This year, I had the pleasure of visiting Breda - the city of Coco Bryce, Stekker, and Teknosucks Records. It is the ninth-largest municipality in the Netherlands, located in the southern part of the country. Historic monuments, vibrant street art, and plenty of green spaces mark it as charming. Breda has also a large student population and is home to the impressive University of Applied Sciences, known for fields such as game technology and video game development.
The city doesn’t forget its hardcore roots either, which still pulse in the Dutch underground culture. With that in mind, I had the chance to visit the beating heart of Breda’s underground culture, the well-known UNIT.
Walking into UNIT feels like stepping into a world built by true enthusiasts. - and they definetely are. The store brings together everything its founder, the friendly man Pieter, has been passionate about ever since: underground electronic music, industrial artwork, graffiti, and skateboarding. What started as a small attic-run webshop and a mobile store at free parties across Europe has grown into a beloved physical location where creativity, community, and music collide. Over the past 10 years, UNIT has evolved through hard work, DIY attitude, and a deep love for the scene. A major renovation in 2020 expanded the space, added a built-in DJ booth, and created even more room for vinyl, art, and events. The result is a store that feels alive and it's growing, and inspiring.
UNIT offers an impressive selection of new and second-hand vinyl. I found loads of crates with the likes of Kniteforce, Rave Radio, Future Retro, Paranoid Recordings, just to name a few. Also there is exclusive streetwear, skateboards, and graffiti supplies. But the real magic lies in the atmosphere. It’s a spot to hang out, enjoy an in-store DJ set, flip through records with a beer (try their Hard Core Beer) or coffee, and connect with people who share the same passion for underground culture.
All in all, if you’re into electronic music, alternative art, skate culture, or simply love discovering authentic places with soul, UNIT is an absolute must-visit. And the city itself it's worth a trip, of course! Cheers to Coco for showing me around some of Breda's beauties.
UNIT - www.unitbreda.nl
