I’d also add that the room has the best sound when filled with people. It was a bit boomy during the first band’s soundcheck, just right at the height of the night, and became a bit boomy again as people filtered out. It was also a lot more inviting than I remember: when I used to live in the neighborhood, the place looked practically boarded up, but now it seems lofty and open.

I think that was actually the most enjoyable time performing I’ve had so far. I was worried for a bit about the largeness of the space compared to what we’ve played, but it was quite comfortable.

But it has crept up on me over the years just how integral hustling is to art in our society, and it bothers me. In the end it’s not about cool or culture or message; it’s about popularity. This flies in the face of something I hear musicians say all the time: “Great music will rise to the top,” which I think is bull. Plenty of great music is never heard. Plenty of crap music is overexposed. But maybe it can be seen as a symbiotic relationship: the marketing wizard gains exposure for the music guru, who in turn gives the marketing wizard something good to market.