Ep. 96: From Underground Raves to The Armory with Jack Trash

<p>Most people see the packed room. They do not see the risk behind it.</p><p>Before a show feels effortless, someone has to bet real money, earn the venue’s trust, book the right artist, build the crowd, manage the chaos, and create a culture people actually want to come back to.</p><p>This week, I’m joined by Jack Trash, also known as John Tasch, founder of SIMshows and one of the key figures behind the Twin Cities electronic music scene. For more than 35 years, Jack has been DJing, promoting, booking artists, throwing events, and helping move local dance music from underground rooms and warehouse parties into some of the biggest venues in the city.</p><p>In this episode, Jack breaks down what it really takes to build a scene that lasts. We talk about the early rave days, the rise of EDM in Minneapolis, the financial reality behind major events, the artists and venues that shaped SIMshows, and why Jack still sees promotion as community work first.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about:</p><ul><li>Why a sold-out-looking show is not always a profitable show</li><li>How Twin Cities EDM grew from flyers, word of mouth, and warehouse parties</li><li>The moment social media and streaming changed the entire promotion game</li><li>What local DJs get wrong when asking for gigs</li><li>How promoters think about openers, energy, professionalism, and trust</li><li>Why Jack uses SIMshows as a platform to build community and take care of people</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Jack’s story is not just about EDM. It is about what happens when someone keeps showing up for a scene long enough to help shape it.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Episode Links and Mentions</strong></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://first-avenue.com/">First Avenue</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://armorymn.com/">The Armory</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.somersetamphitheater.net/">Somerset Amphitheater</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.rivercentre.org/roy-wilkins-auditorium">Roy Wilkins Auditorium</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.saloonmn.com/">The Saloon</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.breakawayfestival.com/">Breakaway Music Festival</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://martingarrix.com/">Martin Garrix</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://subtronics.net/">Subtronics</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.tiesto.com/">Tiësto</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.mynameisgriz.com/">GRiZ</a></p><p>🌐 <a href="https://www.rufusdusol.com/">RÜFÜS DU SOL</a></p><p><strong>Connect with the Guest:</strong></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://simshows.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">SIMshows Website</a></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/simshows/">SIMshows Instagram</a></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacktrash/">Jack Trash Instagram</a></p><p>Get new episodes by email: <a href="https://secretsfromthescene.com/#newsletter">Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter</a>.</p><p>Secrets From The Scene is made by <a href="https://helvigproductions.com/?ref=sfts-show-notes">Helvig Productions</a>, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.</p>