June is National DJ Month, a month dedicated to recognizing the people behind the decks, behind the playlists, and behind countless live events that help shape local music culture. According to National Day Calendar, National DJ Month was created to celebrate the artistry, technical skill, and community impact of DJs across the country.
For me, National DJ Month feels personal.
My name is Chad Russell. Some people in the East Idaho music scene know me through Chesbro Music Company. Others know me as The Idahoan, my DJ and producer identity. Over the last several years, I've become deeply involved in the electronic music, DJ, and music production communities both locally and internationally. National DJ Month is a good opportunity to talk about that journey, highlight some of the people helping build the East Idaho music scene, and explain how Chesbro Music Company continues to support musicians, producers, DJs, and performers throughout our region.
My Journey Into DJing and Music Production
I started DJing in 2019.
Like many DJs, I began experimenting with mixing music online. When the pandemic changed how people connected with music and live events, I started building relationships through livestreaming platforms, online DJ communities, and electronic music networks.
One of the biggest developments came through Mixcloud, where I connected with another DJ and producer from the United Kingdom known as Mindshower.
Together, we launched Atlantic Progression in November 2021.
What began as a collaborative project, Atlantic Progression has evolved into an underground electronic music label with a growing international community. As of this writing, Atlantic Progression has multiple releases available through Beatport and continues developing new projects with artists from different parts of the world.
Even though Atlantic Progression has become a global effort, my home base remains Idaho Falls.
That connection to East Idaho continues to shape everything I do.
Building Electronic Music Events in East Idaho
One thing people often don't realize is that East Idaho has a growing community of DJs, producers, rappers, beatmakers, electronic artists, and performers.
Over the last several years, I've had the opportunity to help organize and promote electronic music events throughout the region. Some years I host three or four events. Other years the number is even higher.
These events feature:
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Local DJs
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Regional electronic artists
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Hip hop performers
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Emerging producers
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Touring talent from cities like Denver, Boise, and Coeur d'Alene
Creating these events is about more than entertainment.
Local music scenes only grow when people have opportunities to perform, network, learn, and collaborate. Every event becomes a chance for artists to meet each other, develop new ideas, and strengthen the creative community.
National DJ Month recognizes the importance of DJs as cultural connectors. That's something I see firsthand every time local artists come together for a show.
Atlantic Progression Open Deck Night
One of the projects I'm most proud of is Open Deck Night.
Hosted through Atlantic Progression on the first Thursday of every month at The Heart Events in Idaho Falls, Open Deck Night gives local DJs an opportunity to perform in front of an audience regardless of experience level.
For new DJs, getting access to professional equipment and a real performance environment can be difficult.
Open Deck Night helps remove some of those barriers.
Whether someone is preparing for their first public performance or testing new material, the event creates a space where DJs can develop their skills and meet others in the community.
Events like this are one reason the East Idaho music scene continues expanding.
Supporting Community Causes Through Music
Music communities become stronger when they give back.
Throughout my time as a DJ and event organizer, I've participated in fundraising efforts supporting organizations like Children International and Toys for Tots.
Livestream fundraising events allow DJs and artists from multiple locations to come together around a common goal. These events combine entertainment with community service while helping introduce audiences to new artists and performers.
Many people think DJs simply play music.
The reality is much broader.
DJs organize events, support charities, mentor newer performers, create opportunities for collaboration, and help build local culture.
National DJ Month highlights those contributions.
How Chesbro Music Company Supports DJs and Producers
When people think about music stores, they often picture guitars, pianos, drums, and band instruments first.
Those remain a major part of what we do at Chesbro Music Company.
What many people may not realize is that we also carry products that support DJs, producers, recording artists, content creators, and live performers.
Many of the tools used in modern music production overlap with the equipment used by traditional musicians.
At Chesbro, DJs and producers can find products such as:
Audio Interfaces
Audio interfaces are the foundation of many home recording and production setups.
Whether you're producing electronic music, recording vocals, creating beats, or livestreaming performances, a quality audio interface helps connect microphones, instruments, and computers while improving sound quality.
Keyboards and Synthesizers
Many electronic music producers begin their creative process with keyboards and synthesizers.
From software integration to live performance control, modern keyboards provide tools for composing melodies, building arrangements, and creating original sounds.
Microphones
Microphones remain essential for:
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Vocal recording
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Podcast production
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Streaming
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Voiceovers
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Live performances
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Event hosting
Whether you're recording vocals for a track or speaking to a live audience, reliable microphones make a significant difference.
Mixers and Live Sound Equipment
DJs and event organizers depend on dependable live sound systems.
Mixers, powered speakers, signal routing equipment, and PA systems all contribute to successful events.
As local performances continue growing throughout East Idaho, access to professional audio equipment becomes increasingly valuable.
Audio Cables and Accessories
Sometimes the smallest items become the most important.
Reliable audio cables, adapters, stands, and accessories help keep studios and live events running smoothly.
Most musicians eventually discover that having the right cable at the right moment can save an entire show.
Chesbro's Connection to the Local Music Scene
One reason I enjoy working with Chesbro Music Company is because the store has remained connected to the local music community for generations.
Chesbro supports a wide range of musicians and performers throughout East Idaho.
That support extends into newer music communities as well.
Chesbro helps sponsor events connected to The Heart Event and has also supported fundraising efforts connected to Atlantic Progression events and community causes.
As electronic music, DJ culture, and independent music production continue growing in Idaho, it's important that local resources evolve alongside those communities.
That's already happening.
National DJ Month Is About Community
National DJ Month is ultimately about recognizing the people who create experiences through music.
Some DJs perform at clubs.
Some perform at festivals.
Some stream online.
Some teach.
Some produce.
Some organize events.
Many do all of the above.
As someone who works both in the music retail world and the DJ community, I've had the opportunity to see how much work goes into building creative spaces where people can connect through music.
This month, I encourage people to support local DJs, attend local events, discover new artists, and explore the growing creative community here in East Idaho.
The scene is larger than many people realize.
And it's still growing.