In Conversation With: Massaoke

Entertaining masses up-and-down the country with their epic, karaoke inspired nights, we grabbed five minutes with the Massaoke team to hear all about their upcoming events, where it all began, and more!

What inspired the formation of Massaoke, and how did the idea come about?

We started out under the name of Friday I’m in Love, playing in pub basements and handing out song sheets to the crowd. It was originally inspired by a Swedish TV show with a politely seated sing-along audience, but it’s an idea as old as the hills – a jolly good singsong. Over the years it evolved into the Massaoke of today, with big screens, big spandex and big party vibes. We’ve stuck some electrodes into the knees-up round a piano and jolted it into the 21st Century.

What sets Massaoke apart from the traditional karaoke experience?

It’s actually nothing like karaoke at all, because everyone is singing together. It’s more like that bit at the end of your favourite band’s gig when they let the crowd sing that big chorus a few times… except it’s like that for the whole show. At its best it’s truly magical, spine-tingling and euphoric.

Could you walk us through the process of selecting and arranging songs for your performances?

They have to be extremely well-known by the majority of people. It helps if there’s an instantly recognisable intro and a massive chorus. We don’t often stick around on a song for too long – we create mega mixes and mashups to keep the energy high and the crowd guessing.

How do you engage and interact with the audience to create a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere during your shows?

We see it as our job to get everyone in the room to shrug off their inhibitions, sing like they’ve never sung before and throw shapes like Mick Jagger. We have to raise them up with our rockstar energy and let them witness and share our genuine love for some of the best songs ever written. Whether it’s an 80s synth-pop classic or a noughties hip-hop banger with a dirty, stinking bass line, these songs are solid gold classics for a reason.

Can you share any memorable or standout moments from past performances that highlight the essence of a Massaoke show?

We were playing our Sing The Musicals show at a racecourse when lockdown restrictions were begin to ease up. The crowd had to be socially distanced by several metres, so it was all a bit strange and awkward. Our guitarist led an acoustic sing-along of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and – unbeknownst to us at the time – a huge rainbow appeared directly behind the stage. We were just wondering why everyone suddenly had started crying.

Image by Tallulah Fox

What's the most challenging aspect of running a live mass karaoke band, and how do you overcome those challenges?

We’re constantly developing the technical side of our show, to create ever more spectacular events. Creating lyrics and videos that work with a live band that doesn’t play to backing tracks is a particular challenge to which McClean, our VJ, rises with panache.

In what ways do you adapt your performances to cater to different venues or audiences?

We try to be slightly less potty-mouthed at family shows. Playing to a crowd of many thousands is a very different art to an intimate show with a small crowd packed in. The performance has to keep the attention of the whole crowd, so there’s more to be mindful of at bigger shows – you can’t just aim your performance at the front few rows.

What’s YOUR go to karaoke song?

Paradise City – Guns ‘n’ Roses. Good for waking up a sleepy room.

Photo by Rah Petherbridge

And finally, what’s next for Massaoke, and are there any upcoming projects you're excited about?

We’re continuing our London run in both the Electric Ballroom and the Clapham Grand - particularly excited to bring our 80s v 90s show to those venues in London for the first time in May!

We’re also looking forward to a spring tour of our Sing The Musicals shows, which will be hitting 17 regional theatres around the country. Then it’s festival season – Latitude and Secret Garden Party are highlights and Edinburgh Fringe in August is always a big thing for us.

Then we’ll be unveiling a new 90s v 00s show in London in the autumn… And then it’s CHRISTMAAAAAS again… Oh god, where does the time go?

Don’t miss out on a great night out and find a Massaoke near you! Tickets on sale now.