Live Karaoke Nights at Balcony Bar: Everything You Need to Know
Every Friday and Saturday night, something magical happens at Balcony Bar. The lights dim, the mic comes out, and Dundee's hidden singers (and enthusiastic amateurs) take the stage for our legendary karaoke nights.
When It Happens
Every Friday & Saturday
- Starts: 9:30pm
- Ends: Late (usually till everyone's sung their hearts out)
- Free to participate
What Makes Our Karaoke Special
Live Host
Not a machine. Not a screen. A real person running the show, hyping the crowd, and making sure everyone has an incredible time.
Massive Song List
Thousands of songs across every genre. Indie anthems, pop classics, rock ballads, R&B bangers - we've got it all.
Supportive Crowd
This isn't X Factor auditions. Everyone's here to have fun, not judge. First-timers welcome.
Quality Sound System
Proper PA system, professional mics, and lighting that makes you feel like a rockstar.
Most Requested Songs
Indie & Rock
- Mr. Brightside - The Killers
- Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis
- I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor - Arctic Monkeys
- Wonderwall - Oasis (obviously)
- Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
- Song 2 - Blur
Pop Anthems
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston
- Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
- Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
- Livin' on a Prayer - Bon Jovi
- Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler
Power Ballads
- The Power of Love - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
- I Will Always Love You - Whitney Houston
- Careless Whisper - George Michael
The Karaoke Journey
First Time? Here's What to Expect
8pm-9:30pm: Arrive early, grab drinks, settle nerves 9:30pm: Karaoke starts, watch others first 10:00pm: Liquid courage kicks in 10:30pm: You sign up for a song 11:00pm: Your name is called 11:01pm: Pure adrenaline 11:05pm: You're a changed person
Song Selection Strategy
First-Timers: Pick something everyone knows. Crowd singalong helps nerves.
Regulars: Deep cuts and crowd-pleasers. Mix it up.
Groups: Duets and group songs are encouraged. More fun, less pressure.
Showing Off: Power ballads and difficult tracks. Go wild.
Karaoke Etiquette
DO:
- Cheer for everyone
- Request songs early
- Buy your host a drink (they work hard)
- Sing backup from your seat
- Have fun
DON'T:
- Hog the mic (one song at a time)
- Be rude to performers
- Request the same song multiple times
- Sing over people
- Take it too seriously
The Characters You'll Meet
The Regular
Comes every week. Has their "signature song." Probably better than you.
The Shy One
Terrified all night. Finally sings. Absolutely smashes it.
The Drunk Confidence
Can't sing. Doesn't care. Having the time of their life.
The Surprise Star
Looks unassuming. Opens mouth. Everyone's jaw drops.
The Friend Group
Come together. Hype each other up. Leave as legends.
Perfect Pre-Firewater Warm-Up
Since Firewater is literally next door, karaoke at Balcony Bar is the perfect warm-up:
- Practice your indie anthem vocals
- Build confidence for the dance floor
- Get energized for the night ahead
- Meet people before hitting the club
Balcony Bar at 9:30pm → Firewater at 10:30pm = Perfect Dundee night
Check out what's on at Firewater: firewater-club.com
Tips from Our Host
Pick the Right Song
Know your vocal range. Don't pick Mariah Carey if you can't hit those notes.
Don't Over-Think It
Seriously. Just have fun. Nobody's recording for Britain's Got Talent.
Bring Friends
Moral support makes everything better.
Start Slow
Don't go full Bohemian Rhapsody on your first song. Work up to it.
The Venue
Rooftop Terrace: Perfect for pre-karaoke nerves Main Bar: Where the magic happens Downstairs: Overflow seating and chill space
Food & Drink
We've got a full bar with:
- Craft cocktails
- Local beers
- Spirits
- Soft drinks (for the drivers)
No food served, but grab something on the Seagate before you arrive.
How to Book
Walk-ins only. First come, first served for song requests.
Arrive early (8-9pm) if you want to sing early. After 10pm it gets busy.
Special Nights
Birthday Shout-Outs
Tell the host it's your birthday. Prepare for embarrassment and joy.
Themed Nights
Occasionally we do 80s nights, 90s nights, indie nights. Follow us on Instagram for updates.
Competitions
Irregular but legendary. Winners get bragging rights (and sometimes free drinks).
The Verdict
Balcony Bar karaoke isn't just a Friday/Saturday tradition - it's a Dundee institution. Whether you're a secret shower singer or a karaoke veteran, we've got the stage, the songs, and the crowd ready for you.
Every Friday & Saturday from 9:30pm at Balcony Bar, 48 Seagate, Dundee.
Grab the mic. Embrace the chaos. Become a legend.