It seemed right for a place where people brought songs they weren’t yet sure anyone would want to hear.

I registered the business name and spoke to an accountant about the studio finances.

I set aside part of the returned rent money as a personal emergency fund instead of pouring all of it into equipment.

The remainder became a modest reserve for training and recording expenses.

I kept my grocery-store job for now, reducing my hours rather than quitting immediately.

At home, I found myself less frightened by the sight of bills on the table.