Help Spread the Word

Can you hear the buzz? Have you heard the good word? The bible of alt country style+design, REFUELED magazine, is spreading - and you can help move it's effort along further. Join the grassroots campaign. Be a part of the DIRT ROAD TEAM by adding banners, ads and animated gif files to your blog, website, myspace or Facebook page. Let us know about your efforts and your name will be added to a drawing to win REFUELED swag. More details coming soon. Thanks for your support and being a member of the DIRT ROAD TEAM.

Guest Blogger: Don Weir

After seeing some of the things Don Weir collected and speaking with him on the phone, I knew I had to have him as part of the REFUELED team. Don is the magazines contributing editor-at-large. Not only the proprietor of Open Road Antiques (set up in Uncommon Objects) in Austin, his skills expand to photography and writing. Ladies & gents, Don Weir:



"NEVER SEEM TO GET FAR ENOUGH / STAYING IN BETWEEN THE LINES"

Those, folks, are the blessed words of a musical savior named Jay Farrar - founder of long defunct Uncle Tupelo and frontman of the venerable Son Volt - and they ring dead true and honest when applied to REFUELED, the new bible of alt-country style and design. Without naming names, it seems that for years now, the traditional print magazines that focus on "country" design have rehashed the same old themes over and over again. Shabby-chic cabinets, pie safes, mantle pieces, enamel ware, watering buckets and the like fill their pages month in and month out. All worthy subjects for sure, but there's a whole 'nother world outside of those tight white lines, and Chris Brown has tapped into it hard and heavy with REFUELED.

Strange thing is, what Chris has tapped into is exactly the stuff that really gets me going - a reverential love for the unusual
remnants of yesteryear with a modernist graphic twist. Sure, I can get excited about an old piece of stoneware - but not like the beautiful decay of an ancient horse-hair stuffed doll, the worn zinc of a table used to make lightning rods in the '20s, or the folky, hand painted wonder of a warning sign from a railroad tunnel somewhere in Kansas. Then to embellish those wondrous finds and photographs with a raw yet sophisticated graphic style - well, to borrow from another midwestern tune-smith - it just "hurts so (damn) good." And it's different. Much different. Outside the lines is where Chris likes to tread, and I thank the hell out of him for asking me to be a part of REFUELED.

So, I haven't taken pen to paper in a serious way for years, but here we are. It's not The Paris Review -- but better in my opinion. Slang is accepted. Foul language is not considered foul. Dirt is good. Blood is better. Booze is welcome. It's all part of the alt-country design world that we inhabit, and Chris and Cheryl and I are gonna do our damndest to bring ya'll stories you'd never find in more traditional rags. Stay tuned. It's gonna be fun.

REFUELED Magazine In Hardcopy

I have been invited to be a publisher with MagCloud. MagCloud is an HP Labs research project evaluating new web services that will provide small independent magazine publishers, online content owners, and small businesses the ability to custom publish digitized magazines and economically print and fulfill on demand.

This will answer the thousands of REFUELED readers who have asked for the magazine in printed form. The next issue, due in November, will be available in brilliant full color on 80lb paper with saddle-stitched cover. More details to come.

Etta Industry

Urban Prairie friend D'Ette Cole has launched a total redesign of the site Etta Industry.

The Austin, Texas designer, previous co-owner of Uncommon Objects and Clutter, showcases her works in interiors, photography, creative direction, print and art.



Photos by D'Ette Cole/Etta Industry

Vintage Shaving Blades

There is a great collection of vintage shaving blades and packaging, dating back to the first half of the 1900's , at the Flickr site of The Klockarp Institute. Very cool typography.

Seven Signs

Possessed by a vision similar to that of the tent-show evangelists down in Dixie, Colonel J.D. Wilkes (the charismatic frontman and songwriter for the Legendary Shack*Shakers) sets off with a camera crew to prove that the older, stranger South still exists in all of its eerie, time-worn, & gothic glory...despite the expansion of the "New South's" urban sprawl.

Along the way, he walks the backroads of Appalachia, nailing up seven signs, each one representing a different apocalyptic theme...themes which only help to reenforce the awesome thrill and dread that lie at the heart of our own "Christ-Haunted" southern heritage.

