The Approximators: Your shot at fronting a band
Hamilton-based live-karaoke band The Approximators will be celebrating their third anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Ooey Gooey’s in Hamilton’s Hess Village, where they recently kicked off a monthly residency that extends right to the end of 2026 (and maybe beyond). In live-band karaoke, people sign up to sing a song, get onstage with the band, and become an instant rock star, while the crowd dances and sings along.
Here, Approximators emcee Amy Jones talks about the evolution of the band, and what makes an Approximator live-karaoke party so special — even for people too shy to get onstage.
The first-ever performance by The Approximators was at the Sharp Words Literary Cabaret in February 2023. Local author Amy Jones was one of the first people to sing with the band.
When I got up there on that stage, it was an even bigger rush than I expected. I’ll honestly never forget it. Everyone in the band was so kind and welcoming, and never made me feel weird or awkward. As someone who grew up sitting on the sidelines on grungy couches in garages watching boys play in bands and wishing it was me, that really meant a lot to me. For everyone who came to the band’s early shows, it felt like we were a part of something special. And even though the shows have grown so much since then, that part hasn’t changed. There’s an active element to live-band karaoke that isn’t necessarily there with a regular cover band. As an audience member, you’re not just passively listening to professionals doing their thing. The person on stage could be you, could be anyone, and because of that, you root for them a little more, you’re more invested in their success.
I later jumped at the chance to become the emcee because I love any chance to be the centre of attention, but also the idea of being able to collaborate with everyone in the band — which includes Tom Shea on guitar, Annie Shaw on keyboards, Seb Farias on bass, and Nathan Whitlock on drums — really sealed the deal. I saw how I could fit into the mix, how I could help make the parties even more fun.
Best part of an Approximators party
I honestly, deeply, to the bottom of my soul, love watching people up there finding their voice. There’s always a moment when a singer finds their footing in a song, and it’s like you can see all their anxiety just melt away. To give people that moment of joy in the middle of all the terrible things that are happening in the world is exactly why we do this. Though I also really love it when things go completely off the rails, when something completely unexpected happens, and we’re all witnessing the total chaotic glory of live-band karaoke unfold in front of us.
Shy folks need not fear
The one thing I always tell people who are thinking about coming out to a show is that we are never, ever, ever going to make anyone do anything they don’t want to do. But if you do want to get up there, and you’re feeling anxious about it, you’re not going to find a kinder, more supportive audience anywhere on the planet. The crowd is going to cheer for you whatever happens, because “whatever happens” is part of the fun. We work hard to make people feel safe to be themselves, and as a band, we all check our egos at the door and focus entirely on making sure every single person who gets onstage has a good experience. That’s the only thing that matters, and I kind of really love the fact that we are all one hundred per cent united in that goal.
The art of picking “the right song.”
I get most excited when people pick the songs that either really get the crowd pumped and have some high drama. I love it when people pick Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” and I love it when people pick Miley Cyrus’s “Wrecking Ball.” But I also love it when someone picks something I never would have expected and really wows the crowd. The band and I will always be there to help if you get lost, but honestly, if you’re doing “Pink Pony Club” close to midnight, you’re not going to need us, because everyone in the audience will be scream-singing along.
The Approximators celebrate their third birthday at Ooey Gooey’s (107 George St. in Hess Village) on Saturday, Feb. 28. Click here for info and advance tickets.
