This is my review on Karaoke-Version.com, which is another one of my favorite options for generating good quality backing tracks, but can ALSO be used for creating homemade Karaoke videos and even CUSTOM Karaoke videos. Let’s check it out!
What Is Karaoke-Version.com?
So if you’re not already familiar with Karaoke Version, this is a website where you can buy backing tracks for vocals, customizable backing tracks, karaoke videos (with lyrics and no vocals), and even create CUSTOM karaoke videos with your own lyrics for your favorite songs. For all of these track types, you pay per track and then you have lifetime access to that track, so there are NO SUBSCRIPTIONS involved. So because of that, Karaoke-Version offers a great option to apps like Jamzone that DO require a subscription. Here’s a link to my Jamzone review if you want to check that app out.
Now the tracks that Karaoke-Version.com provides are REALLY high quality; these are recorded by actual HUMAN professional studio musicians . . . these are NOT just . . . cheesy computer generated tracks. And their library is HUGE with over 60,000 tracks as of the time of this review, and they are adding new tracks all the time.
Vocal Tracks
Ok so the vocal tracks are the cheapest option, so if you’re just singing and not also playing an instrument then you can save some money with these; they currently sell for between $2 and $3 per track. Since these tracks are intended for either lead or backup singers, you’re limited to 3 types of downloads:
- all instruments WITH backing vocals, but NO vocal track (for you to practice the lead vocals & harmonies with backing)
- all instruments with ONLY the lead vocal (so you can practice background vocals and harmonies with the lead)
- all instruments without ANY vocals
Backing Tracks
The backing tracks cost a little bit more (between $4 and $5 per track) but that extra money buys you a LOT of flexibility. Now, you have access to an online mixer where you can mute/re-mix whatever track(s) you like (including lead and backing vocals), customize count-ins, click tracks, and even transpose to different keys, so you can customize all sorts of stuff, and then download them so you have an offline copy to play along with, so . . . SUPER cool! And, just like with the vocal tracks, you can download unlimited copies so you can do what I’ve done; mute the keyboard part that I’m playing and download that version for me, then mute the vocals for the singer and download that version, mute the guitar for the guitarist etc.
Karaoke Videos
OK as you might have guessed, since “Karaoke” is in their name, you can also buy karaoke versions of songs – so you get a video with the lyrics scrolling by that people can sing along to, just like at a karaoke bar, so you can build a library and have your own karaoke parties for fun. These currently sell for between $4 and $5 per track (but there is no customization available; you get all the instruments, but no lead vocals).
Customizable Karaoke Videos
Ok now these sound like a real fun option for a party or special event. With these, you can generate your OWN CUSTOM LYRICS and have those scroll across the screen instead of the actual lyrics. So, this could be a super fun and memorable thing to have at a special event like a wedding or something. These do cost a fair bit more, at about $14 per video, but you’ll probably only do this once in a while for that special occasion. And FYI, unlike the other track downloads, these actually expire after 90 days, so you don’t have lifetime access to as many downloads as you want (but given that these are only likely to get used once, that’s not a huge issue).
Licensing (Backing Tracks)
For the backing tracks, Karaoke-Version also offers licensing options for commercial use:
Now you can confirm out all the legal details on Karaoke-Version’s website (I’m NOT a specialist ;), but the BASIC idea is as follows:
- Personal Use: this license (which is included in your basic track purchase) is intended for use at home, basically for personal practice – so if you’re using these tracks just play at home, or to learn a song to play with your band, then this is all you need (you’re NOT supposed to use the track as part of a live performance)
- Non-Commercial Use: with this license (currently selling for $25), you can use Karaoke-Version’s track in non-monetized content online (so you could upload a video of you performing with the track to YouTube as long as that video is not monetized), for giving away FREE hard copies, or for “occasional public / live performances ( non-commercial / non-profit events)”; to be honest that last one to me is a bit vague – I’ll try reaching out to Karaoke-Version and confirming whether this means I could or could NOT use their tracks as backing for a gig at a cafe etc.
