Episode 10: How to Make a Music Haven with J Opp & Benjamin Reese

Musicians J Opp and Benjamin Reese are co-owners of Havenhaus

Musicians J Opp (@g0dsdrunkestdriver) and Benjamin Reese (@ben.mages) are co-owners of Havenhaus (@havenhaus901), a DIY music venue in Memphis. The venue began as a small house music space that J started after the COVID pandemic shut down other DIY venues like Pagan Mom House. What began as a necessity to keep the local music scene alive has evolved through several locations to their newest location next to Earnestine & Hazel's in downtown Memphis. J describes finding each new space as almost divinely ordained, with opportunities consistently appearing at the right time. When the previous Cooper Young location began showing limitations (one porta-potty, no AC, electrical issues, and noise complaints), J and Ben found their current downtown location with a built-in bar, stage, lights, and sound system - the perfect next step for Havenhaus.

We talk about how J and Ben met through the local music scene, their individual musical projects (Spitehouse, Banales, and Crum B.), and how Ben moved to Memphis in 2022 and connected with other musicians through Facebook groups and open mics. They describe the Memphis DIY scene as a "friendship central" where artists overlap, connect, and support each other despite occasional "beefs and spats." We discuss mosh pit culture and how it provides an outlet for aggression in troubling times. They share stories about police encounters at DIY shows, their GoFundMe campaign that has raised $4,800 to support the venue's growth, and how they balance running Havenhaus with their creative pursuits. They express their desire to make Memphis an essential tour stop for bands that typically pass over in favor of Nashville, emphasizing the vibrancy of the local music scene touring artists shouldn't skip.