Our Story: From Backyard Sketches to Festival Staples

It all kicked off in a cramped apartment on the east side of Austin. My co-founder, Jake, and I—both former sound techs at local venues—were tired of the same old merch at shows. Bland logos, cheap prints that faded after one wash. Why couldn’t there be apparel that felt premium, looked sharp, and celebrated the artists we adored? So, we grabbed some markers and started sketching. Our first design? A hoodie inspired by the swirling sounds of a psychedelic rock set at ACL Festival. We printed a handful, wore them out, and folks kept asking, “Where’d you get that?”

Fast forward a few years, and Shopsonicx has become a staple for music fans across Texas and beyond. We’ve partnered with indie labels, screen-printed thousands of pieces, and even popped up at events like Austin City Limits. But don’t get me wrong—it’s not all glamour. There were nights we questioned if we could keep the lights on, especially during those quiet months when tours slowed down. Yet, every time a customer shares a photo of our tee at their favorite concert, it reminds us why we do this. It’s that personal touch, the stories behind each design, that keeps us going. You feel that too, right? That rush when something you wear tells your story.

Oh, and speaking of stories—let me digress for a sec. Austin’s music scene isn’t just about the big names; it’s the hidden gems, the dive bars where tomorrow’s stars are born. We draw from that energy, mixing in subtle nods to local legends like Willie Nelson or the raw edge of blues joints on Sixth Street. It’s like wearing a piece of the city’s soul.

The Hearts Behind the Threads: Meet the Team

We’re a tight-knit crew of about a dozen, from designers with art school backgrounds to printers who’ve been in the game since the days of vinyl records. Take Sarah, our lead designer—she’s got this knack for turning album artwork into wearable art without stepping on copyrights. Or Mike in production; he’s the guy who ensures every stitch is straight, every color pops just right. We’re all locals, raised on barbecue and bluegrass, which bleeds into everything we create.

What sets us apart? Passion, plain and simple. Most of us aren’t just employees; we’re family, swapping playlists during lunch breaks and brainstorming over craft beers. It’s informal, sure, but that energy shows in our work. Ever wonder why some brands feel cold and corporate? Ours doesn’t because we’re in it for the love of the craft. And yeah, we make mistakes—like that one batch of hoodies where the ink ran a bit—but we own them, fix them fast, and learn. That’s real, isn’t it?

Crafting Gear That Lasts: Our Process, Step by Step

Now, let’s talk shop—literally. Designing a T-shirt or hoodie at Shopsonicx isn’t a factory line; it’s more like composing a song. We start with inspiration: maybe a lyric that sticks, a gig poster from the ’90s, or the vibe of a rainy night drive with the radio on. Our artists rough out ideas on paper, then digitize them using software like Adobe Illustrator—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done right.

From there, we head to screen printing. It’s old-school, hands-on work that gives our pieces that authentic feel. We use water-based inks, eco-friendly and soft against your skin, on high-quality cotton blends that hold up wash after wash. Hoodies? We go for fleece that’s cozy without the bulk, perfect for layering at outdoor shows. Testing is key—we wear ’em ourselves, toss ’em in the dryer a dozen times to make sure they don’t shrink or fade. Here’s the thing: in an era of fast fashion, we slow it down. Quality over quantity, every time.

And sustainability? It’s not a buzzword for us; it’s practical. We source blanks from U.S. mills, reducing our carbon footprint, and recycle scraps in the shop. You know, like how your favorite band reuses riffs but makes ’em fresh—we repurpose ideas thoughtfully.

What We’re All About: Values That Hit the Right Note

At our core, Shopsonicx stands for community, creativity, and quality. Community first—we support local musicians by donating a slice of proceeds to Austin’s music education programs. Creativity? We collaborate with artists, giving them a platform to shine. Quality means no cutting corners; if it doesn’t pass our vibe check, it doesn’t ship.

We’re transparent too. Prices? Fair, covering costs without gouging. Shipping? Quick and tracked, with returns that are hassle-free because we get it—sometimes a size just doesn’t fit the rhythm. Inclusivity matters; our sizes run from XS to 4XL, and designs appeal to everyone from punk rockers to folk fans. Honestly, seeing diverse folks rock our gear? That’s the best part.

But wait, isn’t it contradictory to say we’re small yet ship nationwide? Yeah, it is—but that’s the beauty. We stay local in spirit while reaching further, like a band touring from hometown dives to bigger stages.

Our Collection: Designs That Echo Your Playlist

Dive into our lineup, and you’ll find T-shirts splashed with motifs from classic rock anthems to hip-hop beats. Take our “Midnight Serenade” hoodie—soft gray with a subtle moon phase print inspired by late-night jazz sessions. Or the “Riff Raider” tee, bold black with electric guitar strings weaving through city skylines. We drop limited editions tied to festivals, like our SXSW series that sold out in days.

What makes them special? The details. Embroidered patches on hoodies for that tactile touch, tagless necks to avoid itch, and fits that flatter without clinging. Pair a tee with jeans for casual days or layer a hoodie for cooler evenings—versatile, just like your music taste. And trends? We’re eyeing fall’s earthy tones right now, blending them with retro vibes for that cozy, back-to-school feel in September.

Ever thought about how a hoodie can be your security blanket at a crowded venue? Ours are designed with that in mind—pockets deep enough for your phone, hoods that shield from light rain.

Why Shop Local? The Shopsonicx Edge

In a sea of online giants, why pick us? Simple: we’re your neighbors. Buying from Shopsonicx means supporting a local business that reinvests in the community—think funding for youth music workshops or sponsoring open mics. Plus, our stuff arrives with a personal note, maybe a playlist recommendation scribbled on the packing slip.

Customer stories fuel us. Like the fan who wore our band tribute tee to meet their idol—got a shoutout on stage! Or the group of friends matching in hoodies for a road trip. It’s those moments that make this more than merch; it’s a connection.

We’re not perfect—supply chains snag sometimes, designs evolve based on feedback—but we’re committed. Join our email list for behind-the-scenes peeks, exclusive drops, and that insider feel.

Visit Our Store

Address: 701 Bowman Rd Apt 24, Bearden, AR 71720-9579, United States
Email: support@shopsonicx.com
Open Time: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (EST), Monday – Friday