OpenKJ + StemSplit

~15 min

Build your professional karaoke library with AI

What is OpenKJ?

OpenKJ is free, open-source karaoke hosting software used by professional KJs (Karaoke Jockeys) worldwide. This guide shows you how to use StemSplit to create custom karaoke tracks for your library.

Expand Library

Any song → karaoke

Batch Process

Process many at once

Easy Import

Direct to OpenKJ

Prerequisites

StemSplit account with API key and credits
OpenKJ installed (download)
Original audio files (MP3, WAV, etc.)

The Workflow

🎵 Original Song

StemSplit API

🎤 Instrumental

📁 OpenKJ

Create Karaoke Tracks

Use the StemSplit API to remove vocals from your songs. For karaoke, you want the instrumental output.

Create karaoke track

# Process a song and get instrumental
curl -X POST https://stemsplit.io/api/v1/jobs \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer sk_live_xxx" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "sourceUrl": "https://your-storage.com/Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody.mp3",
    "outputType": "INSTRUMENTAL",
    "quality": "BEST",
    "outputFormat": "MP3"
  }'

Name Files for OpenKJ

OpenKJ reads artist and title from filenames. Use this format:

Artist - Title.mp3

✓ Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody.mp3

✓ ABBA - Dancing Queen.mp3

✓ Journey - Don't Stop Believin'.mp3

Pro tip: Add a suffix like [KJ] to identify your custom tracks: Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody [KJ].mp3

Import to OpenKJ

Open OpenKJ
Go to Database → Add songs
Select your karaoke folder containing the instrumental tracks
OpenKJ will scan and add all tracks to your library
Songs appear in your database, searchable by artist and title

OpenKJ Database Settings

In Settings → Database, ensure "Parse filenames for artist/title" is enabled with the pattern: %A - %T

Advanced: Add Lyrics Display

For the full karaoke experience, pair your instrumentals with lyrics:

Option 1: CDG Files

Use CDG creator software to add synchronized lyrics. Name the CDG file the same as your MP3.

Option 2: Video Files

Create MP4 videos with burned-in lyrics using video editing software.

Option 3: External Lyrics

Use OpenKJ's lyrics display feature with .txt or .lrc files.

Tips for KJs

• Process requests in advance - batch process popular songs weekly
• Keep originals organized - maintain a source folder alongside karaoke versions
• Test before the show - always preview new tracks for quality
• Consider YouTube - use our YouTube API to process requests on the fly
• Credit usage: ~1 credit per second of audio (3-minute song ≈ 180 credits)

Full API Docs

Complete endpoint reference

Karaoke Mugen Guide

Home karaoke setup