I have been to so many bad nights that I no longer feel like driving 30 or 40 miles to a strange club to see a new act after a day at work. I catch new names at festivals or by recommendation and see then at clubs which I know have a decent atmosphere.

Penguin Egg's comments do reflect how far too many clubs appear to the paying audience. There are some exceptions and these have nothing to do with the trad/comtemporary arguement, its all about attitude towards the customers.