Building Culture, Not Just Concerts: The Story of The Commie House

The Commie House: A DIY Haven for Hardcore and Emo in Columbia

Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina, the Commie House is far from your typical concert venue. Run by John White, affectionately known as "JoJo," this unassuming home has become the epicenter of the city’s DIY heavy music scene. Hosting everything from hardcore and death metal to emo and punk shows, the Commie House is more than just a place to hear live music—it’s a cultural movement. After attending my first show there in October, with Rectoplasm and Deathbloom, it was clear that JoJo wasn’t just building a venue—he was building a community. Everyone I met that night spoke highly of the house and JoJo himself, praising the unique energy and camaraderie that the space fosters.

The Birth of the Commie House

The journey to what is now the Commie House began years ago in Charleston, where JoJo cut his teeth hosting house shows at places like 88 Spring Street and The Scum Bucket. After moving back to Columbia where he was originally from, a life-altering accident left JoJo with a settlement that he used to put a down payment on the house that would eventually become the Commie House. Instead of blowing the money, he made a conscious decision to invest in something meaningful. “I bought an amp and then put the rest into this house,” he said. The first official show at the Commie House happened in 2022, featuring Severed by Dawn and Regions. From that moment, the venue took on a life of its own, hosting events that ranged from intimate emo nights to full-blown hardcore throwdowns, but the turning point of The Commie House and its notoriety came during the Kaonoshi show in June of 2023.

“I’m Not Selling Concert Tickets; I’m Selling Culture”

One thing JoJo made clear during our conversation is that the Commie House is about much more than music. "I’m not selling concert tickets; I’m selling culture," he said. And it shows. From the moment you step through the door, it’s clear that this space is about fostering connections, uplifting local talent, and creating a sense of belonging.

JoJo’s philosophy extends to everything he does, from booking new and underrepresented bands to building a volunteer-driven support system that keeps the house running. Whether it’s someone working the door, cooking meals for the crew, or helping with sound, every part of the Commie House is built on a foundation of community.

Politics and the Commie House

The name “Commie House” carries its own weight, originating as a joke during the pandemic when JoJo and his left-leaning housemates hosted Black Lives Matter meetings. While the name stuck, JoJo initially had concerns. “I tried to rebrand it a couple of times,” he admitted, worried about backlash with the address of the Commie House so publicly available. “But people just kept calling it the Commie House.” While politics aren’t the focus, they inevitably surface, whether through conversations among attendees or messages from the stage. JoJo, who describes himself as a Marxist, emphasized that the house is ultimately about unity and respect. "You’ve got to talk to people like they’re people," he said. "Even if you don’t agree with them." This balanced approach is part of what makes the Commie House special. It’s a place where people from all walks of life can come together, not to argue, but to enjoy music and connect.

Building a DIY Community

When I attended my first Commie House show, I was struck by how much it felt like a family gathering. Volunteers are integral to the house’s success and without them, The Commie House wouldn't be what it is today. JoJo even highlighted how volunteers often learn valuable skills, like booking shows or running sound, which they can take to other venues and projects. “I love this shit. I can’t stop,” JoJo said. I asked him what is really in it for him, because turning your home into a music venue definitely comes with its fair share of challenges. JoJo replied, “Somebody’s gotta do this. DIY spaces like this saved my life when I was younger. It means a lot.” And it shows. The Commie House doesn’t just host shows; it builds people up. It gives new bands their first platform and offers fans a space where they can feel safe and accepted.

Challenges and the Future

Running a DIY venue out of your home isn’t easy. From policing underage drinking to dealing with the occasional difficult attendee, JoJo faces challenges that traditional venues might not. “The last thing I want is for someone to leave here drunk and get into an accident,” he said. "I’ve taken people’s keys more times than I can count just to make sure everyone stays safe.” Despite these hurdles, JoJo is committed—but he knows it’s not sustainable forever. “I can’t do this full-time much longer,” he admitted. “But I want to make sure the infrastructure is there so others can keep it going, whether it’s here or somewhere else.” When asked if he could see the Commie House continuing in a more formal venue, JoJo was open to the idea but realistic about the financial hurdles. “I’ve heard people say there are only so many people showing up because it’s a house show, but that’s not it. I’m selling culture. You could recreate this in a small venue with the same vibe, but someone would need to invest in it.”

A First-Timer’s Guide

For anyone heading to their first show at the Commie House, JoJo’s advice is simple: “Be yourself. Don’t worry if you don’t fit in or if you look different. This place is for you.” It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, reflecting the house’s mission to be a safe, welcoming space for everyone.

Etching a Legacy in Carolina DIY History

The Commie House is more than a venue—it’s a movement. It’s a place where music, culture, and community collide, creating something truly special. Whether you’re moshing at a hardcore show or discovering a new favorite band at an emo night, the Commie House offers an experience that goes beyond the music. It’s about belonging, connection, and the power of DIY to bring people together. And that’s something worth celebrating. DIY venues like The Commie House have always been the lifeblood of underground music scenes. They’re the places where bands cut their teeth, where fans discover new sounds, and where communities are built from the ground up. By providing a platform for emerging talent and creating a space where people can connect, JoJo and The Commie House are ensuring that their impact will be felt for years to come. Every person who has attended a show, volunteered their time, or played a set at The Commie House is part of this story. They’re helping to write a chapter of DIY history that future bands and fans will look back on with admiration. From the graffiti-covered walls to the intimate, high-energy shows, everything about The Commie House screams authenticity and passion. Being part of this community means more than just attending a show—it means being part of a movement that celebrates individuality, creativity, and the unbreakable spirit of DIY. The people who’ve passed through the doors of The Commie House aren’t just fans or musicians—they’re contributors to a cultural revolution that will be remembered as a cornerstone of the Carolinas’ DIY scene.