“Friendly and laid back staff. This is the MOST important issue. If the staff of a venue is able to build a good rapport with a band, chances are that band will always return to that venue. The less drama and BS the better. This doesn’t mean the staff should shmooze or kiss the band’s ass (that can actually be annoying and transparent,) but consideration and hospitality go a long way. A disrespectful staff at a huge venue will guarantee my non-return. I don’t know how most other bands operate, but I know that the ones with any kind of backbone will boycott a club run by assholes.”
-Sage Francis

“For some reason, straight up humanity’s a much sought-after commodity in the rock club circuit. As employees of the 40 Watt Club here in Athens, my co-workers and I make an effort to be courteous and friendly to the performers, whether they’re opening for Dinosaur, Jr. or playing the shitty headlining slot in a night of shitty bands. When I go on tour, I’m constantly amazed at the cro-mag ennui that emanates off of some doormen, bartenders, and promoters. A little kindness goes a long way.”
-Jeff Tobias (We Versus the Shark)

“At a good club, the stage should be easy to jump on and off of.”
-Yea Big (Yea Big and Kid Static)

“The sound system is everything. I don’t care if it’s a hole in the wall and the venue smells. If the sound system is robust and not too muddy sounding, it can be an amazing experience that transcends all other factors.”
-Hank Hofler (Oh Astro)

“The most important factor in a great club is a great owner or booker. Someone who really loves music and understands their market. That can be a really tall order in some areas — some cities have very small communities of fans for each style of music, but a good owner can make alliances with all of them and build something that lasts.”
-Meredith Saunders (Saint Bernadette)

“Free socks. The Bottletree Cafe in Birmingham, AL is to our knowledge the only venue to provide this exceptional service — truly going above and beyond to meet the needs of pro gigging musicians. They actually have a basket from which you can select either white or black socks. This basket is contained in the Airstream trailer that’s parked out back which also serves as the green room for the bands. We watched Eddie Murphy’s Delirious” on DVD in the airstream. Free socks and Eddie Murphy, what else could you ask for?”
-Greg (Clipd Beaks)