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The scent of stale cigarettes and sweat hangs heavy in the dim, grimy corners of an old courtyard in downtown Hattiesburg. In recent years, shows like this have exploded into a full‑blown DIY-punk renaissance across the Hub City. Every weekend, snarling vocals and rattling drums breathe new life into the scene’s political but inviting atmosphere.
Recently, bands like Defluo Cervus, Tidus, and Flatwound took the stage with their harsh, screamy vocals and hard-hitting instruments. With local bands like Suede, Ignorant, Defluo Cervus and Teems powering through sweaty, high-octane sets, the event marked a turning point for a community eager to reclaim its DIY roots.
“On the surface, it may just seem like a loud, kind of smelly place for angry people,” live punk music lover Destini Smith expressed. “Once you let yourself feel the music and get rid of all your judgments, you can feel a sense of community bonding.”
That sense of community bonding emerged as a social and musical movement in the 1970s as a raw, rebellious response to mainstream culture, political corruption and social inequality. At its core, punk was about resistance, authenticity and DIY expression, a lifestyle that emphasizes independence, self-reliance and anti-commercialism. And punk is still alive and well in the 21st century with the younger generation sporting gear that screams social justice with “Protect Trans Kids” patches on their clothes.
“Everyone here has their own mess going on,” explained frequent event-goer Belle Clem. “This is a space where you can let everything go, scream, throw your body around. Everyone needs it.”
Community is being reclaimed on their own terms, welcoming those who aren’t welcomed elsewhere, as well as providing aid for those who need it most in the subculture. The all-ages event featured food trucks, zines and vintage merch — echoing the raw energy of early punk movements.
“No one cares if you’re Black, if you’re gay, or what you do,” Clem explained. “As long as you’re a good person, we don’t care.”