Memphis has no shortage of musical history, but a venue that debuted earlier this year takes a new spin on going out for a night of songs and serenading. The Studio Karaoke, created by proud Memphian Deidre Ellis, opened in February and combines private karaoke suites, food, drinks, and a full-service bar under one roof.
“Memphis is known for its music, but karaoke in public can be intimidating,” Ellis told What Now in an exclusive interview. “The beauty of private suites is that when you close that door, there’s no judgment – just good vibes, good food, and good drinks!”
Ellis’ connection to Memphis runs deep. After graduating from White Station High School, she spent the next 17 years expanding her education and personal and professional experiences in cities across the nation. Her professional background spans marketing, hospitality, and program management, with experience in the international education, nonprofit, and technology industries.
In 2021, Ellis returned home to Memphis to be closer to family. After returning, she quickly recognized an opportunity to bring the city the type of high-quality, popular entertainment experiences she had enjoyed in all the other major metropolitan areas she’s been.
The Studio Karaoke was created with a simple goal of bringing more joy to Memphis through music and memorable experiences. Designed as a fun, unique, and safe place where Memphians could envision themselves on stage, it’s a spot that anyone can come and have a great time.
It features five private suites, each equipped with karaoke technology and party lighting. Guests can order food and beverages directly from their suites while enjoying their own private space. Suites can be reserved by the hour for groups of two to 18 people, while the entire venue can be reserved for groups of up to 75 guests. And with a sizable song library of 80,000 hits available, patrons never go without a tune they can sing to.
“We have to be sure we’re staying on top of the latest music releases and making sure our song library stays relevant,” Ellis added.
Crowd favorites from the food menu include spinach dip, street corn dip, spring rolls, wings, sliders, boom boom shrimp, fries, and a Memphis staple: a sausage and cheese plate. The full bar has a respectable selection of local beers, spirits, and cocktails like lemon drops, whiskey sours, and margaritas. Thursday nights host the venue’s All Night Happy Hour, with buy-one-get-one beverages.
Since opening, the response from the Memphis community has been wonderful. The Studio Karaoke has been able to partner with companies and schools, hosting several field trips, teacher appreciation events, and other gatherings, while a group of regular guests has formed its own karaoke club and returns each month.
Looking ahead, The Studio Karaoke plans to continue growing its team and hopes to expand so it can accommodate even larger groups. Ellis would love to maybe open a second location one day. She is proud to invest in the city she calls home by creating jobs, expanding Memphis’ entertainment landscape, and bringing more joy to the community.
