KTV

KTV in Asia varies a bit from karaoke in the West. In the US, one mounts a stage in a bar, mic in hand, to belt out (or not) one’s favorite tunes to an audience of strangers (and hopefully some friends). In China, the KTV experience involves renting, by the hour, a private room with a group of friends. The room is usually furnished with comfty sofas, a coffee table and a huge flat-screen TV. In control of an enormous remote control (with button commands all in Chinese characters), one has the power to enter one’s own song selections.

The KTV room has the effect of a flashy living room, complete with glass walls, mood lighting, and often a disco ball. Just press the staff call button if you desire to make a pricey drink order. Correct me if I’m wrong, but from my observation, one thing that doesn’t appear to differ between Karaoke East and West is the odd selection of video footage rolling behind the song lyrics.