If you think this might be a good fit for you, talk to our team at Discovery Spotlight about getting you headed in the right direction and making meaningful connections in the industry.