Paul L. Underwood
@plunderwood.bsky.social
Writer / Editor in Austin, Texas. Bylines in The New York Times, Esquire, Texas Monthly, and more.
🎵+🖊️: someoneelsessongs.substack.com
Selected work: linktr.ee/paullunderwood
🎵+🖊️: someoneelsessongs.substack.com
Selected work: linktr.ee/paullunderwood
Pinned
“It represents a turning point in the way that art is conceived and what it represents in the world."
Installed on a lonesome stretch of highway, Prada Marfa has become the opposite of what was intended: a Texas institution. https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/prada-marfa-20-years-social-media/
Installed on a lonesome stretch of highway, Prada Marfa has become the opposite of what was intended: a Texas institution. https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/prada-marfa-20-years-social-media/
Prada Marfa, the Queen of the Road, Turns 20
The art installation, on a lonely desert road in West Texas, helped usher in the social media age of travel.
www.texasmonthly.com
My latest for @texasmonthly.bsky.social, on the 20th anniversary of an improbable Texas institution: Prada Marfa.
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My latest Made in Texas piece, on Fort Worth-based Artisan Golf, makers of putters, irons, and wedges to the stars (and amateurs like the rest of us).
www.texasmonthly.com/style/artisa...
www.texasmonthly.com/style/artisa...
The Fort Worth Company Making Golf Clubs for the Stars
You may not play like Artisan Golf clients Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods. But the Fort Worth company will help you take a swing at it.
www.texasmonthly.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:41 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My latest Made in Texas piece, on Fort Worth-based Artisan Golf, makers of putters, irons, and wedges to the stars (and amateurs like the rest of us).
www.texasmonthly.com/style/artisa...
www.texasmonthly.com/style/artisa...
"What defines a Texas gift? Sure, it’s something made in, designed in, or strongly connected to the Lone Star State. But a true Texas gift also tells you something about the giver—their love of craftsmanship and a good story." New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: www.texasmonthly.com/style/top-25...
The Top 25 Texas Gifts of 2025
Get your favorite people presents from your favorite state, from a Houston puzzle and a five-year rye to a leather phone case and a Longhorn quilt.
www.texasmonthly.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:17 PM
"What defines a Texas gift? Sure, it’s something made in, designed in, or strongly connected to the Lone Star State. But a true Texas gift also tells you something about the giver—their love of craftsmanship and a good story." New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: www.texasmonthly.com/style/top-25...
I had the privilege of working with Stetson on the brand's first-ever coffee table book. I did a bit of everything: Writing an essay, telling the brand's 160-year story, and even wrangling a quote from Mr. Martin Scorsese. Out now from @rizzolibooks.bsky.social:
Stetson: American Icon Deluxe Edition
Introducing our first-ever coffee table book, spanning 320 pages and bringing together 160 years of history, innovation, craftsmanship, and culture in one collectible volume. With contributions from a...
stetson.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:58 PM
I had the privilege of working with Stetson on the brand's first-ever coffee table book. I did a bit of everything: Writing an essay, telling the brand's 160-year story, and even wrangling a quote from Mr. Martin Scorsese. Out now from @rizzolibooks.bsky.social:
This was fun. A conversation with Pulitzer- and National Book Award-winner Adam Johnson about the ten years he spent on his epic new novel, The Wayfinder. For @stanford.edu:
Stanford Pulitzer winner’s new novel tells an epic tale born from writing ‘every day for 10 years’
The Wayfinder, by English and creative writing Professor Adam Johnson, draws on the peoples and natural beauty of the Polynesian islands to tell a story set 1,0
humsci.stanford.edu
October 10, 2025 at 8:56 PM
This was fun. A conversation with Pulitzer- and National Book Award-winner Adam Johnson about the ten years he spent on his epic new novel, The Wayfinder. For @stanford.edu:
This was fun. A conversation with Pulitzer- and National Book Award-winner Adam Johnson about the ten years he spent on his epic new novel, The Wayfinder. For @stanforduniversity.bsky.social:
Stanford Pulitzer winner’s new novel tells an epic tale born from writing ‘every day for 10 years’
The Wayfinder, by English and creative writing Professor Adam Johnson, draws on the peoples and natural beauty of the Polynesian islands to tell a story set 1,0
humsci.stanford.edu
October 10, 2025 at 8:53 PM
This was fun. A conversation with Pulitzer- and National Book Award-winner Adam Johnson about the ten years he spent on his epic new novel, The Wayfinder. For @stanforduniversity.bsky.social:
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My article on how the Torlonia Collection, a set of ancient marble statues that hadn't been exhibited since World War II, came to the @kimbellartmuseum.bsky.social in Fort Worth:
www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
How Dozens of Stunning Ancient Roman Statues Ended Up in Cowtown
“Myth and Marble,” an exhibition of the Torlonia Collection at the Kimbell Art Museum, has been thousands of years in the making.
www.texasmonthly.com
September 28, 2025 at 6:07 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My article on how the Torlonia Collection, a set of ancient marble statues that hadn't been exhibited since World War II, came to the @kimbellartmuseum.bsky.social in Fort Worth:
www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
My latest for @texasmonthly.bsky.social, on the 20th anniversary of an improbable Texas institution: Prada Marfa.
