3-Questions

with Michéle Leidig

(Selfie)

By Alex De Vore

You know who loves karaoke? Everyone. That’s how local vocalist Michéle Leidig was able to work her way into our minds and hearts. Leidig is the go-to gal for karaoke around here, working it on Mondays at the Cowgirl (9 pm, 319 S Guadalupe St., 982-2565), Wednesdays at Boxcar (10 pm, 530 S Guadalupe St., 988-7222) and Thursdays at The Palace (10 pm, 142 W Palace Ave., 428-0690). (ADV)

How long have you been karaoke-in' it up, Michéle?
I've been doing it at Cowgirl for 10 years. I'd been working there at the time, back when the system was on CDs. They'd hire the host from the muscially inclined of the staff, so I took over and built my system. Then I started doing it for Mikey [Baker] when Corazón was still open, and The Palace was because one of the bartenders knew me through Cowgirl and suggested me when they wanted to do karaoke.

What draws people to karaoke?
In some cases, it's stress relief, and for some it's about stepping outside themselves and having fun. It's a quick way to be social, too. Whether or not someone enjoys singing in front of people, everyone likes to sing in the shower or to their car radio, and the next step is to maybe get onstage. It just feels good.

Are there any songs that you just hate at this point?
Oh, I've gotta keep my personal tastes out of this; don't get me started! It's not just about karaoke, it's about working in the industry and being around music all the time. Sometimes it's like, "Oh my God!" But I'm just a button-pusher, and people pick songs that mean something to them. I'd recommend for people to pick a song they know and you feel comfortable with, especially for first-timers. At these things, it's ultimately a very supportive group of people, and most of my singers do a great job.

Santa Fe Reporter

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