Dr. Sam White aka “Dr. Pub”, lecturer in Creative Industries at the University of South Australia joins Dylan of The Grapevine to chat about the role of small music venues in Melbourne’s vibrant music scene. Together they discuss Sam’s new book Small Venues which contains his recent PHD research conducted at iconic Melbourne venues the Tote and the Old Bar. The book explores how small venues provide platforms for new and emerging acts and foster community hubs. Together they also discuss why gentrification, council noise restrictions and government support are affecting attitudes towards small music venues across the country. Sam’s hands-on field research sheds light on how our small venues are more than businesses, they are cultural institutions and their value should never be perceived in capital but rather community.