Tuesday, June 24, 2008

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

Monday, June 23, 2008

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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

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.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

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.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

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.

Monday, June 9, 2008

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.

Friday, June 6, 2008