There’s a lot of joking and meme-ing in DJ circles about promoters, bookings, and lineups. Plenty of back-room conversations. Not nearly enough of it gets written down in a clear, honest way—especially for people outside the scene who don’t understand what actually goes into putting on a successful show.
As a local EDM host, event organizer, and promoter here in East Idaho, booking the right artists is one of the most important responsibilities I have. The right lineup can elevate a night into something memorable. The wrong lineup can sink months of work in a matter of minutes.
I’ve been promoting my own shows for a full year now. In that time, I’ve put on headliner shows, charity events, pop-ups, and multi-city bookings. I’ve spent thousands of dollars and countless hours doing it. Every single show has been successful in its own way—and every single one has been a learning experience.
So here it is, plainly stated: this is what I look for when I book artists for my shows.
1. Community Support Comes First
This is the number one factor. No exceptions.
I book artists who actively support the local community. That means showing up to shows. Supporting other artists. Helping promote events they’re part of. Being present—not just when they’re on stage, but when others are too.
You don’t need to post three times a day. You don’t need to be an influencer. But if I book you on a show that I’m spending my own money and time to promote—and the only thing you do is repost your artist graphic once and disappear—that sucks. It is a clear indication of your lack of interest in the success of the show.
And I don’t really care about your follower numbers – I care that you are making sure your followers know that you are booked for my show.
If you only care about the community (and your ego) when it’s your turn on stage, I’m likely not booking you again.
I support artists who support the scene. Period.
2. Professionalism Is Non-Negotiable
If I’m treating a show like a serious production, I expect artists to treat it the same way.
That means respecting the promoter, the event, the venue, the staff, and the other artists on the lineup. This is not your playground. This is not your personal stage to hijack. If you come into a show I’ve built and treat it casually, disrespectfully, or selfishly, you’re done. I won’t put up with that shit.
PLUR only works if the “R” actually means something.
Disrespect the promoter or the brand putting on the show, and you won’t be invited back. And yes—if asked, I will be honest about why.
There are a LOT of local DJs in the area who want a slot in my lineups. I will find and book the artists who show the respect my hard work on these shows deserves.
3. Skill and Capability Matter
Friendship alone doesn’t get you booked.
I need to know you can actually perform. I need to see that you understand your craft, your gear, and your role on stage. If something goes wrong, I expect you to be able to adapt without pulling the promoter on stage to fix basic issues. Yes, I’ll be happy to help you learn something you may not know. But, I’m not your personal instructor. You gotta learn how to challenge yourself by stumbling and growing on your own. I can offer wisdom and guidance to young DJs, but I can’t hold their hands. I have my own kids, thank you.
If you’re lip-syncing, hitting play, or relying on autopilot without understanding what you’re doing, I’m not booking you. Shows are not practice sessions.
My fans and audience demand authenticity. You gotta be real and personable.
4. Don’t Be Difficult to Work With
I communicate gear setups well in advance. Artists know exactly what they’ll be playing on long before show day. That gives everyone time to prepare.
What I will not tolerate anymore is artists showing up with unexpected gear, demanding stage changes, or insisting on plugging in personal setups mid-show. That disrupts sound checks, stage design, and the experience for the audience.
When I plan and execute my shows, I actually do put considerable time into designing the experience. Stages are set up the way I have been envisioning for months prior. Hundreds of dollars are spent to purchase decorations to present my vision the best I can. Your inability to use the gear that will be at the event makes it difficult for me to consider you for my next show.
Digital setups are digital setups. Vinyl nights can be vinyl nights. I love vinyl DJs—but I’m done mashing incompatible setups together unless it’s planned ahead of time.
If you refuse to play on the provided gear and expect exceptions on show night, we’re not a good fit.
5. Respect the Experience Being Built
Every show I put on is designed intentionally—for the audience first.
Stage design, flow, sound, lighting, timing—none of it is accidental. When artists show up with demands that undermine that experience, they’re making the show harder, not better.
I’m putting on fewer shows going forward. That means I’m being more selective. If I’m committing the time, money, and energy, the show will be done my way—with artists who respect the process.
Final Thoughts
I’m still here to support the community. I still want to give people stages to grow on. But I’m done making exceptions that make shows worse, harder, or less professional.
If you support the scene, take your craft seriously, respect the work that goes into these events, and don’t make things harder than they need to be—you’ll always have a place in my lineups.
If not, that’s fine too. There are plenty of other stages out there.
This is just how I run mine.