When I first started DJing, I did what every aspiring DJ does: I hit the forums, watched all the YouTube videos, followed the taste makers, and soaked up every tip about how to make it in this scene. Like everyone else, I had goals. And one of those goals? Playing at The Gem in Idaho Falls.
The first time I ever got on stage at The Gem was December 2021, opening for ill.Gates. Since then, I’ve played there a bunch more times—usually as part of Open Deck Night. But here’s the thing: I’ve never actually been booked to play at The Gem for a big show.* Not once. Not in the way that matters. I wasn’t on any lineup posters. I wasn’t announced. No one came to see me. I was just a dude in the right place at the right time because someone else bailed.
And that’s the point of this post.
Back when I started DJing, I wanted to know: What does it take to get on that stage? I read every post about how to break in, how to get booked, how to network. And over and over again, I came across the same advice—if you’re in a place where your genre isn’t hot, or the scene is barely alive, you better be ready to do it yourself.
You want to play? Book yourself.
I used to think that was a sign you were in a dead-end market. But now I know: it’s just reality. Especially here in east Idaho. If you’re not in the bass scene, and you’re not deeply tied into that network, the bookings don’t exactly come pouring in. If you spin progressive house like I do, good luck.
So I’ve started throwing my own shows.
I book myself because nobody else will. And no, that’s not bitterness—it’s just logistics. I promise, I’m not bitching about it. But, somebody has to do the work. Either you wait around hoping a promoter throws you a bone, or you become the promoter and feed yourself.
I’ve been DJing since 2019. I’m brushing my teeth right now at 5am while prepping for a 6am show on Mixcloud. I’m doing it. But I’m doing it myself, because I have to.
And here’s another thing: I’ve seen plenty of homies self-sabotage by throwing amazing shows and then not booking themselves. Nah. I’m done with that. If you’re the one organizing the event, you better be on that lineup. You better headline—unless you’re bringing in someone truly bigger. If you’re doing the work, claim your spot.
If you’re a DJ out here complaining that you never get booked—shut it. If you want guaranteed stage time, you need to start throwing your own parties. Yeah, it’s expensive. Yeah, it’s stressful. But you know what else it is? 100% within your control.
And I’m not saying this from a pedestal. I’ve been that guy, waiting around, wondering what I’m doing wrong. And I’ve also been the guy who realized, Oh. This is just how it works. There’s no secret club. There’s no magic email. There’s only the grind.
One more thing—and this might hit home for some of you—I did get some good opportunities from being part of Connection. But don’t think for a second that it was handed to me. You should’ve seen my application. It was top-tier, because I knew I had to bring it. So miss me with that “you only get booked because you’re connected” stuff. That door’s shut now anyway.
So here’s the moral:
If you want more gigs, you’ve got one surefire path—build your own stage. Stop waiting. Stop whining. Stop hoping. Start doing. You want to be heard? Then turn up the volume and hit play. On your own damn event.
Let’s go.
*I have been booked for a good amount of “homie” shows. Things like Vacant Gate’s Recurring Nightmare, The Ugly Sweater Parties, and even that Bass Cruz event. While I am 100% grateful for those opportunities, it is still a fact that as of June 4th, 2025, I have never been booked to open for a touring headliner at The Gem.
This blog post was drafted using voice-to-text transcription and supported by AI-assisted editing to help organize thoughts, clarify ideas, and enhance readability. All opinions, stories, and experiences are my own.