WEST HOLLYWOOD (KABC) -- The owners of a new karaoke bar have re-imagined the experience, putting you on stage under the lights, lasers and fog like a real rock star. At Mic Drop in West Hollywood, the venue was designed to set the mood.
"Full light show, like concert level sound, like big stage, this is where you go to have your rock star moment and it's a vibe in here," said Leo Kremer, who owns the venue with his brother Oliver. They showed us their hot new spot - based off their own research from karaoke venues around the world!
"W e've been to Seoul and Tokyo and also Helsinki and Stockholm. It's huge in Scandinavia," said Leo, who knows the rock star experience. He played bass for the band, Third Eye Blind! The brothers, leveling up every aspect of karaoke, from the audio-visual to the food and drinks.
"E very drink is named after a song or an artist. We've got the Pink Pony Club, a Bahamian Rhapsody. OLIVER: La Vida Loca. La Vida Loca, of course," Leo said.
Every part of the business was crafted with intention - including the location.
"W e had to open somewhere that people were walking around because it really changes the whole feel and the energy of the neighborhood and of the space," said Oliver.
" Right here in the heart of West Hollywood is like the energy and the self-expression and the community. And people come here to like go out and have fun. And so we wanted there to be an element of serendipity," said Leo. "It's not just how you sing, it's really how you perform on stage and it's been so cool to see that. At the same time, karaoke's not about perfection and half the time it doesn't go that way and that's great, too."
There's the main stage, but also 13 private studios for small or large groups. And what's quickly become a fan favorite - something called Battle Mode!
"E veryone that's here in the room can pull out their phones scan a QR code on the screen Join the battle and then you sing into your phone's microphone and you compete with every other person in the room," said Oliver.
Ideas they took from venues across the world - the mic stand, percussion instruments, wigs to buy, and the importance of a good K-J or Karaoke Jockey to set the vibe.