Family injecting $1.5 million into karaoke bars in Adelaide
Good singer, bad singer or someone who just wants to belt out Daryl Braithwaite’s Horses. An Adelaide family is committing $1.5 million to improving CBD karaoke options.
City
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Karaoke is hitting high notes in the city, with one family injecting $1.5 million into venues on Gouger and Hindley streets to meet growing demand.
Brothers Liuchien and Wesley Yang recently reopened The Voice Karaoke after a $500,000 makeover, and are poised to spend $1 million upgrading K-Illusion.
Liuchien says karaoke continues to grow in popularity, with more wannabe singers preferring to belt out a tune in a private room than a communal space.
“Karaoke is an activity that suits all circumstances,” Liuchien, of Burnside, says.
“People often come in to celebrate an event, people have come in when they’re depressed or going through a break up because singing releases their emotions and (allows them) to express themselves,
“Of course, people come in to sing in general to practice their vocals.”
The makeover plans for K-Illusion, formerly called K-box, include giving it a Vegas vibe to suit Hindley St’s party atmosphere.
A lounge that can host a DJ will also be created.
If approved, the work is expected to be completed by May 2020.
Wesley, of Wattle Park, says karaoke is a part of the brothers’ Taiwanese culture.
“Me and my brother want our karaoke to be a landmark in Adelaide,” Wesley says.
“We want to bring a safe venue … and create places where people can express themselves and have fun.”
As for the most popular songs performed at their venues, Liuchien says it is ever changing.
“I remember when the Justin Bieber song Love Yourself came out, everyone was singing that, but now everyone is singing Señorita (by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello) and Old Town Road (Lil Nas X),” Liuchien says.
Both venues host children’s birthday parties.
The Voice Karaoke is Adelaide’s largest karaoke bar and features a luxury Great Gatsby bar and 17 private, themed rooms.
K-illusion also has 17 rooms.