“It represents a turning point in the way that art is conceived and what it represents in the world."
Installed on a lonesome stretch of highway, Prada Marfa has become the opposite of what was intended: a Texas institution. https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/prada-marfa-20-years-social-media/
Installed on a lonesome stretch of highway, Prada Marfa has become the opposite of what was intended: a Texas institution. https://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/prada-marfa-20-years-social-media/
Prada Marfa, the Queen of the Road, Turns 20
The art installation, on a lonely desert road in West Texas, helped usher in the social media age of travel.
www.texasmonthly.com
September 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
My latest for @texasmonthly.bsky.social, on the 20th anniversary of an improbable Texas institution: Prada Marfa.
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My piece on the new exhibition at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, showcasing the American Modern art collection of a man who once described himself as a "poor man's Howard Hughes.
Please give it a read: www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
Please give it a read: www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
What Charles Butt’s Art Collection Reveals About the Elusive Man Behind H-E-B
By sharing his private trove of American modernism, the most famous grocer in Texas reveals, for the first time in decades, something about himself.
www.texasmonthly.com
September 8, 2025 at 6:07 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My piece on the new exhibition at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, showcasing the American Modern art collection of a man who once described himself as a "poor man's Howard Hughes.
Please give it a read: www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
Please give it a read: www.texasmonthly.com/arts-enterta...
When I started Someone Else's Songs, it was in hopes of running an interview like this one, with Jason Jules of Garmsville and Black Ivy, on his favorite acid jazz tracks. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did: someoneelsessongs.substack.com/p/talking-ac...
Talking Acid Jazz with Garmsville’s Jason Jules
The stylish author of Black Ivy was there from the start
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
August 30, 2025 at 5:39 PM
When I started Someone Else's Songs, it was in hopes of running an interview like this one, with Jason Jules of Garmsville and Black Ivy, on his favorite acid jazz tracks. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did: someoneelsessongs.substack.com/p/talking-ac...
If you haven't already read this, please do so. It's brave and powerful. And you can contribute to a fund in memory of Aaron's nephew here: austincf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/c...
August 5, 2025 at 8:37 PM
If you haven't already read this, please do so. It's brave and powerful. And you can contribute to a fund in memory of Aaron's nephew here: austincf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/c...
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: The story of Hitchman Homestead, who make old-school covered wagons for new-school clients, just outside of Kerrville.
www.texasmonthly.com/style/hitchm...
www.texasmonthly.com/style/hitchm...
Does This Covered Wagon Come With Air-Conditioning? Yes, It Does.
A Kerrville couple builds custom wagons that their clients use as mobile shops, outdoor bars, ticket booths, backyard kitchens, and more.
www.texasmonthly.com
August 5, 2025 at 8:34 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: The story of Hitchman Homestead, who make old-school covered wagons for new-school clients, just outside of Kerrville.
www.texasmonthly.com/style/hitchm...
www.texasmonthly.com/style/hitchm...
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: A Father's Day gift guide, featuring 15 ideas with ties to the Lone Star State (and zero actual ties).
A Portable Grill! A Straw Stetson! Gifts for the Texas Dad
For Father's Day, you can't go wrong with something crafted in the Lone Star State—from books to bourbon to (why not) a new pair of pants.
www.texasmonthly.com
June 10, 2025 at 5:51 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: A Father's Day gift guide, featuring 15 ideas with ties to the Lone Star State (and zero actual ties).
“Mind-boggling.” “It’s definitely keeping me up at night.” “You have to tear something down to build it back up.” How Texas’s makers, artisans, and small-business owners are bracing for tariffs. New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social:
Why Your Cowboy Boots Might Get a Lot More Expensive
Texas’s makers, artisans, and small-business owners are bracing for how tariffs could impact the costs of materials, shipping, and more.
www.texasmonthly.com
May 29, 2025 at 2:33 PM
“Mind-boggling.” “It’s definitely keeping me up at night.” “You have to tear something down to build it back up.” How Texas’s makers, artisans, and small-business owners are bracing for tariffs. New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social:
Reposted by Paul L. Underwood
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo describes Pope Leo XIV as a symphony—and hopes his steady nature will help shepherd the church through the migration crisis.
The Texan Who Helped Elect the First American Pope
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo describes Pope Leo XIV as a symphony—and hopes his steady nature will help shepherd the church through the migration crisis.
www.texasmonthly.com
May 13, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo describes Pope Leo XIV as a symphony—and hopes his steady nature will help shepherd the church through the migration crisis.
Talked to Texas's first — and, so far, only — Catholic Cardinal about the conclave (and about Conclave) for @texasmonthly.bsky.social.
The Texan Who Helped Elect the First American Pope
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo describes Pope Leo XIV as a symphony—and hopes his steady nature will help shepherd the church through the migration crisis.
www.texasmonthly.com
May 13, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Talked to Texas's first — and, so far, only — Catholic Cardinal about the conclave (and about Conclave) for @texasmonthly.bsky.social.
