Shout Out

A shout out of "THANKS" to Jan at PoppyTalk and Holly over at Decor8 for promoting my upcoming, debut issue of REFUELED. Both gals play a big part in inspiring us in the "design & decorating" blog arena. The alt-country style+design magazine REFUELED will be available for download here on Monday, May 12th.

Webzine REFUELED drops May 12th

The long awaited debut issue of the alt-country style+design webzine from Chris Brown titled “REFUELED” will be released and available for FREE download here on Monday, May 12th. “I have felt for a long time that there should be a alternative magazine in the country arena.” said Chris, “I want to continue to blur the lines with country - continue to inspire a younger generation.” Each issue, to be published bi-yearly, will feature collectors, shows, designers, decor, style & music.

A few spreads from the debut issue.

Inspiring

Thanks to the folks over at DESIGN PUBLIC for digging on my "Found" inspirations on my website urbanpraire.net

Artful Blogging Magazine

My blog header from Feburary is featured in the "Banners We Love" section of the Summer issue of ARTFUL BLOGGING magazine. Managing Editor Staci Dumoski wrote, said she was a fan and asked if I'd contribute. Another example, in my opinion, that folks may be ready for something a little diffrent. Available May 1st at all fine bookstores.

Vandalized Vintage

Look for the reworked vintage china from New Zealand's Trixie Delicious in the debut issue of REFUELED webzine.

Weekend Soundtrack

1. The Whipsaws - 60 Watt Avenue
2. Jim White - Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus Soundtrack
3. Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life

Junk Prom

Dust off your cheapest thriftstore prom couture and head on over to Warrenton, Texas for the annual Junk-O-Rama Prom at Zapp Hall TONIGHT! Held twice a year during Antiques Week, the Junk Gypsy Company host the party. Prom dates sing and dance to country tunes, talk junk and shop under the big Texas sky. For additional photos visit urbanprairie.net

Road Soundtrack

1. STEVE EARLE "Washington Square Serenade"
2. COUNTING CROWS "Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings"
3. SON VOLT "Trace"
4. ZZ TOP "Rio Grande Mud"

Back 04.03.08

Warrenton, Texas bound. Check in often for updates, photos and tidbits from the road.

"What's your road, man?--holyboy road, madman road, rainbow road, guppy road, any road. It's an anywhere road for anybody anyhow."
- Jack Kerouac, On the Road

True Blue

Tat pals Jose Palacios & Mike Condon from True Blue Tattoo in Austin are featured in the latest issue of INKED magazine. Check out their work and advice on where to get the best jambalaya and po'boys.

Warrenton .08 Spring Show

I’ll be heading out to the Spring .08 Warrenton, Texas Antique/Junk orgy. I'll be roaming the fields, soaking up vintage finds, visiting folks we love and chowing down on BBQ and sushi in Austin.

SOLD OUT!

The .08 Urban Prairie Desk Calendar/Inspiration Guide “Crack Heads” has SOLD OUT! It out sold last years calendar release “Found”. It received great reviews from around the world, having sold copies to folks in Canada, England, Japan, Africa, Australia, Brazil, Switzerland, Germany and Taiwan. Thanks to all who purchased a copy. Another special thanks to David Butler of Art of the Midwest for writing such a cool introduction.

Changing the Perception of Country?

Q: Chris, I just read about your upcoming ezine REFUELED. I’ve been a fan of your style for quite a while. Can you tell me a little more about it? Thanks. Laura O’Brien

A: Simply put, my new online magazine REFUELED; Alt Country Style + Design debuting this Spring is a mix of modern country style with a alternative edge. I defined this style many years ago with my company Urban Prairie. My hope is to change the perception of country - much in the same way that Raygun magazine changed the face of music and design magazines in the 90’s. It’s a tall order, but it’s a area I felt was worth exploring.

Hands of Spring

Garden style sweetheart Thersa of Garden Antique Vintage unearthed some great finds at the recent Canton, Texas First Monday sale. Thersa knows the things I love and has often written offering me first choice on items with just the right Urban Prairie style. My recent purchase from her? Vintage, cracked mannequin hands. She let me know that some of the fingers seemed to have been reconnected and looked a little off. That's all I had to hear.

Photo: Thersa Cano

SXSW Music+BBQ

One of my favorite bands is appearing at one of my favorite joints. R.E.M. will be performing March 12th at Stubb's BBQ in Austin as part of the SXSW Music Conference & Festival. If you're not lucky enough to get in, National Public Radio will webcast and broadcast (and possibly podcast!) the show. The web/broadcast, set for 8pm (CT), is one of two SXSW 2008 Showcase Concerts, and will also include performances by supporting bands, Dead Confederate, Johnathan Rice, Papercranes, and Summerbirds in the Cellar.

Inspiration.

Erin Loechner, creator of the cool blog Design For Mankind has just released her second issue of "Inspiration", a monthly e-zine featuring works and text from artists, designers, photographers & authors. Also check out her clever series "The Dailies". It's a "day in the life" of designers & collectors. Look for yours truly in "The Dailies" soon - sharing my somewhat odd schedule and take on life.

BLOGSHOP Shout Out

A sweet thanks to Abbey Hendrickson over at Aesthetic Outburst for the shout out about the Urban Prairie BLOGSHOP. "Who knew there was someone else out there who shared so many of my odd interests!" stated Abbey.

Obsolete

Stroll over to Obsolete for some of the coolest collections and odd items around.