Akin to other Southern documentaries like "Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus" and "Dancin' Outlaw", Colonel J.D.'s "Seven Signs" has officially begun shooting. "The first wave of our taping was a huge success," declares Col. J.D. Wilkes, first-time filmmaker and full time frontman for his equally Bible Belt-influenced rock 'n roll band.

"This movie seeks to give resonance to the voices of true, southern individuals...each one unique, fearless and most importantly intelligent. This is NOT an exploitational slam-job on the South. This is about the humanity of my homeland. These are my people." explained Wilkes.

The film, as of yet, has no release date.

FARM AID Date Announced

John Mellencamp has revealed the details of this year’s Farm Aid concert, to be held September 20th at the Comcast Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. Mellencamp will be joined by co-headliners Neil Young, Dave Matthews and Willie Nelson, with more top artists to be announced soon. This year also marks the first time in the event’s history that the concert will take place in the New England area. “New England was built on the strength of independent family farmers,” said Mellencamp. “We can honor that independent spirit by joining Farm Aid to grow the movement that is changing the way all of America eats.”

As in years past, the concert will “feature family-farm identified, local and organic foods at concessions, setting an example of the many ways that family farm food can be integrated into the general marketplace.” Since its creation in 1985, Farm Aid has helped raise over $30 million for programs that support farmers, expand the Good Food Movement and promote food from family farms. Tickets for this year’s Farm Aid, which is presented by Whole Foods Market and Horizon Organic, go on sale July 28th via Ticketmaster.

iReport Film Festival: Campaign 2008!

Do you volunteer for one of the presidential campaigns? Have a video camera? CNN wants YOU to make a short film for iReport Film Festival: Campaign 2008!, an online festival of short films from the campaign trail. Put your creativity to the test and give them a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes whether you are organizing in your community or following the campaign.

The deadline for entries is midnight, October 12. The best films will vie for Grand Jury and CNN Audience Awards, and as with all iReports, may be featured on CNN. Award winners will receive a trip to Washington D.C. for the inauguration of the next president of the United States and a top-of-the-line HD camera.

Guest Blogger: Cheryl Schulke

I'd like to start introducing you to the team I've put together to produce REFUELED magazine. First up is Cheryl Schulke of Stash Studios. She is the magazines contributing features editor. Cheryl was the first person I brought on board for her creative writing and photography skills. Also she just plain "gets it". I asked her to speak a little about her role with the magazine and give you a sneak peek at what to expect in issue two. Without further ado, heres Cheryl:

Blessed are the cracked - they shall let in the light.

This is one of my favorite sayings and it certainly rings true for my friend Chris Brown and his unique brand of Alt Country Style+Design found exclusively in REFUELED magazine.

On one hand, you can skim through the pages of this virtual bible of Alt + Country style and enjoy the eye candy. On the other hand, if you look closer, you will see there are layers that reveal themselves with each new look. The essence of this style is its soul. It is a style that encourages us to dig deeper, to explore darker regions, to conjure the artist, to push away boundaries, to overcome expectations, and to live with a fresh perspective.

I love working with the REFUELED team. Creating photos with a graphic edge. Seeing the eye-popping layouts emerge from Chris's REFUELED brain. Engaging word play and creating feature stories that push limits. Discovering songs that become the soundtrack of an issue.

We are preparing our second issue which is shaping up to have a style focus. We have selected a handful of our favorite hot concept designers who embody the Alt + Country style. I am busy in studio working on a collection of handmade, vintage-inspired clothing which explores the concept of why we might be feeling a little black and blue at the moment. Expect a dark backwoods Cinderella spread to emerge with this debut.

There will be a convergence in Austin for photo shoots and interviews and live music and mighty amounts of jalapeño margaritas as we also slip into life at a seedy motel for a look at the fashion of tattoos and vintage lingerie.

You would never know it is a free magazine from the level of dedication that is poured in to each issue. We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoy creating. In the meantime, stay tuned for behind-the-scenes out-takes found exclusively at Urban Prairie and Stash Studios.