"Harrison Ford keeping it casual at Cannes. Paul Newman grabbing a couple beers for the road. Ralph Lauren biking with his son in Montauk. Each one a living, breathing retort to Fran Lebowitz, who once said that men wearing shorts is, and I quote, disgusting." New for @ralphlaurenpolo.bsky.social.
www.ralphlauren.com
April 30, 2025 at 3:22 PM
"Harrison Ford keeping it casual at Cannes. Paul Newman grabbing a couple beers for the road. Ralph Lauren biking with his son in Montauk. Each one a living, breathing retort to Fran Lebowitz, who once said that men wearing shorts is, and I quote, disgusting." New for @ralphlaurenpolo.bsky.social.
For your #OpeningDay enjoyment: 42 songs about baseball.
Play ball! ⚾
42 songs for Opening Day
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
March 27, 2025 at 7:54 PM
For your #OpeningDay enjoyment: 42 songs about baseball.
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: A conversation with the man behind Wilkinson's Fine Goods, who has crafted impossibly handsome leather goods for Post Malone, Leon Bridges, and the George W. Bush Library. Online and in print now.
What Do Post Malone and President Bush Have in Common? A Denton Leather Craftsman.
Clint Wilkinson makes custom goods and accessories out of the same downtown storefront that was once his grandfather's saddle shop.
www.texasmonthly.com
March 4, 2025 at 3:27 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: A conversation with the man behind Wilkinson's Fine Goods, who has crafted impossibly handsome leather goods for Post Malone, Leon Bridges, and the George W. Bush Library. Online and in print now.
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My story on how Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada (of Black Pumas) wrote and recorded the Oscar-nominated "Like a Bird" from Sing Sing — without once being in the same room. Includes interviews with both artists, who were beyond generous with their time.
The Unlikely Story Behind the Oscar-Nominated Ballad From ‘Sing Sing’
Abraham Alexander and Black Pumas cofunder Adrian Quesada wrote and recorded “Like a Bird” in Fort Worth and Austin. Now they’re part of Hollywood’s biggest night.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 26, 2025 at 9:15 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My story on how Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada (of Black Pumas) wrote and recorded the Oscar-nominated "Like a Bird" from Sing Sing — without once being in the same room. Includes interviews with both artists, who were beyond generous with their time.
Reposted by Paul L. Underwood
I picked up a reverse the curse from BrandNewNoise this last week and it’s so damn cool if you are reading this you should absolutely check their other stuff.
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My latest Made in Texas piece, on the sound toys crafted by BrandNewNoise and beloved by everyone from Mick Fleetwood to Jeff Tweedy. Online now, and in print when the January issue hits your mailbox.
This Dallas Inventor’s “Sound Toys” Appeal to Famous Musicians as Well as Kids
Mick Fleetwood, the Black Keys' Patrick Carney, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy are just some of the artists drawn to the whimsical wooden boxes and instruments from Brand New Noise.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 4, 2025 at 11:34 PM
I picked up a reverse the curse from BrandNewNoise this last week and it’s so damn cool if you are reading this you should absolutely check their other stuff.
Charming houses, spectacular BBQ, and the state's oldest deli — which has served both Willie and Rick Perry (and, um, me) — make this 200-year-old city worth a visit. My latest for @texasmonthly.bsky.social:
Where to Eat, Shop, and Explore in Historic Victoria
This charming southeast Texas city celebrates its bicentennial this year.
www.texasmonthly.com
December 23, 2024 at 8:54 PM
Charming houses, spectacular BBQ, and the state's oldest deli — which has served both Willie and Rick Perry (and, um, me) — make this 200-year-old city worth a visit. My latest for @texasmonthly.bsky.social:
I talked with Texas legend Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel about his favorite Texas Christmas songs, the secret to recording with Willie, and his favorite holiday gigs. Give it a read, and listen to the playlist: someoneelsessongs.substack.com/p/ray-benson...
Ray Benson’s Texas Christmas Playlist
Talking holiday songs (and Willie!) with the man behind Asleep at the Wheel
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
December 19, 2024 at 10:36 PM
I talked with Texas legend Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel about his favorite Texas Christmas songs, the secret to recording with Willie, and his favorite holiday gigs. Give it a read, and listen to the playlist: someoneelsessongs.substack.com/p/ray-benson...
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My latest Made in Texas piece, on the sound toys crafted by BrandNewNoise and beloved by everyone from Mick Fleetwood to Jeff Tweedy. Online now, and in print when the January issue hits your mailbox.
This Dallas Inventor’s “Sound Toys” Appeal to Famous Musicians as Well as Kids
Mick Fleetwood, the Black Keys' Patrick Carney, and Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy are just some of the artists drawn to the whimsical wooden boxes and instruments from Brand New Noise.
www.texasmonthly.com
December 12, 2024 at 9:21 PM
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: My latest Made in Texas piece, on the sound toys crafted by BrandNewNoise and beloved by everyone from Mick Fleetwood to Jeff Tweedy. Online now, and in print when the January issue hits your mailbox.