How 'Room Fees' at NYC Venues Are Squeezing Indie Musicians

After his August 9 show at Bushwick's The Sultan Room, the multi-instrumentalist Thor Harris, of the Texas band Thor & Friends and previously Swans, posted a photo on Instagram of the gig's settlement. The post illuminated the venue's expenses, which totaled $850, including production costs (sound and lights), house nut (security, cashier, manager, cleaning fee, and hospitality), and advertising. Although they sold 46 tickets, Harris and his band walked away with nothing. 

"Post-pandemic, the expectations for bands to do all of the legwork and promotion got even worse, as did the pay," Harris said in an interview with Hell Gate. "Many low and middle-level bands have thrown in the towel for touring America." 

Harris updated his post after speaking to the Sultan Room's owner, Varun Kataria, writing, "The real enemy is way bigger than Sultan Room, it's AmericanCorporateCulture [sic]." (Kataria declined to comment for this story, telling Hell Gate, "Our community stepped up and said a lot of what needed to be said on our behalf. Their voice is more impactful than mine.") At a time when music is streamed for free and the cost of living is reaching new highs, Harris and the Sultan Room's scuffle is a reflection of how both musicians and venues in New York City's live music scene are struggling to keep the amps humming. When a touring musician like Harris, who was in a band as well-known as Swans, struggles to turn a profit playing in the city, the reality for smaller, local artists is even more dire.