Hi, I'm Operator Seven, the creator of Substance.

Life revolves around music! I collect records, DJ, and sing in the electronic darkwave project Thought Thieves, where I've had the opportunity to share the stage with artists including Information Society, Assemblage 23, Aesthetic Perfection, Lords of Acid, and many others.

Substance started in Omaha before finding a new home in Louisville. I built it because I missed Ground Zero in Minneapolis. It was the kind of place where you always knew you'd hear great music, discover something new, and spend the night with people who loved it as much as you did. When I realized I couldn't find that experience anymore, I decided to create something.

In some ways, Substance is like that—but with a twist. My goal isn't to recreate Ground Zero. I want to take a different path to the same destination. The night might begin with classic New Wave and synthpop, move through current darkwave, post-punk, and EBM, or feature a one-hour spotlight on a band or artist. By the end of the night, I want it to be hopping—that same energy, that same full dance floor, and the same feeling that made me want to build Substance in the first place.

Video has always been part of the experience for me. Whenever I can, the music is accompanied by its original videos or visuals that fit the mood. Some songs are familiar, some are new, and hopefully a few become your next favorites.

I'm glad you found your way here.

— Operator Seven