Mike Welchel was the Bassist for Skratchn Band in Madison Wisconsin from 2003-2006.   He was our most experienced band member and loved the band Kiss and playing big hair 80s.  I'll follow up withmore on the Skratchn Band page in the future.  

​You can see it Obituary here

Mike Welchel is the one on the farthest left.

Today I learned some sad news — Marty Jensen, the original drummer of Skratchn back in the early 2000s, passed away on December 5th, 2019.  

Skratchn started in Marty’s basement in Stoughton around 2002 or 2003. That’s where the foundation was laid — just a few of us making noise, finding our sound, and building something that eventually became real. Over time we found Bob and Chuck, and later Mike, and the band truly took shape.

Once I figured out what a promo pack was and how to book shows, we took off — playing over 100 paid gigs and making a lot of great memories along the way.
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I’ll be adding more to this post soon, along with some photos I know I have of Marty. If anyone has stories, pictures, or anything they’d like to share, please feel free to leave a comment.

 Rich

Skratchn band played over 100 paying gigs in Madison WI in the early 2000s.  Skratchn played 50 Fridays at the Badger Bowl on Madison Wisconsins south side.  Sold out the Hody Bar in Middleton WI.  Opened for Madison County.  So many other shows.   Badger Bowl used to have bands every weekend in those days and we had become the every Friday band.  Most bars and clubs we played at paid $400 a night back then.  After sound and lights we all made $40 each.  Those were the days.

Marty Jensen the drummer is the second from the right.  

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 🎄

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas and to wish everyone a happy, healthy New Year.
This past year was a busy one behind the scenes — lots of organizing, rebuilding, and getting things set up the right way for what’s ahead. It feels good to finally reach a point where the work is done, things are stable, and it’s time to let everything run as intended.

If you’ve followed Madtown Sound over the years, thank you. Whether you’ve been here from the DJ days, the karaoke years, or you’re just checking things out now, I appreciate the support more than you know.
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Here’s to a calm end to the year, good food, good company, and a strong start to the next one.

See you in the New Year 🍻
— Rich

​🎤 Big News — A New Project is On the Way! 🚀Hey everyone!

It’s been a while since my last blog post, but I’ve got something worth sharing — and it’s a big one. 💥
After years of planning, testing ideas, and waiting for the right moment… I’m finally building something I’ve wanted to create for a long time:
👉 KaraokeNearYou.com — a national website to help people find 🎶 Karaoke shows, DJs, KJs, and venues across the country.
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The landing page is almost finished, and I’ve got to say — it’s been fun, challenging, and a little insane 🤪 putting this project together. Every decision seems huge, and every piece matters, but that’s what makes it exciting.

This isn’t just some side project — it’s a full-scale push to build something better than the outdated, boring directories that are out there now. 🕸️

🧭 My mission?
​✅ Up-to-date listings
✅ A clean, easy-to-use site
✅ Something that actually feels fun to visit — because Karaoke should be fun 🎤😄
If you're a DJ, KJ, singer, or bar owner 🎧🎙️🍻 and you have (or know of) a Karaoke show in your town, I'd love for you to list it on the site once it goes live.

We’re aiming to launch in June 2025 🗓️ — and I’ll keep posting here with updates so you can tag along for the ride. Maybe even reread one or two of these posts… hey, I can dream. 😆

Thanks for reading — and thanks for all the support through the years 🙏
Let’s see where this next adventure takes us. 🎶🌟
— Rich

I will no longer be providing recurring weekly bar Karaoke services. I appreciate all the supporters and singers out there that have come out and shared their time with me throughout the years.    

It's been a long time since I started out hosting what I thought was a new/better kind of Karaoke Show in and around Madison, Wisconsin.  I vividly remember my first Karaoke show and it still feels like that Saturday night in Stoughton was a just a few days ago.   

It didn't take long, a couple years maybe, and I had more weekly Karaoke shows in Madison than anyone.  I am very proud of the many shows I've produced over the last 17 years and I have no regrets.  I remember everything, good and bad.
 
A lot of things have changed since those days.  Karaoke crowds have changed.  Going out to bars has changed.  

Unfortunately, just a few years ago we took an 18 month break due to Covid starting in 2020. I lost a lot of friends and singers through that difficult time.  I miss all the regulars, singers and supporters that are no longer with us.   

Since 2018 I've taken a back seat to the other guys on the Madtown Sound team as they did most of the Karaoke shows and I played the back-up guy role.  I considered myself retired from Karaoke and focused only on Wedding receptions, the larger DJ shows and stage work.  

I am still providing Mobile DJ Services.  Party, Wedding, and Events.  2024 is busy with  events booked already and I'm excited about my future shows and amazing Venue's I'm booked at.  I'm happy to still be performing on stage and hearing a crowd applaud never gets old.  

I'm working on a different live show.  Coming soon.  Check back often.
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Again, Thanks! 
​Rich

Madtown Sound Karaoke Show is at the Varsity Bar & Grill this Saturday with DJ Shane hosting.  Come on out and have some fun and sing!

Happy Friday!

​ From Big Stage events to back yard Birthday Parties, Retirement Parties, and even on the Boat parties,  we've got you covered.  When you need a Professional DJ for any size Event contact us!

Come on out to the Varsity Bar & Grill this evening!  I'll be hosting Karaoke for a few hours so come on out to Sun Praire and have some fun!