Are BandTrax MIDIfiles Karaoke files?
BandTrax MIDIfiles are produced to be used by entertainers in live performance by not including an instrumental vocal melody line but rather providing a full musical backing to perform vocally with. Instrumental titles, such as The Shadows titles, will contain the instrument lead line as this is not a vocal performance part. If the word Karaoke is to be used in the strict sense of the word, BandTrax MIDIfiles are real Karaoke files. The word Karaoke comes from KARA meaning empty (as in KARATE – empty hand) and OKE meaning (short for okesutora) orchestra. Rather than including both the vocals and the music, karaoke tracks only have the music. The vocals are provided by the live performer singing the karaoke song by following the words in a book. This is why you will receive an accompanying TEXT file, where allowable, with each MIDIfile. It’s your choice to either read the words or memorise them, although reading them while performing could seem slightly unprofessional.
