THE SPEED OF SOUND: HOW KARAOKE TRAVELS

Many invisible ribbons connect one culture or person to the next, but one ribbon that runs through us all is the influence of music. Every person has a list of songs that amount to the playlist of a lifetime. These melodic works of art have accompanied celebratory and somber occasions for thousands of years. What better way to immortalize this playlist than by singing along and sharing these memories through the art of karaoke? Karaoke is Japanese for “empty orchestra,” or as we interpret it, the act of singing popular songs in a nightlife entertainment setting over an instrumental-only track.

While Japan is known for its sprawling karaoke scene, Boston, Massachusetts is the last place many would think about jumping on a stage at a bar and singing anything other than “Sweet Caroline.” Owner Henry Wong and Head Manager Alex Vichienrat saw the need to bring the excitement of the Far East, to the East Coast. Vicherant grew up in the Boston area and has had a variety of experiences in the hospitality industry, ranging from managing a Mexican-style cocina to a Polynesian-themed bar, but his knowledge and perspective completely shifted when he began his karaoke bar journey ten years ago.

Together, with their parent company, Viva Hospitality group, they opened the doors to STAGE Karaoke, in Allston, MA in December of 2021. When talking to Vichienrat, he discussed that STAGE is “bringing what was already present in Asia, into the future here in the United States.”

“We wanted to break the stigma of karaoke and the dive bar setting and wanted to introduce more of the Asian nightlife scene to the American market. We wanted to showcase the future of Karaoke, and what Karaoke can become,” said Vichienrat.

STAGE Karaoke is a beautiful melting pot of futuristic nightlife mixed with a high-class Bostonian atmosphere. Over 100,000 feet of high-tech LED lights adorn the space. According to Vichienrat, many patrons have attributed the colorful neon setting as a real-life incarnation of Disney’s “Tron” universe. While our first impression is always based on sight, the STAGE team goes above and beyond to offer an inclusive and heartwarming environment, where everyone can feel welcome.

Along with their stunning display of visual stimulation, STAGE also employs the use of state-of-the-art karaoke and sound technology. The sound system carries songs in a multitude of languages from Hindu, Portuguese, and Spanish to Chinese Mandarin, Japanese, and Taiwanese. The company prides itself on supporting Boston’s diverse melting pot of culture on the main stage. While some are brave enough to stand up in front of a crowd, others may be more comfortable just jamming along to the soundtrack in a room with their friends, and STAGE is more than able to provide that setting as well. Along with the main stage area, the Private studio rooms are perfect for 6-10 of your closest friends to enjoy the movement of melody. Along with your private studio, you will receive the assistance and service of the friendly STAGE staff. The private studio experience is the next step in Karaoke, allowing people to safely gather together with their friends.

Although geared towards a luxurious pricepoint, Vicherant ensures fair pricing for their consumer. The target market for STAGE is the young

hospitality industry professional, whose unusual hours often have them leaving work when others are just pulling in. Catering to the earlier nightlife crowd, by the time hospitality staff are off the clock, there aren’t many places to go, have a drink, and unwind from the stress of their own evening. When thinking about the ideal STAGE community, Vicherant says giving these young professionals a place to play was at the top of the list.

“The demographic is definitely young professionals from twenty-five to forty years old and industry staff. We really are an adult playground,” said Vicherant.

Karaoke may seem like a breeze to the consumer, but for Wong, Vichienrat, and the Viva Hospitality group, finding the rhythm of STAGE was no easy feat. While the concept and idea came together with gusto, the implementation of service and opening doors took a long way, rerouting itself through the detour of a highly contagious pandemic. COVID-19 hit the team at STAGE, just as it had hit the entire world, fast and hard like the bass of a classic eighties rock song, shutting down life as the world knew it. The space, which was set to turn into a karaoke wonderland, sat dormant and empty for many months, while the rent bills kept arriving. The nightly power ballad blues had to wait as a new type of blues took over: quarantine. Eventually, like the pyrotechnics at a concert, STAGE rose up from the flames and finally opened and welcomed in the crowds.

“It was hard, COVID made people nervous to be around others but it 100% feels that restrictions are being lifted because cases are dropping. We are a group entertainment spot and you come to the venue with your core group,” said Vicherant.

Now, as we emerge back into the new normal, the power of song takes on a whole new meaning. The idea of karaoke can be frightening, but it can be used as an expressive outlet that helps us to better understand the emotional rollercoaster of life. The notes of a song can elicit those nostalgic memories of childhood where you always wanted to be a rockstar. These songs uplift our souls, and although it may seem a little corny, this “crazy little thing called song” allows us to connect with each other on a higher level.

STAGE is just a stepping stone on the traveling journey of karaoke. Viva Hospitality group has plans to send this timeless activity into the future, creating a chain of Karaoke Bars and Lounges across the Boston area. The group’s current project is creating a new spot on Tremont Street and introducing food into the existing venue. The speed of sound is three hundred and forty-three meters per second, but the reach of STAGE Karaoke travels faster. The next time you are looking for some late-night fun, try singing your heart out on the STAGE.

@stagekaraoke; stagekaraoke.com

Kiersten Brown