The Latest Thing · There's a star inside you

And, if you wish, shine to the rhythms of rock, pop and disco classics at the most hilarious and cultish "indie karaoke" in existence.

--------------------------

Text and ohotos: Mónica Escudero Coordination: Rafa Rodriguez 

We hear of the most famous guitar riffs of all time. Above, onstage, smoke and two long-haired guys going crazy on an (inflatable) guitar. Below, on the main floor or at the foot of the dance floor, a very dedicated audience that shouts and sings choruses as if their lives depended on it. It could be Glastonbury, Woodstock or the FIB itself and the protagonists, Nirvana or Guns N'Roses. but, in reality, a similar scene is happening at Sidecar (Barcelona) or at El Sol (Madrid) and the dedicated singers could be anyone present there, including you.

Welcome to Anti-Karaoke, an invention born of the restless mind of Rachel Arieff, who is what is known as "a woman of weapons" (sic): with an imposing physique, a disquieting look -- "almost always armed with pieces bought in shops of whores and transvestites" she says casually -- and an overwhelming stage presence capable of filling even the most naked space. Arieff still defines herself as "a comedian from the US who lives in Spain, an immigrant who does a comedy show", of course the world has long known that she is much more than that, thanks to her indie karaoke version. "I thought of putting it on because, in this country, karaoke is very boring. I wanted a theatrical one, where people could sing international rock and pop songs and let loose without being punished for it." In other words: the show for the show's sake. "There are people who don't sing well, but they turn out to be great performers. And here the most important thing is freshness and interaction with the audience." Needless to say, each AK evening is an accumulation of anecdotes, one each crazier, like that of that couple who was going to get married the next day and didn't have time to get on stage to sing Queen's Somebody to Love. "I was very moved," recalls Arieff who, in addition to singing, acts as a mistress of ceremonies: memorable is the moment when she waters her thirsty disciples with a bottle of bourbon.

Screaming the "greatest hits"

From Sinatra's "New York, New York" to Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire", passing through Kim Wilde's "Kids in America" ​​which has become the signal of the end of the party (Rachel usually then flies across the room carried by her very dedicated audience), the selection of super-hits is made up of well-known classics, "because this way no one is left out of the game and, if my throat destroyed, I pass the microphone to them and I rest a little," continues the MC. Wigs, feather boas, hats and other ad hoc accessories for everyone. Of course, don't think that these are just amateur stars: quite a few professionals, passing through Barcelona or Madrid on their tours, love to be seen at the AK. "The Royal Crown Revue leader, Eddie Nichols, came recently and got excited about 'Ring of Fire'. And it's possible that Sebastian Bach from Skidrow will appear shortly," Rachel announces. "More than one has gotten scared to go onstage after seeing the level of the participants." And now that she has extended her delirious emporium to the capital, what dream does Miss Arieff have left to fulfill in Spain? "Doing my comedy show, How to Be Happy All the Time, also in Madrid regularly. That would be amazing." Well, amen to that.