Young Franco’s debut album, it’s Franky baby!, is here to make you move, groove, and soak up the buzz of an endless summer. It carries an irresistible charm, a sense of camaraderie and lighthearted fun. As Young Franco himself puts it, the album is intentionally carefree, shedding the usual weight of expectation that comes with a release. Instead, it’s rooted in friendship, good vibes, and what he describes as a “not-too-serious” spirit, perfectly reflecting his playful energy.
Offstage, Young Franco is Joseph Da Rin De Barbera, a Brisbane-born DJ and producer who has carved a niche in electronic music with beats that feel effortless yet intentional. Fresh from a sold-out European tour, he’s gearing up to bring his latest project to life on stage again.
The title is a cheeky nod to funk legend Bootsy Collins, sparked by a phrase coined by New Orleans rapper Pell — a frequent collaborator and close friend. This spirit of friendship runs through the album like a lifeline. Every track feels like a snapshot of the moments Young Franco has shared with his collaborators. “It’s not one of those projects that tries to make a big statement,” he explains. “It’s more about embracing the fun and capturing the vibe of my relationships and the collaborations I’ve enjoyed over the past few years.”
For Young Franco, the album isn’t just about music; it’s about the memories behind it. He recounts a standout experience with Pell in Sydney: “It was the middle of summer, everyone was on holiday, and we spent days at the beach before heading back to my home studio. That vibe — sunny, carefree, friends just making music together — that’s what this album feels like.” Collaborations with artists like piri & tommy and Tommy Villier often felt more like hanging out than work, blending into relaxed jam sessions that organically shaped the music.
One track that holds a special place in Young Franco’s heart is “Juice,” the oldest on the album. “I still have the voice recording from when we first wrote the hook,” he shares. Written during the height of COVID lockdowns, the song became a beacon of positivity and marked his introduction to Pell. Their creative synergy set the tone for much of the album, creating a seamless narrative thread throughout.
Another standout collaborator is General Levy, a legend in the jungle scene who features on “Give Thanks, Give Praise.” “I’ve looked up to him for ages. He’s had such a huge influence on dance music,” Franco says. Working with Levy was both surreal and energising, bringing a fresh dynamic to the project. Their mutual respect shines through in a vibrant, genre-defying track that’s unmistakably theirs.
The album also features Franco’s fresh take on iconic songs, including a reimagining of Moloko’s early 2000s classic “Sing It Back.” “I wanted to stay true to the original while adding my own twist,” he explains. “It’s such an iconic track; it wasn’t about reinventing it but paying homage to something I’ve always loved.”
A self-described genre chameleon, Franco masterfully blends samba, UK garage, jungle, and dancehall, and with it’s Franky baby!, he takes his first steps into bossa nova. “It’s probably in my top three genres, but I hadn’t felt confident enough to try it until now,” he admits. The album’s mix of styles creates a dynamic listening experience, keeping audiences guessing and engaged.
Franco’s creative process revolved around selecting the right collaborators, experimenting with genres he’s long admired, and pushing his production techniques. “There’s something so rewarding about seeing all these elements come together,” he reflects. Collaborations with Pell, General Levy, and Frank Moody added layers of creativity, elevating the album beyond traditional electronic music.
The album unfolds like a day, starting with the upbeat “Wake Up” and closing with the serene “Sunrise,” featuring Muroki. “The album has this loose storyline where you’re moving through a day and a night, ending with a peaceful moment,” he shares. “It’s about the natural flow of a good day — going out at night, having fun, and then winding down.” One track that captures this is “Daydreaming,” which features Frank Moody on soulful vocals over disco beats. “It’s a bit funky, a bit disco, and feels perfect for that long journey home,” he describes.
As Franco prepares to take it’s Franky baby! on tour across Australia after his recent Europe leg, he’s eager to see how fans respond to the songs live. “Performing these tracks live is so rewarding — seeing people’s reactions is when you really feel the song’s place in the world,” he says with a smile.
The closing track, “Sunrise,” encapsulates the essence of the album. “I hope listeners feel like they’ve gone through a whole day — like it’s an experience from start to finish, with a little piece of everyone who worked on it in there,” Young Franco says. For those who join Young Franco on this sonic journey, it’s Franky baby! promises to be more than just a soundtrack. It’s a daydream you can keep playing, a shared moment with friends, and, in true Young Franco style, a feel-good dance album with soul.
His latest single, “Going On” is available now on all streaming platforms while it’s Franky baby! comes out January 24. Find out more about the tour here.
photography. Zosia Francka
words. Gennaro Costanzo
