OK Kareoke

OK Kareoke

Leeds

OK KAREOKE

venues, February 2008, COMMENTS

Rhen financial backers Chris Silverwood and Gary Wilson approached successful licensed venue operator Stephen Hawkins to spearhead an adventurous new concept, their common passion for a Japanese entertainment form provided the impetus for new Leeds venue, OK Karaoke. Launched on 4 December 2007, just in time for the Christmas party season, target-smashing levels of trade in the outset have continued into January, surprising and pleasing all those involved.

OK Karaoke brings to the north a venue boasting eight private karaoke rooms that vary in capacity from 10 to 40, as well as a main karaoke bar suitable for up to 350 people. The venue is born into the next generation of digital karaoke venues, with the focus on both fun and style.

As the man behind Leeds success stories Townhouse, Oracle and gourmet fish ‘n’ chip venue Battered, Hawkins had no doubt that the city was the perfect home for the first OK Karaoke. “If I didn’t live in Leeds, I still would have wanted to launch in Leeds. I think Leeds is very, very stylish as a city but very open to new things as well”, a statement that has particular resonance, as trade continues to flourish during a period of the year that is traditionally difficult and at a time when the market place has tightened due to political controls and consumer trends.

Set in the old ‘Toad at Firehouse’ building on East Lane, the site was chosen after several other potential locations did not meet the stringent selection criteria. Size and location were at the heart of this decision, as ambitious operating plans and market targeting guided the group towards this central address.

“We spent about 18 months looking for the right site. It was really difficult. We wanted it to be in the corporate side of Leeds. We didn’t want it to be in the traditional trendier area of town, which is Call Lane, because it would be difficult to get them to accept it initially. Whereas it would be easier to get the corporate guys to accept it”, explains Hawkins.

And accept they have. A backlog of December bookings has spilled over into January and repeat bookings have surpassed Hawkins’ expectations, reflecting the venue’s novel propostition. OK Karaoke not only sells food and drink but, in a similar vein to a hotel, sells space, generating a huge level of income at almost 100% profit.

Customers are caught in the infectious atmosphere that the rooms create. Each space boasts an Anycolour digital control system for customised lighting and the largest rooms have a box of props that relate to some of the best known karaoke acts. Service is a push of a button away, which means a quality drinks range that includes Asahi on draught, and a very reasonably priced array of Japanese delicacies can be ordered from the room. SPA Tills have fitted touch screen and hand held ordering terminals, allowing the staff to provide a smooth, personal service to each room.

“Every single booking that we do results in every single person asking if they can stay for one more hour, as even those who were timid to begin with find their singing voice in the comfort of the private room”, said Hawkins.

Currently occupying 4,000 of the 9,000 square feet available in the building, OK Karaoke is a sizable venue, with the potential to expand in the future. The main room is both a stylish bar and a karaoke venue, with a stage area positioned in a central location, next to the slick bar serving area.
Ben Huckerby Design had a five week turnaround period, on a project that threw up some interesting design challenges amid the ultimate aim of creating the feel of Japanese chic. The colour scheme revolves around pink and grey, with clean laminated surfaces adding to the air of digital cool.

Teabag Studios played an integral role, bringing graphic design to the interior as well as the external promotional materials. Custom designed Manga artwork and a huge digitally designed pop art piece, depicting highlights from the last 50 years of popular music, bring the room to life. The thoughtful choice of materials and addition of bespoke furnishings, like the custom seating beside the dancefloor, add detail to what would otherwise be quite a daunting space. Oak Electrical also brought in some interesting design ideas, such as the strung up lighting feature in the main bar, inspired by work carried out in retail outlets of clothes designer, Paul Smith.

From conception, the designers worked closely with Teabag to not only create the ultra modern feel but to ensure that the interior correlated with the venue’s branding, as Huckerby explained.
“We knew that one way of improving upon the competitors was to ensure that strong links were formed between the internal branding and the marketing of the venue, which required good working relationships with the graphic designers.”

Main contractors, APP Construction called upon the expertise of 52nd Street who completed the audio and lighting installations in both the main room and private booths.

In the main room Sony DVD recorders provide a playback option, as well as a revenue stream that has proven popular with those exhibiting their talents on the main stage. For £5, performers can critique themselves and take home a souvenir of their night. The energy of the room is heightened by four Martin Professional EFX600 lighting effects and eight LED stage lights.

The karaoke tracks come courtesy of an HP Touchsmart PC loaded with custom VK software, whilst customers have a choice of the Shure SG58 or wireless JTS MH8990 microphones. Martin Professional Audio speakers are installed throughout. The DJ booth has two Pioneer CDJ800s and an Allen & Heath Xone:42 mixer.

“It’s been a really, really interesting and fun project to work on,” reflects Hawkins. A flying start that has kept momentum into the new year, will be propelled by new entertainment concepts in 2008. The private rooms are to be utilised as mini-cinemas for viewing movies and sporting events. The wide appeal and non-pretentious door policy generates the infectious draw of OK Karaoke as it manages to incorporate both style and fun.

Words: Michael Nicholson

Images: Jim Ellam

From: February 2008 Issue

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