Billy Goat Karaoke

Pro

Pricing: From $1,200Category: Karaoke HireLocation: Sydney-wide

Highlights

Hosted by karaoke DJ Thommo, with close to 20 years of hosting behind him
PA, lights, song books, request slips and a singer's lyrics screen all supplied
Three hours of hosted karaoke at private and corporate functions from $1,200 plus GST

About Billy Goat Karaoke

Billy Goat Karaoke is a one-man hosted karaoke service run by a karaoke DJ who goes by Thommo, with close to twenty years behind the microphone. The difference between this and hiring a machine is the host: he manages the running order, reads the room and works to get first-timers up singing rather than simply cueing tracks. His stated approach is that everyone should feel welcome, that every performer has something to give, and that the night works when singers feel like rock stars. He only takes a song himself if nobody else is in the queue. There are two ways to book him. Private and corporate functions are one-off shows running three hours, with extra half-hour blocks available if the queue keeps growing. Venues booking a public karaoke night pay a lower show fee, and for those Thommo also handles the promotion, running paid social ads for every show, sharing them to local groups and supplying customised A2, A3 and A4 posters. He currently runs regular shows at Boyles Sutherland Hotel, Surfboat Brewery at Warriewood, Wests Illawarra at Unanderra, Moss Vale Services Club and the Katoomba Family Hotel. All the gear comes with him: a PA system, lights, a lyrics screen for whoever is singing, song books, request slips, pens and props. The one thing he asks the venue for is a large TV or projector so the audience can follow the lyrics as well, and if there isn't one he can bring a 42 inch screen for a small extra fee. Requests go in on paper slips handed up to the stage, the rotation is one song per person per round, and the song list is published online with additions usually possible if you ask early in the week.

Inclusions & amenities

Entertainment type

Karaoke HireMCs/Hosts

Budget

$$$ (Higher)

Pricing

Private and corporate functions are $1,200 plus GST for the first three hours, with extra time at $200 plus GST per 30 minutes. Venues booking a public karaoke show pay $595 including GST for the first three hours, with extra time at $88 including GST per 30 minutes, and venues new to Billy Goat Karaoke who book more than one date get 50 percent off the second show. Travel is $55 including GST per hour round trip from Elanora Heights, with tolls and parking added as required. If the venue has no large TV or projector for audience lyrics, a 42 inch screen is $22 including GST.

Performance Details

Shows run three hours as standard, with extra 30 minute blocks available if singers are still queuing. Thommo brings a PA system, lights, a lyrics screen for the person singing, song books, request slips, pens and props, and sets up in the space you provide. The venue supplies a large TV or projector so the audience can sing along, or he can bring a 42 inch screen. Singers write their name, song and artist on a slip and hand it up to the stage; the rotation is one song per person per round, and a duet or group number counts as that round's song for everyone on stage. The full song list is published on his site, and songs that aren't on it can usually be added if you ask early in the week. Travel time is charged round trip from Elanora Heights on the Northern Beaches.

Frequently asked questions

What is included when you book Billy Goat Karaoke?

Thommo supplies the PA system, lights, a lyrics screen for whoever is singing, song books, request slips, pens and props. You supply the venue. He also asks for a large TV or projector so the audience can read the lyrics too, and if there isn't one he can bring a 42 inch screen for $22 including GST.

How long does a show run?

Private and corporate bookings cover the first three hours. Extra time is available in 30 minute blocks, charged at $200 plus GST for functions and $88 including GST for venue shows, so you can keep going while singers are still in the queue.

How much does it cost?

A private or corporate function is $1,200 plus GST for the first three hours. A venue booking a public karaoke show pays $595 including GST for the first three hours. Travel is $55 including GST per hour round trip from Elanora Heights, and tolls and parking are added as required.

Which areas does he travel to?

Sydney and the Northern Beaches, Wollongong and the Illawarra, the Blue Mountains including Katoomba, the Southern Highlands around Moss Vale, and the NSW South Coast. Travel time is charged by the hour, round trip from Elanora Heights.

Can I hire just the karaoke gear without a host?

No. Billy Goat Karaoke is a hosted service only, so the equipment always comes with Thommo running the show. He also cannot play songs brought in on a USB stick or streamed from YouTube, as he is not licensed to do that.

Areas we service

Northern BeachesInner WestMacarthurSutherland ShireNorth ShoreEastern SuburbsSouth West SydneyHawkesburySouthern SydneyWestern SydneyHills DistrictSydney CBD & Surrounds