If you have been to one of our shows, we have probably met. My main job with Fun DMC is running the sound board.  But unlike many bands who use a dedicated sound engineer, that’s not the only job I have with Fun DMC. I tend to wear many hats both on and off stage. 

Fun DMC is a different band than most others in that respect. From set up to tear down, we all work as a team.

One of our greatest strengths comes from the fact that we are all cross trained to fill more than one role. I have often seen bands where every member is only responsible for setting up their own instruments/equipment. While there is nothing wrong with that, I prefer our method where we all help each other. It not only helps with our efficiency, it also provides a better quality of life for the band members.

Every member of Fun DMC knows at least the basics of how to set up our sound and lighting rigs. I couldn’t imagine how much longer it would take to just have myself or two people on that task. Having five of us working together allows us to save time between opening the trailer and sound check. Though we each have our own specialized roles, there is always at least one other bandmate who can fill that role in a pinch. It is never a show stopper if someone needs to be late for set up. For example, if Talon was kept late at work we would have his drum kit set up and sound checked so he could walk in as little as ten minutes prior to starting our performance and simply do his fine tuning on his kit. 

Last year, there was a time when I had injured my back to the point where walking was incredibly painful. My bandmates flat out refused to let me help set up for a wedding. The particular wedding venue we were working at is not an easy set up. It requires carrying equipment a LONG distance and up an elevator.  When I limped in prior to starting the performance, they had set everything up and adjusted the sound mix for the room. I was incredibly humbled that my band took on the extra burden without the slightest hesitation or question.

The mentality we have surrounding setup also extends into our live show and beyond. We all are willing and ready to jump into another role should the need arise. This has even included non-band or music specific activities/roles. We once had a wedding reception way out in the country. The photographer had gotten lost on the way. In order to keep the evening going on track I grabbed my camera (another hat I wear is as the band photographer) and took care of photographing the bride and groom’s entry. Not only did it help us keep to schedule, it also helped to relieve stress on our clients. There was another wedding where I ended up tending the bar while running sound. 

The most important way our approach manifests during shows is when a band member needs to leave the stage unexpectedly. This has happened before when mid-show a band member had to leave due to an emergency. Instead of everything breaking down, we rose to the occasion. The show continued with a few small adjustments. Our client was still incredibly pleased with the performance and has since invited us back. 

Tear down time is similar to set up. Everyone helps to get the trailer doors closed as quickly and efficiently as possible. There are times one of the band members has fans who want to chat or family who have attended the show. The band being cross trained allows us to give a bandmate the time needed to interact with our audience or client. Oftentimes, we even have friends volunteering to help (shout out to Mary and Mindy for being the best fans ever). When it is all said and done, we are usually gathered around the trailer chatting about how great the show was. We compliment  and build each other up.  I then attempt to lure the band into doing the hands-in mighty ducks chant (it has worked at least twice).

My band is an amazing team. We have all been through the ringer together and come out the other side as a stronger group. The mentality of helping others is a core value in Fun DMC. I truly believe it is what sets us apart from other bands and businesses.

My bandmates are also my band family and my best friends. Getting to work with my best friends every weekend doing something I love is an absolute dream. It’s that teamwork that makes the dream work. 

To see our teamwork in action, check out our list of upcoming shows!