- FYI: This license includes a .WAV file instead of the usual .MP3, so it’s much higher quality
- Commercial Use: with this license (currently selling for $95) you can use Karaoke-Version’s track in monetized content online, in digital or physical distribution (with some limits on quanity) and you can use their track in public / live performances
- NOTE: I’m pretty sure that even though you may be paying for a license to use Karaoke-Version’s track in monetized content, you will most likely still be subject to potential copyright issues (or more likely revenue sharing) with the copyright holder of the actual song; all the Karaoke-Version license is buying you is the right to use their recording of the song
- FYI: This license includes a .WAV file instead of the usual .MP3, so it’s much higher quality
Karaoke-Version: THE VERDICT
Karaoke-Version is a SUPER cool resource for customizable backing tracks, as well as Karaoke videos. I’ve bought quite a few tracks from Karaoke-Version, and will continue to do so.
Super impressed, and HIGHLY recommended!
Having lifetime access to generate as many customized mixes as you like into .mp3 files, buy licenses if needed and get an .mp3 file that you can immediately use is super cool. And, the fact that Karaoke-Version is a “pay as you use it” service where you only pay for the songs you want, makes it very cost effective, especially when compared to subscription models like Jamzone where you lose access to the tracks as soon as you cancel your subscription.
How Do You Get Started?
Just head over to Karaoke-Version and create an account (which costs nothing). Then you can start searching for the tracks you’re interested, and you’re off and running!
Test Drive Karaoke-Version
There are free backing tracks you can download first if you want to test out Karaoke-Version to see how it works. Look on the main page for the “Free Custom Backing Tracks” list and get started with one of those if you like:
To Check Out Karaoke-Version, Click The Logo Below And Start Jamming!
Piano Training I Recommend
I’ve taken a number of online piano courses; the ones I’m listing here are my favorites and I can highly recommend any of these if you are looking for some online training to get started on learning piano, or to take your current skills to the next level.
If you’re looking for the least expensive way to get started on piano, Pianoforall is a great option. It’s a unique course created by Robin Hall that uses downloadable eBooks with embedded videos and audio instead of a website.
This course is an amazing option for learning piano from beginner up to being able to perform; it teaches multiple genres of music and focuses on how to be a “one person band” on the piano. This course is taught by pro pianist Steve Lungrin – Steve has been teaching and performing his whole adult life and is a fantastic instructor and performer.
I took this course from 2020 to 2021 and it elevated my playing from a very basic level to being able to play songs in multiple genres.
Bird’s Piano Academy Ultimate Chords:
This is a fabulous online course from Arthur Bird at Bird’s Piano Academy. It will take you from total beginner to a pretty decent level of playing; I’ve been playing for 4-5 years at the time I started this course, and while the first half was review for me, the last half is taking my play to a new level. There’s a massive amount of content in here that will last me quite a while!
Bird’s Piano Academy Beginner Blues:
If you like the blues, and (or) want to ramp up your improv/soloing abilities on the piano, this is a GREAT course. It’s taught by Arthur Bird, who has a number of courses available on blues, jazz, as well as just getting started on piano. I found his beginner blues & improv course in 2022 when I “hit a wall” in my soloing abilities, and it really helped my improv and soloing in a big way.
This is a fantastic option if you are mostly interested in rock music. This course was created and is taught by Marine Lacoste, who is not only a fantastic instructor & pianist, but she is also a very accomplished hammond organ player – she performs regularly with her own band, as well as playing keys regularly for multiple recording artists on tour. I started this course in 2023 when I joined a band, and it is helping me greatly in taking my playing to a new level
If you sign up for Online Rock Lessons yearly subscription, use code PIANOTONE at checkout to let Marine know I referred you, and she will give you some free bonuses!
This is a fantastic (but pretty unique) online program for taking your piano and organ playing skills to the next level, developed by pro piano, keyboard & Hammond organ player Mike Little. Mike shares tips & tricks accumulated from over 30 years of pro touring, gigging, studio & production experiences. This course isn’t for a COMPLETE beginner, but you don’t have to be a super accomplished player either, to get TONS of value from this program!