By Jessie Lehail,
Special to The Post

Typically, we think of karaoke - the Japanese word for “empty orchestra”— as a particular kind of social singing, usually with friends, beverages, and even car-pools.

Karaoke has attained a certain level of cool, especially as its stages are fertile grounds to reveal the stars walking dormant among us.

So what is the key to karaoke? Picking a good song, the right song. Thats what Patrick Dang, a Canadian karaoke champion, holds true.

“The thing to do is find music that perfectly fits you. Meaning know your vocal ability. Songs that allow you to express yourself, are believable, have complimentary tone, pitch, and rhythm. The act of picking a song to sing at karaoke is truly an art.”

Dang is a former musician, who put music on the back burner when he was 23 years old. The passion did not fade though, it just simmered quietly in the background while Dang became a successful business executive and CEO. Currently he is the President of Sprott Shaw College.

Then after 25 years, Dang picked up the mic again when he returned to karaoke. For the last five years he has been a part of the karaoke competitive scene, including most recently winning the BC Karaoke Championship in July. Dang will be representing Canada for his age category in the upcoming world championships here in Vancouver in November.

For him, karaoke is the epitome of fun. It bridges his talent with interest in fine tuning and strengthening his vocal capabilities. There is also a vulnerability essential to singing in public, a way to cut loose from the whirlwind of life. Karaoke allows natural performers like Dang to flow in the moment and display his showmanship.

He notes his top three songs are: Without You by Mariah Carey, All by Myself by Celine Dion, and Angel by John Secada.

“Essentially there is a science and creative meshing that happens. One must know the technical aspects of the song, but then there is 20% of creative free reign.”

The songs a competitor chooses determines how they come across and if they appeal to a wide range of ages and audiences.

“You have to be aware of the atmosphere, taking the pulse of the audience because at any given moment the vibe changes. As the performer, you must take into consideration who will be listening to you. This doesn’t change whether it is a panel of judges or your family and friends.”

Global amateur karaoke singers, like Patrick, are meeting for a fierce vocal competition at the 14th annual Karaoke World Championships in Vancouver from November 1 to 6 at Edgewater Casino. The competition includes divisional categories of Men's Solo, Ladies Solo and for the first time ever Duets.

Along with Patrick, other Canadians vying for prize and the coveted world’s best title include: Sam Plett, Allison Cociani Elenie Ketsetzis, Daniel Escobar & Melanie Dawn and Roger Feng & Heidi Joshua.

For more information and tickets visit kwcvancouver2016.com