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Karaoke: it's not just for barflies anymore
by Annie Baxter, Minnesota Public Radio
December 28, 2004

Karaoke enthusiast Hannah Ruegemer belts out a country tune, as her mom and friend offer moral support. (MPR Photo/Annie Baxter)

At the Wind Me Down Studio in St. Cloud, you can record a CD of your favorite karaoke tunes. But once you start, you might never stop.

St. Cloud, Minn. — Wind Me Down Studio's owner David Dietman played in a band for many years. Along the way, he accumulated a bunch of recording equipment that he stored in an empty office space. Dietman and his friends started using the space and gear to record karaoke sessions for fun. Back then, they referred to the place as "Wine Me Down Studio," because wine often played a role in polishing their vocal stylings.

But then Dietman got an idea. He could start a business recording other people's karaoke sessions. So he founded Wind Me Down Studio, where he sells studio time to people who want to record their favorite karaoke songs. He admits he's preying upon people's vanity. Once people get treated to the sound of their own voice, they become repeat customers.

Please select the audio link in the right column to hear more.

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