New owner takes over Yowza Music Services

Joe Carlson had been involved in music from a very young age. So when the Emo-based business of Yowza DJ & Music Services went up for sale earlier this year, he couldn’t resist putting in an offer.
“I had the experience and knew it was something I loved to do,” said the thirtysomething, who grew up in Devlin. “Music is important. It sets the tones and themes of any event.”
Aside from the various music lessons he took in his younger days, such as singing, guitar, piano, and tuba, Carlson also had worked steadily as a bar DJ for the past three years.
“But I’ve been dee-jaying for longer than that,” he stressed. “I started when I was 13 years old just doing a few small events.
“Music is just something I’ve always done,” Carlson added. “It’s an integral part of society. It can make you laugh, make you cry, excite you or calm you down.
“And I like being a part of that.”
Carlson took over the business in mid-June from former owner Will Baranowski when he moved “out west.” And he’s thrilled to own a business with a strong history.
“I wasn’t buying just used equipment,” he remarked. “But a business with 19 years of history in the Rainy River District.”
He recalls watching the former DJs of Yowza in his younger years. And although he has a style of his own, he thinks of them as role models.
“I try to ensure everyone is having a good time at an event,” he said. “I love music and I love dealing with people, so it’s a perfect job for me.”
Carlson said what sets him apart from the other local DJs is his experience and willingness to serve the entire Rainy River District—from Fort Frances to Rainy River, Nestor Falls, Atikokan, and everywhere in between.
He noted he’s had several gigs in Bergland and Morson, and that he’s particularly had a lot of success with karaoke parties in Nestor Falls.
“That’s something I’ve been pushing,” Carlson indicated, though adding his service is available for weddings, school dances, private parties, birthdays, anniversaries, holiday parties, and community events.
“Anything that requires sound,” he enthused.
And he’ll get as involved in the event as the host wants. For instance, at a teen dance, Carlson will organize contests and work with the co-ordinator to hand out prizes.
Yowza has two systems—hard drive and hard disk—as well as a library of 15,000 songs.
“Whatever our clients are looking for, we’re ready, willing, and able to go the extra mile and make it happen,” Carlson stressed. “And I can often read people and line up music that people will like, so that they have a good time.”
But when purchasing the already-established business, Carlson admitted he didn’t realize all the work that would go into maintaining and improving it.
He constantly strives to ensure the music sound is of top quality, and has spent a lot of time making contracts, sending out letters, updating the website, and promoting the business.
“I like to keep up on the buzz of music news and to keep the music updated,” Carlson said. “I know what it takes for people to enjoy themselves.
“And I know there’s more to it than just plugging in a machine and hitting play.”
Carlson hopes Yowza DJ & Music Services will continue to grow, and he plans on upgrading the equipment in the future.
Within the next year, he plans to add a lighting system to his equipment inventory and in two years he’d like to have two fully operating systems and a couple of hired DJs.
“Yowza provides fun and entertainment—just the thing to make that special event an unforgettable experience,” he enthused.
For more information, contact Carlson at 274-SING (7464), 274-5905, 1-800-286-9855, or yowzamusic@gmail.com
The website can be found at www.yowzamusic.ca