The Rise of Soupstock and DIY Music Festivals in Denver

Denver is well-known for hosting vibrant and bustling music festivals that cater to a variety of genres, from EDM to country. However, many of these events are organized and promoted by large corporations with substantial funding, which often overshadows smaller, DIY festivals that struggle to gain visibility and achieve optimal attendance.

When the music industry is often dominated by large corporations such as AEG and Live Nation, DIY events serve as a rallying cry for artists, organizers and fans to support local initiatives that celebrate creativity and authenticity. By investing in DIY events, individuals contribute to a more vibrant and sustainable music ecosystem that values artistic expression and community connection over commercial interests.

DIY enthusiasts and Denver shoegaze heroes Sean Perman and Marco Ramirez recently spoke with 303 Magazine about this issue. In 2024, they launched their DIY music festival, Soupstock, which has successfully hosted three iterations since its inception. The festival features numerous local and out-of-town acts and vendors. During their interview, Perman and Ramirez discussed the challenges and rewards of creating, planning, and executing their festival, noting that attendance has increased with each event. Referring to it as their “whirlwind of everything currently happening in the DIY scene from Denver to Boulder,” the two discussed all aspects of planning with 303.

Both are members of the Denver-based band Surprise Soup, which formed about two years ago. As a band, they prioritize operating as DIY as possible and keeping things local. According to Perman, Soupstock feels like a natural extension of their beliefs as a band. Inspired by his older brother, who has organized DIY raves in the past, Perman proposed the idea of Soupstock to Ramirez, and together they began to develop the concept. Using Perman’s older brother as a reference for selecting venues and handling logistics, the two started planning all the details.

The duo initially launched the festival as a New Year’s Eve celebration and recognized the importance of having a “stacked” lineup to attract attention from various music scenes across the city. They ultimately delegated responsibilities based on their individual strengths: Ramirez handled the sound while Perman managed the vendors and they worked on logistics together. Ramirez stated, “It comes down to having a space and recognizing what potential problems will be in that space.”

Next, they set out to create the lineup. They were initially able to book artists who were available on short notice. As the festival’s popularity grew as time went on, more artists expressed interest in participating in future events. They noted, “It was a mixture of outreach and people reaching out to us or those who didn’t get onto the first lineup.”

Fast forward to this weekend, Perman and Ramirez decided to release a sign-up sheet, which attracted nearly 50 responses. From those, they selected a lineup of 13 bands for this Saturday’s event. Perman highlighted the increasing demand to participate, saying, “It’s crazy. It goes to show you how big the Denver scene actually is. A lot of writers focus on the major gigs but I don’t think people realize how much music is actually happening here.”

Increasing interest from artists and attendees alike underscores the untapped potential within Denver’s music scene. As Perman noted, the response to their sign-up sheet indicates a thriving community eager for opportunities to connect and perform. This growing enthusiasm is a clear signal that DIY events like Soupstock are not just a fleeting trend but a vital component of the cultural fabric of the city. The festival’s ability to attract a diverse lineup and a broad audience demonstrates that there is a significant demand for alternative music experiences that prioritize local talent and community involvement.

For this specific iteration of the festival, the organizers aimed to create a diverse lineup that included various genres, age groups and backgrounds, all to expand their audience. They pointed out that groups under the age of 18 are often underrepresented at such events so they ensured this festival would be all-ages and included younger bands. Ramirez expressed amazement at how frequently younger bands like Injury and Zenith performed at skate parks, often drawing crowds of nearly 200 people.

Finding vendors willing to work the festival was also an essential factor in its organization. After observing how well audience members responded to having vendors at Soupstock II, Perman realized that these local businesses were vital to the success of the festival. “At the last one, I noticed that people were just hanging out as well. The festival is eight hours long. I think focusing on community building is another important aspect,” Perman expressed when asked about the inclusion of vendors. Together, Ramirez and Perman want the festival to feel like an event that music lovers would want to spend the entire day at and the inclusion of over 10 vendors and 13 bands makes that a very achievable goal. Additionally, they have made ticketing accessible and inexpensive, hoping to encourage those who are on the fence about attending the festival to give it a chance.

When asked what final information they wanted to leave 303 with, Perman stated, “You gotta invest in your own scene. People need these things (DIY run events) so I think it’s really important stuff.”

The emergence of Soupstock as a DIY music festival in Denver highlights the vibrant and diverse music scene that exists beyond the corporate-sponsored events that often dominate the landscape. Sean Perman’s and Marco Ramirez’s dedication to local music and creators has begun to build a platform that not only showcases a variety of genres but also fosters community engagement and inclusivity. Their journey from conceptualizing the festival to executing three successful iterations serves as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in the music industry. The challenges they faced in planning and organizing Soupstock are reflective of the broader struggles that many DIY festivals encounter. From securing venues to curating a lineup that resonates with a diverse audience, the duo’s commitment to maintaining a local focus while embracing a wide array of musical talent is commendable. Their approach to festival planning — prioritizing community building, accessibility, and representation — sets a precedent for future events in the region. By ensuring that younger bands and all-age audiences are included, they are not only enriching the festival experience but also nurturing the next generation of musicians and music lovers.

As Soupstock continues to grow, it not only enriches the local music scene but also inspires other aspiring organizers to leap into the world of DIY festivals. The success of Perman and Ramirez’s efforts is indicative of the idea that with passion, dedication and a commitment to community, it is possible to carve out a space for independent music to thrive. In a city known for its eclectic music festivals, Soupstock stands out as a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of movements to shape the future of music in Denver and beyond. The festival is not just an event; it is a celebration of the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and the unwavering belief that music can bring people together, regardless of their background or age. As the city looks forward to future iterations of Soupstock, those that live within it are reminded of the importance of supporting local artists and initiatives that enrich our cultural landscape, ensuring that the heartbeat of Denver’s music scene continues to pulse vibrantly for years to come.

Make sure to check out Soupstock 3 this Saturday, starting at 2 p.m. at Sanctuary in Aurora! Tickets and address available here.

The full lineup is as follows:
-Clay K and the Vertebrates
-Insipidus
-Pink Lady Monster
-Clementine
-Surprise Soup
-Batterhead
-Flush
-Mood Swing Misery
-Mirkwood
-Aratik
-Injury
-Pillbugs
-The Dirty Bums
-Carraway

All photos courtesy of @machkne on Instagram.