The last couple of weeks have been packed with activity in the East Idaho music scene. Between hip hop shows, underground dance music events, weddings, back-to-back DJ sets, and major milestones for Atlantic Progression, there has been a lot happening across Idaho Falls and beyond.
Here is a full rundown of the recent shows, collaborations, and upcoming releases.
Faygo Gang at The Gem
One of the first events during this recent run was the Faygo Gang show at The Gem on May 8. The night featured several local Idaho Falls rappers including Reaper Da Skid, YungFiend, Woltin, Ruxpin, and others from the local hip hop scene.
The event turned into a solid party and highlighted how much momentum the local rap scene continues to build. There were a couple of technical issues during the night related to unsupported audio file formats and DJ equipment compatibility. Ruxpin helped troubleshoot some of the problems and ultimately helped keep the show moving.
Despite the technical setbacks, the energy stayed high and the event was a success overall.
Rap Gauntlet and Supporting the Local Hip Hop Scene
The following night featured another hip hop event called Rap Gauntlet, hosted by Woody 208 at The Gem. Other artists included were Spaztik, Reaper Da Skid, Chicano Movement, and more.
After the file format issues from the previous show, additional preparation went into making sure the next event ran smoothly. All participating artists were contacted ahead of time to verify file types and audio compatibility. Tracks were converted and prepared in advance, which eliminated the technical issues entirely.
The result was a smooth-running event and another strong night for the Idaho Falls hip hop community. The weekend ended up being packed with local performances, DJ sets, and collaboration between artists in the East Idaho music scene.
Additional hip hop events are already on the schedule, including an upcoming Big Murph show at The Gem.
May-Hem and the DRKDREAMZ Album Release Party
On May 15, another major event took place at The Gem with May-Hem, organized by FarStar, also known as David Robertson.
The show served as an album release party for Boise-based act DRKDREAMZ. Several East Idaho artists joined the lineup to support the release, including:
- Squiggs
- DJ Stripes
- Jerm the Worm
- BadGhoul
- Komosis
- Woltin
- Zenny
- and myself, The Idahoan
The event experienced some setbacks tied to internal organizational issues, which impacted attendance and overall momentum. Even with those problems, the artists delivered strong performances throughout the night.
Those who attended got to experience a genuinely fun underground party atmosphere with quality hip-hop sets and strong support from local artists, friends, and family. Woltin also performed a hip hop set during the middle portion of the event, adding another layer of variety to the lineup.
Officiating Kenny and Tasha’s Wedding
The following day, May 16, started with a wedding in Pingree, Idaho. Kenny and Tasha were married earlier in the day. I officiated the ceremony.
Later that evening, the celebration continued with a reception party at The Gem that ran from approximately 6 PM until 2 AM.
The reception brought together a large group of friends, family, and visiting artists from outside Idaho, including DJs from Portland. The atmosphere throughout the night was energetic and welcoming, turning the reception into an extended music-centered celebration.
Sarah Magnetx and a Standout Back-to-Back Set
One of the most memorable moments from the reception party came during my back-to-back set with Portland-based DJ Sarah Magnetx.
For years, many back-to-back DJ sets in East Idaho have involved pairing different genres and styles together somewhat loosely. This particular collaboration felt different because both DJs connected musically in a much deeper way.
The set focused heavily on the styles that continue to define Atlantic Progression’s musical direction:
- Progressive House
- Melodic House
- Tech House
- Progressive Breaks
- Electronica
The chemistry during the set stood out immediately and resulted in what became one of the most enjoyable back-to-back performances in my seven years of DJing.
The set was never recorded, but the experience itself left a major impression. Sarah Magnetx is expected to return to East Idaho in the future to participate in additional underground house music events.
The collaboration also reinforced the long-term goal of continuing to build a Progressive House community in East Idaho through private parties, underground shows, and Atlantic Progression events.
Atlantic Progression Expands to Beatport
Outside of live events, Atlantic Progression reached a major milestone by officially getting set up through Proton as a distributor.
That expansion means Atlantic Progression releases are now available on Beatport.
The label’s first two releases are currently available for pre-order exclusively on Beatport:
- “Stone Relic” by Space Thug (w/ remixes by 12 Theory and Jachmastr)
- “Walking Alone” by Ricco Sakona (w/ a remix by Da Syk)
Both releases represent the direction Atlantic Progression plans to continue pursuing with melodic and underground electronic music.
Upcoming Atlantic Progression Release
Atlantic Progression has also already announced its June release:
“Beyond the Silence” by Vini Camalcha
Additional release announcements are expected soon, including a July release that is already being prepared behind the scenes.
The label continues building momentum while focusing on carefully curated underground electronic music releases and expanding its presence within the Progressive House and melodic electronic music community.
Continuing Momentum in the East Idaho Music Scene
The last couple of weeks highlighted just how active the East Idaho music scene continues to become. From local hip hop showcases and underground electronic music events to weddings and collaborative DJ performances, the scene continues to grow through independent artists and community support.
Atlantic Progression is also continuing to evolve both as an event brand and as a record label, now officially distributing music through Beatport and preparing multiple upcoming releases.
More events, releases, and underground house music shows are already in the works for the coming months.