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Q: Are KTV song catalogs censored?
Why can't I find any Red Hot Chilli's or Sublime, but Green Day is everywhere?
I even found Afroman's "Because i got high", but I can't find "Californication".
And what about Muse or Kings of Leon?
I have been to a crapload of different KTV places and its all the same.
Are English songs at KTV joints approved by the government?
12 years 18 weeks ago in Arts & Entertainment - China
All foreign commerical movies and songs must need an approval by the government.
Because I have had great difficulties finding songs to my liking at KTV, I downloaded on a USB some of them, and I take them with me. Some of their machines do accept USB input.
And since I get a bit smarter each time, I am looking to replace them by going from records to videos on that USB.
thedude:
I have wondered for a long time if this was possible...but I have never seen a USB slot yet. Do you just bring MP3's or do you find the actual Karaoke video file?
HappyExPat:
Dude, not all have USB ports, but some do. Ask up front if any room has machine with USB ports. So far just MP3, have not found yet from where to download actual karaoke songs of my preference
Do they have Lady Gaga? Technically she's censored. But when it comes to entertainment the Chinese find a way.
I don't know sounds like it's more of a taste of music issue. If the Chinese listen to Western music, it's usually directed at prepubescent girls (INSYNC, Backstreet boys) or gay dudes (Lady Gaga). I can't picture the Chinese listening to anything that - combined with how touchy guys are - doesn't make me feel the queer shivers.
thedude:
My gf and her friends sing Gaga all the time, so it is in most KTV joints. I even saw they had Adele last time. Do you think the local men would dig some AC/DC?
KTV's only have songs that their main customers will actually sing. Being able to find any English songs at all (other than Eagles & Carpenters) is a minor miracle.
And do people go to KTV's to sing?
DaBen:
What? You can do other stuff at a KTV? Like play a bored game? Cause if so, I going to the KTV right now. I really want to play some Clue or Parcheesi.
Xpat.John:
I know for sure you can play the airport game. You can also get smoked very easily too. Well worth someone eles's dime.
thedude:
I have actually got quite good at digging for the good oldies and sing them most of the time. I wish they had Monopoly...that would be awesome...too bad I have to settle for hours of dice drinking games.
The Chinese like certain types of songs, but there's also the weird phenomenon that there are many popular songs that I have never heard of back home. They like oldies, which are ok sometimes, but not my favorite type of music. I'm lucky, I find a few Kpop songs. Even though I don't know the words, the music is very catchy and loud so it works out. As for censoring, they didn't censor Lady Gaga's Alejandro video, and that's a bit inappropriate. It was also the only Lady Gaga song at that KTV, which is very strange.
Strangely enough, 12 hours after I read this, we went to a KTV here in Changsha, and I saw "Californication." That being said, at this particular KTV, there is a very extensive English song list.
thedude:
Wow...I can't believe it. I will keep looking. Some places have more English songs than others. Here in Shenzhen, some have a lot and some have only a few.
giadrosich:
Yeah, this place was cited to be one of the best in the city. If I remember correctly, they had about 720 English songs listed.
