Before the reopening of nightlife businesses – which includes karaoke establishments – on April 19, 2022, there was silence throughout Singapore for two whole years, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prior to the closure of karaoke joints, heading to these places with friends was a popular pastime shared among all age groups. Now, what’s so special about the experience, you ask? To us, it’s a great way of letting loose and channelling our emotions to our favourite hits. Whether you’re able to actually hit all the right notes or not, one thing’s for sure: a good time is almost always guaranteed at these establishments.
Here are five places to check out:
1. 7th Heaven KTV & Cafe
If you’re constantly feeling peckish during your karaoke sessions, this karaoke and cafe outlet at SAFRA Tampines ensures you won’t go hungry. In addition to its choice of 15 rooms, 7th Heaven KTV & Cafe serves up a menu of innovative eats such as salted egg wings and lychee smoked duck pizza. Its spacious interior is also available for private events.
SAFRA members enjoy 15% off; more info at www.safra.sg/amenities-offerings/7th-heaven-ktv
Learn how to make 7th Heaven KTV & Cafe’s popular Mac & Cheese and Yuan Yang Margherita Pizza
2. HaveFun Karaoke
As its name suggests, HaveFun Karaoke is all about having a good time! With its locations at SAFRA Toa Payoh and SAFRA Yishun, the establishment boasts several themed rooms that’ll make you feel like a rockstar either way. The smallest room holds up to six people, while the largest room can fit 30 people. Snacks and beverages, as well as other activities such as darts and snooker, are available too.
SAFRA members enjoy 18% off while 11B holders receive 13% off; more info at www.safra.sg/amenities-offerings/havefun-karaoke
SAFRA Toa Payoh, 293 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, #02-06 and SAFRA Yishun, 60 Yishun Ave 4, #01-04/05/06
3. HappyK
Prefer to stay home? Rent a karaoke system and invite the gang instead! All you need is a room, a TV or projector, a working Internet connection, batteries, and a smartphone. HappyK’s Popsical Karaoke Package comes with free delivery and collection at your doorstep, islandwide.
SAFRA members receive 10% off all rental services with promo code SAFRA202210; more info at www.safra.sg/promotions/happyk
4. Teo Heng KTV Studio
No list of karaoke joints is complete without this beloved KTV chain on it. Known for its affordable rates and quality platform, Teo Heng KTV Studio is also famously family-friendly, with its strict no smoking and no alcohol policy. You are, however, allowed to bring your own food, so go ahead and plan for a feast while belting out the latest hits!
Various locations including Suntec City, JCube and The Star Vista
5. K.Star
Unleash your inner superstar at any one of K.Star’s brightly-themed rooms. The themes offer a wide range of designs that include bright pink flamingos and faux bakeries, or galaxy-themed spaces, depending on the outlet you visit. Food as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available.
Locations at Orchard Central, Suntec City and Plaza Singapura
Hit the right notes!
Remember these tips to sing like a pro (or really, as best as you can).
Warm up
As with any activity, warm ups are necessary. Your voice is no exception. Before singing, prep your voice by doing vocal exercises. During these exercises, you’ll want to loosen your facial muscles by doing gentle lip rolls or tongue trills. This is also when you want to hum and take your voice through its entire singing range.
Hydrate
Drinking plenty of water will help lubricate your throat and minimise the possibility of going off-key when you least expect it. Drink water throughout the day or session, as your vocal folds work best when they’re hydrated. Soothing beverages such as herbal tea and warm water mixed with honey and lemon will work as well.
Avoid smoking and alcohol before the session
These substances are dehydrating and inflammatory for your throat.
Don’t sing from your throat
The power really comes from your core and is supported by your diaphragm. Learning the right breathing techniques and knowing when to breathe between verses will help, too.
Don’t strain yourself
Know yourself and your vocal range. The last thing you want to do is to strain yourself and end up hurting your vocal cords.
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