Michele StuevenOpening on Thursday, April 23, Mic Drop Karaoke is set to debut in West Hollywood, inside the historic 1922 building on Santa Monica Boulevard, the former home of the legendary Larrabee Recording Studios, where artists like Carole King and Michael Jackson recorded iconic tracks.
The project reimagines the storied space as a modern, upscale karaoke and nightlife destination, aiming to elevate karaoke in Los Angeles.
The concept was founded by hospitality entrepreneurs and brothers Leo and Oliver Kremer, best known for launching the successful Dos Toros Taqueria restaurant group in New York. Building on that success, the Kremers are bringing their hospitality background to Mic Drop with a unique food and drinks menu designed to complement the high-energy performance atmosphere.
Adding some rock-and-roll energy to the project is Stephen Jenkins, lead singer of Third Eye Blind, who is also an investor and brings his performer sensibility to the venue’s concept.
This isn’t your typical low-lit dive bar with dishes clanking in the background experience. It’s a two-story, 6,500 square foot, next-generation karaoke and nightlife destination that’s more like a concert venue, reimagining the traditional experience into a high-energy, performance-driven night out, built with concert-level sound, immersive lighting, and stunning design.
The Kremer brothers (Oliver left, Leo right) with Shawn Hibmacronan, the sculptor who made the “Macrophone.” (Courtesy Mic Drop Karaoke)
Upon entering the downstairs main stage, an eight-foot-tall replica Sennheiser microphone disco mic hovers over the custom-built bar. In the lobby foyer area is a host stand with gold tiles and light bulbs illuminating wigs and a display case with accessories to help get in the mood and encourage your inner rock star.
Surrounded by an art deco meets 70’s bar and red velvet walls, the main stage features lasers, haze machines, and stage monitors that point back to performers in the spotlight.
Upstairs, there are smaller private studios that can be rented out for parties. The individual rooms that can each fit from six to 45 have names like Abby Road and The Hit Factory, plus there is an upstairs/downstairs food and beverage program that includes everything from pizza to caviar service and drinks like The Pink Pony Club and Purple Rain.
“I used to be a rock and roller in my past life,” Leo tells LA Weekly during a hard hat tour of the space that previously was home to Flaming Saddles. “That’s part of what inspired this and what it feels like to be a rock star. I know the incredible feeling of being on stage, with the lights, the sound of music blasting, and the bass thumping. But it’s not about being cool or pretentious or too fussy. It’s all about having fun. And everything we’ve done here is in the service of fun.”
Located in the heart of West Hollywood, the building was originally built in 1922 and later became home to the legendary Larrabee Recording Studios, the vibe and musical ghosts of which the Kremer brothers say add to the electric legacy through a modern Art Deco–inspired aesthetic, blending sculptural curves and rich materials. The inside concept was created with designer Amy Morris.
“We’ve invested more in the audiovisual and theatrical lights than almost every karaoke venue invests in the entire venue,” says Leo of the more than $1 million project. “I think that’s what makes it feel really special. I remember in my music days, we used to say the lighting guy was the fifth member of the band. I think people underestimate the impact the lights and visuals have on your perception of the show.”
“We wanted to be here because it’s such a lively, exciting neighborhood, and we want to support the fabric of this community,” he says. “The reception that we’ve gotten has been so warm; people are so excited. I think this space has been vacant for so long that there’s real energy and excitement about something new coming. Karaoke is just a really fun way to come together.”
Rendering of the custom tiled bar in the main room (Courtesy Mic Drop Karaoke)