My Experience So Far as East Idaho’s EDM Promoter Hosting Underground House Events
It’s about time I talked about what it actually means to me to be a promoter – specifically an underground house music show promoter here in Idaho Falls. Not a producer. Not a DJ. A promoter.
We’ll get into the production side of my journey another time, but this one’s about building shows from the ground up. What I’ve gone through. What I’ve learned. And how this whole thing fits into my long-term goals as a DJ, artist, and community builder.
How It Started
My first official show as a promoter was back in November 2024: the very first Slime Pit, which I co-hosted with Jonny (Vacant Gate). That one was a charity show, and it was a complete fucking success.
Before that, though? I was already doing a ton of promo work for the local open deck nights and for Bass Cruz. I might not have had the official “promoter” title yet, but I was doing the damn job – booking, hyping, pushing, networking, and helping keep it all together.
Bass Cruz was the moment that flipped the switch for me. Seeing how that night came together gave me the confidence to keep going. I’d already played a huge role in making it happen—so why not do it again?
Only this time, I’d do it my way.
That’s when I made the move to collaborate with Jonny for the first Slime Pit charity event. The guy was throwing shows damn near monthly, sometimes more. I figured I could learn the ropes from someone with that kind of hustle. And I did. Working with him helped me to understand the nuances of running events and how to keep a party going.
Going All-In
Since then, I’ve started running most of my own shows solo. My first 100% self-hosted event was The Awakening – a true underground house night under the Atlantic Progression banner, headlined by Discognition. That one was huge for me and for this region. It’s been a long time since East Idaho saw something like that.
Then came the Triforce-themed bass show in Pocatello (with Almost Heathen as IdaHeathen Productions), my Independence Day fundraiser shows (the 3rd of which this year, 2025), and Doused in House – an all-underground house night I’m throwing in Pocatello this July.
There’s also Gem State, the live version of my monthly residency show under Atlantic Progression. And yes – Slime Pit 2 is on the way this November, once again in collaboration with Vacant Gate.
So yeah. I’ve got a few shows under my belt now. I’m not the most seasoned promoter in the world, but I’ve been in the thick of it enough to tell you this:
The Hardest Part About Promoting House Music In Idaho? The Fucking Marketing.
No question about it. The hardest part of being an Idaho house music promoter is the marketing.
Trying to keep a show front and center in people’s minds without over-saturating or annoying them? That’s a brutal balancing act. You’ve got to know when to ramp up hype, how to spark interest, and who to reach – especially when you’re doing it on a shoestring budget.
For The Awakening, I think I spent maybe $100 total on ads. Most of my other shows? $20 to $30 max – if that. Everything else comes from organic grind: social media posts, tagging, DMs, and word of mouth. I post a lot because I have to.
This shit doesn’t market itself.
Money, Sponsors, and Scrappiness
The next biggest hurdle is funding. It’s tough. But I’m finding ways to piece it together.
Right now, Atlantic Progression helps cover some costs through our online content. My livestreams bring in some donations. I’ve got a few monthly contributors, sponsors, and supporters who pitch in when they can.
It’s not huge money – but it’s enough to keep things moving. And when you’re running events in a place like Idaho Falls, that’s the difference between throwing a party and throwing in the towel.
What’s Been Easy About Being An Idaho House Music Promoter?
Not much. But here’s one thing that’s surprised me:
Sourcing supplies and stage props has actually been one of the easiest parts – because of the community.
People around here want to help if they see you working hard and giving back. When I needed materials, decorations, or gear for stage design, people stepped up. Not because they owed me – but because I’ve always tried to be generous with my time, skills, and platforms.
That’s how you build relationships that last. And that’s why I helped with logos, flyers, shoutouts, whatever. Because I knew the time would come when I’d need help too.
Bartering, DIY, and Mutual Respect
Case in point: Strange Remains Curio Shop handled the stage design for The Awakening. I couldn’t afford to pay them in cash. So we worked something out. They got full rights to film and use the footage for their own branding and documentary content. I even let them use one of my original tracks in the video.
No contracts. No bullshit. Just mutual respect.
I’m sure I’ll do more deals like that down the road – not to exploit anyone, but to make this whole thing sustainable without selling out.
So What’s Next?
I’m just getting started.
Being an Idaho underground house music promoter isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. And now that the community is starting to respond—now that people are beginning to show up—I can see the path forward.
My site has a growing collection of blog posts on topics like:
• Building your brand as a DJ
• Using AI to write killer content
• Social media strategies
• Creating an effective EPK
• SEO for DJs and artists
All of that is meant to help other Idaho DJs, producers, and promoters level the fuck up.
And yeah – I do marketing consultations, and there will be a point where that becomes part of my business. But for now, I’m still in the trenches, learning, testing, failing, winning, and building this thing from the ground up.
Take care of yourselves. Take care of each other. Stay safe.
And I’ll see you at the next show.