Vintage Camping

There is truly nothing like getting out of the city lights and camping under the stars. Grab a tent this summer and experience what mother nature has to offer. Can't you smell the bacon cooking?



Photos from Toast

Austin Digs

Hotel San Jose in Austin has a brand new site, featuring photos from one of my favorite photographers, Allison V. Smith.

The San Jose will be the location for a upcoming "fashion" photo shoot to be featured in issue two of REFUELED magazine. The shoot will showcase designs by Cheryl Schulke; REFUELED's contributing features editor. Look for the issue in November.

Peace & Love

Wherever you are in the world, join Ringo, on July 7th at noon, in making the peace sign and saying, singing, shouting, whispering, signing, writing or quietly thinking one simply beautiful and universal message: "Peace & Love."

Some are gathering at the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago with Ringo; others are meeting outside Abbey Road Studios in London, Capitol Records in LA, Strawberry Fields in NYC and the Peace Tower in Iceland.

For the latest information about the day visit: www.ringostarr.com

The Dirty Old South

I'll be heading out tomorrow, to celebrate the 4th in the dirty old south. Making this trip always reminds me of the documentary "Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus", in which alt country musician Jim White describes his idea of the rural South. The film is a collage of stories and testimonies, almost invariably of sudden death, sin or redemption: Heaven or Hell, with no middle ground. And all the while, a strange Southern Jesus looms in the background.

Giddy Up

Really diggin' these cowboy/cowgirl theme paintings from artist Camilla Engman.

New Site for REFUELED Magazine

A all new site, dedicated to REFUELED magazine, has been launched. From here you will be able to download all issues, read about contributors and stay up to date on what folks are saying about REFUELED; the bible of alt country style+design

Thanks Photojojo

Photojojo publishes a newsletter on photography. More specifically, they scour the internet, rip pages out of magazines, ransack friends' closets, and go through dumpsters to find the very best Photo tips, DIY projects, and gear. In a recent entry, they highlighted REFUELED magazine as a publication to inspire others in designing their own magazine.

Advertise in Refueled Magazine

Interested in advertising in REFUELED magazine? Does your product/music/view fit within the vibe of the magazine? REFUELED is a alt/indie country style+design magazine featuring collectors, designers, style makers & musicians. For consideration and ad rates, please email editor@urbanprairie.net.

Click HERE to view the debut issue of REFUELED online at Issuu or Download in PDF format directly to your desktop HERE.

Lost Found Art

North Stamford collector Mark Indursky continues to add new and odd finds to his online site Lost Found Art. From vintage paint brushes and antique optical measuring glasses to a 1930-70's toy ray gun collection, Mark carries lost treasures that are graphic, colorful and dramatic - in a group or on their own.

Cowpoke Swankwear

Kathie Sever is putting a modern twist on "Urban Cowboy" wear. Ramonster, one-of-a-kind indie/Americana themed clothing for men, women and children.

Centro-matic: Dual Hawks

Keeping track of the distinctions between Centro-matic and South San Gabriel could be a full-time effort, if one were so inclined. Based in Denton, Texas, Centro-matic once titled an album South San Gabriel Songs/Music, only to give a splinter faction of the participating musicians—meaning Centro-matic and more friends—the name South San Gabriel and release that album in Europe under the new band name. South San Gabriel includes the four core members of Centro-matic, plus additional members, but we’ll get to that shortly. You might be inclined to say that Centro-matic material tends to be more rockin’, with SSG its mellow, literary counterpart, and Will Johnson’s solo material as…well…usually (how shall I put this?) skinny-dipping in the abyss—but it would be a gross oversimplification.


Each of these projects shares all of the aforementioned respective qualities and more. What is distinctive about the release of Dual Hawks is that we get the chance to hear side-by-side the various ways in which Centro-matic and South San Gabriel complement and play off of each other—sort of the full-length equivalent of a split single. With Dual Hawks, the respective bands prove once again that they are one of the rare breeds who can do both. Catchy hooks, wiry guitars, harmonies and handclaps, splendid string and horn arrangements, and songs so well written and produced they will make indie-rockers of lesser mettle go home and cry.



