Southeast Idaho’s Alt Awakening: Music, Metal, Motors & More

There’s a restless energy building in Southeast Idaho, and it’s not just the wind rolling off the Portneuf Range. It’s amps buzzing. It’s tattoo guns humming. It’s skateboards grinding. It’s bass lines thumping through Old Town brickwork. It’s the unmistakable rise of a creative pulse that’s beating louder by the day. For the first time in years, it feels like something big is happening here—and we’re on the edge of it all.

Big Names, Bigger Hype: The Rock Resurgence

When word broke that Chevelle and Seether were rolling into Idaho Falls, the collective noise from the alt-rock crowd could’ve cracked the ice off the Snake River. And if that wasn’t enough to raise the stakes, Dropkick Murphys and 311 are charging straight into Pocatello. Let that sink in. These are not your average touring circuits—they’re punk royalty and alt legends bringing their energy to Idaho’s backyard. The message is loud and clear: the scene matters here again.

But it’s not just the big hitters that have our hearts pounding—it’s the idea that more could be coming. Rumors are swirling of additional acts eyeing SE Idaho for fall shows. Could we be seeing a revival of a true touring loop through the region? Stay tuned, because the smoke from this fire hasn't even cleared yet.

Local Strongholds: The Misfitz

If there’s anything we’ve learned about local music, it’s that it thrives on stability. That’s why the recent opening of The Misfitz a local basement club in Pocatello’s Old Town isn’t just exciting—it’s essential. This spot is more than just a venue. It’s a possible proving ground for the next generation of artists. It’s home for those gritty Thursday night punk gigs, emo open mics, metalcore ragers, and even nightly ravers and hip hop heads that keep the subcultures breathing.

And let’s be real—this town needs it. For too long, local talent had to beg for stage space or travel hours for a crowd. Now, they've got a dedicated stage right here, and that’s going to change everything.

Behind the Mic: Interviews, Podcasts, and Zoom Sessions

Blink Alternative isn’t just watching from the sidelines—we’re stepping in, cameras rolling. We’re gearing up for a series of interviews with emerging local artists, conducted over Zoom and splashed across our YouTube channel. There’s something raw and powerful about hearing a garage band explain their first EP, or a lo-fi producer walk us through their sample set in real-time.

But that’s just the beginning. We’re also working on launching a podcast/news series filmed right here in our own studio space. Think intimate interviews, stripped-back acoustic sets, and unfiltered conversations about the creative hustle in SE Idaho. It’s a slow burn, but it’s happening.

Battle of the Bands: A Spring & Summer Rite of Passage

With spring thawing the last bits of frost from the foothills, we’re already eyeing the highlight of the warmer months—Battle of the Bands. These aren’t just local contests; they’re community-defining moments. High school punks, college funk crews, experimental indie acts—it’s all on display, and every note matters. We'll be there in the pit, cameras in hand, giving the coverage this scene deserves.

Urban Grind: The Skate Scene’s Long-Awaited Payoff

The youth of Pocatello have waited long enough—and the new skate park is finally moving ground. Starting out with modern features and real respect for street skating culture, it’s not just a play space. It’s a training ground. It’s community. And if that wasn't enough, Chubbuck’s breaking ground on their own soon. Between both, we’re staring down a summer of ollies, pop shuvits, and local legends in the making.

We’ll be profiling skaters, covering competitions, and doing the dirty work of capturing those magic moments when wheels hit concrete just right.

Rubber & Chrome: Idaho’s Growing Auto Underground

You’ve seen it in the parking lots—lowered JDMs, turbo’d Subies, and muscle builds that look like they rolled out of a Fast & Furious fever dream. The local auto scene in Southeast Idaho is no joke. From street meets to car clubs, this movement keeps growing. We’ll be connecting with the leaders of the top charters, documenting their rides, and dropping visuals that capture just how alive this world really is.

It’s not just car culture—it’s performance art with engines.

Caffeine and Culture: A Morning Revolution

We’re flipping the script on early mornings. Thanks to Idaho Coffee Company and Gate City Coffee, we’ve got caffeine-fueled creativity on lock. These spots are more than cafés—they’re cultural hubs. They’re where band flyers get pinned, zines get written, and tattoo ideas are drawn on napkins. We’re building relationships with the baristas and brewers who know what’s really going on before noon.

And speaking of ink…

Tattoo Titans: Artists Who Draw Blood and Beauty

There’s a quiet art revolution happening behind the glass of tattoo shops all across Pocatello. We're talking blackwork wizards, neo-trad masters, fine-line minimalists, and color realism killers. We’re digging into their portfolios, getting their stories, and spotlighting the insane creativity etched into skin all over the valley.

All in all, we’ve got a mountain of work ahead—but we’re here for it. Every late-night edit, every amp-blown interview, every sweaty pit photo and caffeine-fueled write-up—it’s all worth it to bring the pulse of Southeast Idaho’s underground to the surface.

We’re not just covering the scene. We are the scene. And we can’t wait to keep grinding till midnight, so you don’t miss a beat.