United States

Texas

Crushed

Austin just has this unaffected sense of being. Less pretentious that 

, and more level-headed than New York, Austin maintains a reputation as a cool kid - despite its growing tech bro scene and the (now) commercial massiveness SXSW, it 

 carries an understated charisma that charms with good food, good venues and an all-around good vibe.

The gloriously hazy sounds of low-fi indie outfit, crushed, are the perfect soundtrack to walking round the city's sun-drenched streets. It's also where vocalist, Bre Morell, lived and spent time before relocating to 

, where she now lives (her co-band member, Shaun Durkan, is from Portland). Layering whispered vocals onto breaks decked with jangly guitars, crushed take cues from 90s - professing a love of Bristol downbeat and dream pop, weaving in luscious melodic hooks into their emotional musings.  

Below, Bre shares where she likes to take a beat in her home city: from unwinding in the arcade to escaping to a hidden skyspace, she'll show you Austin like no one else can. 

This place is a true gem. Many years ago I stumbled into the original location expecting nothing more than a typical arcade inside but found something very special and I’m so glad it remains to this day. It’s a Japanese-style game center with a vibrant community and amazing variety of imported games that you’ll rarely come across in Texas. Lots of great rhythm and fighting games here but I must recommend “Densha de GO!” - the train simulator game that I can’t get enough of. So much fun.

My favourite record store in Austin but also the whole country if we’re being honest here. I’ve been coming here since I first moved to Austin at 17 and they’ve always had the best selection, the friendliest staff, and great in-store performances that are always worth catching if you can. 

Lovely independent book store in my favourite neighborhood, with great coffee too. They also share walls with a specialty grocery store (Tiny Grocer) and a pizza spot with my favorite slice in town (Allday Pizza - Vodka Baby) - so its a great block to spend an afternoon on.

Very few things unite Austinites as much as our shared love for Veracruz. It’s the first thing I recommend to friends visiting Austin for the first time, and the first place I want to hit when I’m back in town. It’s just that good. My favourite location is in a park shared with a few other vendors, including the also great Desnudo Coffee. Come early and get the El Diferente if you’re vegan like me, or the much beloved Migas if you’re not.

My favorite spot for vintage clothes and goodies in town. If you’re into 90’s/00’s fashion this is your place - they’ve always got a great selection of really unique pieces and I can never go home empty handed. 

The best vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Texas. Relaxed and cozy vibes that are perfect any time any day, but especially great for breakfast/brunch, or a late night dinner. I’ve never found a single bad thing on the menu but I do have a hard time ordering anything other than my favs: the BLTA with potato salad, the tofu scramble tacos, or the grilled blueberry cornbread if you’re looking for something sweet.

One of my favourite Austin secrets. Tucked away on the rooftop of a University of Texas student activity building is one of James Turrell’s beautiful skyspaces - my favourite place to escape, and meditate. Viewing during a sunrise or sunset sequence is essential and must be reserved in advance. For maximum enjoyment bring noise-cancelling  headphones and an ambient mix of your choice.

End of a Ear

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