Was Dual Hawks always conceived as a double album? Was it an excuse to get more songs out at once?

Will Johnson: “Originally, our last record (Fort Recovery) was supposed to be a double album. In the end, we decided not to do it that way, but I think there was still a carried-over attraction to eventually doing one. As time went with all these recordings, I think we all came to agree that it was a very solid look at what each of our musical entities do. They sit pretty well together. I think it was originally Mark’s suggestion to do the split double album, and we all agreed it was time to shake things up a bit, put out a bold release and take a chance. Something real fan-friendly, and at the same time against the grain.”

Where do the songs come from? Do they have a unifying thread?

WJ: “The approaches to each side were pretty different. I worked on the South San Gabriel songs for a number of months before we all got together, constantly picking at them, changing things. It’s far more preconceived, carefully orchestrated and labored over. The Centro-matic session was more about writing and recording right there in the moment. More than half of the Centro-matic side was written in the studio, and those songs were recorded within hours of being written. Lots of spontaneity, rawness, and fun in that approach.”

UpComing Dates:

Saturday, June 21 - Athens, GA - 40 Watt
AthFest 2008

Sunday, June 22 - Richmond, VA - The National
Opening for The National

Tuesday, June 24 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
with Glossary

Saturday, June 28 - Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre
with the Kadane Brothers
Show being filmed for a live DVD.

Centro-Matic Photo: Melanie Gomez

Beautiful Losers

For over a decade, outsider sub-cultures have influenced the mainstream. Now, a feature documentary finally explores that creative ethos driving youth culture and popular art today. First a traveling museum exhibition and book, Beautiful Losers, is now an unique documentary celebrating the independent and D.I.Y. spirit that unified a loose-knit group of American artists who emerged from the underground worlds of skateboarding, graffiti, punk and hip hop. Produced by Sidetrack Films, Beautiful Losers is an intimate and moving assessment of underappreciated yet wildly influential outcasts such as Shepard Fairey, Margaret Kilgallen, Mike Mills and Ed Templeton. Informed by their individual experiences and the generation’s “Do It Yourself” culture, these artists left an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion, music, literature, film and ironically, sports. The story of Beautiful Losers is a retrospective celebration of their contribution to artistic independence.

More Collectors in REFUELED Magazine

Look for Austin, Texas collector Don Weir in the Fall/Winter issue of REFUELED magazine. Don has a great eye for taking found objects and working them into everyday settings. He showcases his collections/objects at Uncommon Objects. Look for him in the June issue of "Country Home" magazine, "Look What I Found" section.

Strange+Beautiful Friday

Wim Delvoye's Tattooed Pigs

Sign Up!

Thousands of you continue to download the debut issue of my alt country style+design magazine, REFUELED. Looking forward to the next issue? Sign up here - leave your name and email address in the comment section below and we'll keep you informed on the Fall/Winter issue of REFUELED. Do you get it?

Welcome Summer

Hangin' Ten. Back in a few.

You like it, you really like it!

After a little over a week since my alt-country style+design magazine REFUELED was released, thousands of you have downloaded and viewed the debut issue. Thank you. I have gotten tons of emails, letters to the editor and comments on it's design, content, photographs and the fact that it has filled a "alternative country" void. I really appreciate all the response. It will better shape the future of the magazine. I'm very excited about the Fall/Winter issue.

Click HERE to view REFUELED online at Issuu or
Download in PDF format directly to your desktop HERE.

Issuu Features "REFUELED" EZINE

The debut issue of REFUELED, my alt country take on style+design, is the #3 featured magazine on Issuu at the moment. Issuu is the place for online publications.

Click HERE to view REFUELED online at Issuu or
Download in PDF format directly to your desktop HERE.

"REFUELED" EZINE Now Online

Click HERE to Download in PDF Format.

The debut issue of REFUELED; Alt-Country Style+Design features a interview with Uncommon Objects' owner Steve Wiman, a personal view of Warrenton, Texas, home to one of the largest antique shows in the U.S., cool styles, the music of Jim White and much more. Please let us know what you think. Enjoy.