Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Carpenter
Hi Deanna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey through childhood and into adulthood was marked by adversity and abuse, but music has always been my sanctuary. From a young age, I sought solace in singing wherever I could—school plays, choirs, churches, and even in the privacy of my own room. However, a negative experience with a high school choir teacher shattered my confidence, leading me to stop singing for several years. It was a crushing blow at a time when I was already struggling with the scars of my upbringing.
In the early 1990s, while living in Phoenix, Arizona, a friend introduced me to karaoke at a local bar. Instantly captivated, I rediscovered my passion for singing and immersed myself in the karaoke scene. As my children, born in 2000 and 2003, came into the picture, I introduced them to karaoke early on. We attended family-friendly karaoke events together, where I would carry them onstage as babies and later sing alongside them as they grew older. Both of my kids developed a deep love for music.
While navigating the challenges of single parenthood and pursuing my undergraduate degree in psychology, I worked tirelessly, balancing full-time employment with my studies. Eventually, we moved back to the St. Louis area, where I continued to sing karaoke whenever possible, though less frequently due to career demands. Undeterred, I later pursued a master’s degree in public relations while juggling multiple jobs to support my family.
The onset of the pandemic during my daughter’s college years and my son’s senior year of high school prompted me to turn to social media for connection. I began sharing my karaoke performances online, which led to an unexpected opportunity. After posting about bringing my own microphone to karaoke events, I was approached to host a karaoke show—an endeavor I had never considered before. Despite my initial hesitation, I embraced the challenge and hosted my first show on Christmas Eve. I instantly fell in love with the experience.
Over the next two and a half years, I gradually invested in my own equipment and, six months ago, launched my own karaoke company. Recently rebranded as Generations Karaoke, the business has grown steadily, now hosting three shows a week and catering to various private events. It’s a family affair; my daughter has joined the team, and my son is poised to contribute his talents in music production and DJing, with plans to create and sell karaoke versions of songs.
What began as a personal passion and escape has evolved into a thriving family enterprise. We currently host shows at Barney’s Sports Pub on Chippewa and Hampton every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Saturdays from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., and at Hideaway on Arsenal every Wednesday from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
not a smooth road at all. Purchasing the equipment is expensive, finding the right software and computer has been frustrating. Learning how to mix sound on my own has also been a bit crazy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve frequently asked people what makes me stand out from other karaoke hosts and they tell me a couple of things:
1. The energy – I believe in having fun and not taking karaoke seriously.
2. Backup – I will often add harmonies and background vocals
3. Bailout – If I hear someone struggling with a song, I’ll jump in quietly and help them. If they are a tentative singer, I’ll sing with them to boost their confidence.
4. Friendly – I talk to people, remember people, celebrate their bdays, anniversaries, etc. I even have entire bridal parties show up to my Saturday night show after their reception ends!
I am so proud of finding something to share with my kids. Having my daughter running shows, my son making music, it’s just a great feeling.
What’s next?
My plans for the future are to continue to grow the karaoke company so I can hand it off to my kids one day.
Pricing:
- Private Events up to 4 hours $500
- Additional hours $150/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.generationskaraoke.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaraokeDeanna
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/karaokedeanna
