Karaoke: questions and Band 8 answers

To be honest, I really enjoy it, even though I'm definitely not a natural singer. It's just a brilliant way to let off steam after a stressful week. I usually go to a local private booth with a few close mates where nobody judges your voice.

Not as often as I used to, probably once every couple of months. We usually organise a session when someone has a birthday or when we have something special to celebrate. It tends to turn into a proper evening out with dinner beforehand.

I usually stick to upbeat pop anthems from the nineties and noughties because everyone knows the lyrics. Slow ballads can be a bit awkward if your vocals aren't great, so fast-paced tracks keep the energy high and get everyone singing along.

Yes, it's massive, especially among university students and young professionals. You'll find private karaoke rooms in almost every shopping centre in my city. People love it because it feels much more intimate than singing in an open bar.

Not really, because my family didn't own any microphones or sound systems when I was little. I think the very first time I actually tried it was at a classmate's fourteenth birthday party, and I remember feeling incredibly nervous before picking up the mic.

I don't think so, no. That sounds a bit too daunting for me! I'm perfectly happy belting out tunes in a small room with people I know well, but performing on a proper stage would make me completely freeze up.