Franco's DJing Journey
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Franco from Show Me Sound, a DJ with a unique journey in the industry. Unlike many DJs who start in the nightlife scene, Franco’s career took a different path—one that began at weddings and has flourished in that space for 14 years.
From Garage Gigs to Wedding Bliss
Franco’s story is a refreshing departure from the typical DJ origin. Instead of cutting his teeth in clubs or bars, Franco found his footing at weddings. After dabbling in a few house parties, he landed an opportunity to DJ at a wedding, which set the stage for his future career. One of his early breaks came at The Tiger Hotel in Columbia, Missouri, where he was offered as part of a wedding package. These early experiences were crucial in his development as a self-taught DJ, and Franco is grateful to the couples who entrusted him with their big day during those formative years.
Before DJing, Franco was a musician in a band. However, when college life at Mizzou led the group to part ways, DJing became his new musical outlet. It allowed him to continue exploring his passion for music without the need for a band.
What Show Me Sound Offers
Show Me Sound specializes in sound and DJ services for weddings, covering everything from the ceremony to the reception. But that’s not all—they also offer photo booth services and lighting, whether it’s simple up lighting around the stage or creating the perfect ambiance on the dance floor. While these additional services enhance the overall experience, DJ and sound remain the core focus.
The DJ Difference
What sets Franco apart as a DJ is his commitment to balancing two critical aspects: music and MCing. Some DJs excel at one but fall short on the other. Franco ensures that he delivers both at a high level. His MCing is polished and professional, avoiding the pitfalls of awkward or inappropriate moments, while his DJing is dynamic, with an emphasis on reading the crowd. Rather than playing songs all the way through, Franco hones in on the parts that get people dancing and singing, keeping the energy high throughout the night.
Choosing the Right DJ
Franco believes that the key to finding the right DJ is asking the right questions. It’s important to ensure the DJ understands the couple’s music preferences, favorite artists, and overall vibe. He encourages couples to ask for samples of the DJ’s work to get a sense of their style. A good DJ should be able to cater to a wide range of ages and tastes, making everyone happy without leaving anyone bored. Franco always insists on an initial consultation before anything is finalized. This allows him to fully understand the couple’s preferences, create a personalized playlist, and ensure he’s the right fit.
The Process of Working with Show Me Sound
Franco values transparency and efficiency in his process. He provides pricing upfront to avoid any confusion and follows this with an in-depth consultation about the couple’s music tastes and past experiences with DJs. After the couple decides on a package, Franco splits the invoicing: 50% upfront and 50% the week before the wedding, allowing for adjustments if needed. A month before the big day, Franco schedules a prep call to finalize the timeline and his responsibilities, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and the couple can enjoy their night stress-free.
Common Wedding Planning Mistakes
Franco shared some common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding, particularly when it comes to hiring friends and family for important roles. While it might seem like a cost-saving measure, it can create awkward dynamics if things go wrong. He also stressed the importance of asking enough questions to ensure the DJ is capable of delivering the desired experience.
Crafting the Perfect DJ Package to Fit Your Budget
Show Me Sound’s pricing is based on two factors: the duration of services and the amount of equipment required. The most common price point is around $2,500, which covers the essentials but can be adjusted depending on the couple’s needs, such as additional lighting or a photo booth.
When working with a limited budget, Franco advises couples to prioritize sound quality. Ensuring that all guests can hear speeches and music clearly is more impactful than splurging on extras like a fancy light show or a photo booth. While lighting can be fun, it can also be scaled back to fit the budget without compromising the overall experience.
How Franco Stays Sharp Off the Dance Floor
Outside of his DJ career, Franco focuses on staying healthy, which helps him handle the physical demands of lugging heavy DJ equipment around. He’s also an anime and fantasy book enthusiast, using these interests to unwind from his music-filled professional life.
Franco’s Path to Wedding DJ Stardom
Franco’s journey from house parties to becoming a sought-after wedding DJ is a testament to his dedication and passion for music. His unique approach to DJing, commitment to understanding each couple’s vision, and focus on delivering a seamless experience make Show Me Sound a top choice for couples looking to create unforgettable wedding memories.
Stay tuned for more features on the best local wedding vendors in our upcoming blog posts. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or looking for those final touches, we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Happy Planning!
– Chelsey