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Paul L. Underwood

@plunderwood.bsky.social
101 followers 179 following 44 posts

Writer / Editor in Austin, Texas. Bylines in The New York Times, Esquire, Texas Monthly, and more. 🎵+🖊️: someoneelsessongs.substack.com Selected work: linktr.ee/paullunderwood

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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Temple, Texas, is a special place for me. It’s where my wife grew up and where we were married. It’s where our kids visited their grandparents, and where we had a celebration of life for one of those grandparents. It’s where we often decamped during COVID.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The Haas Brothers — Austin natives whose intricate, loopy work has been exhibited far and wide — are bringing a retrospective to The Blanton Museum of Art. I wrote about it for @austinmonthly.bsky.social. It's a fun, bonkers, wild must-see show. www.austinmonthly.com/haas-brother...
austinmonthly.com
The Haas Brothers Return to Austin With Their Trippy, Eye-Catching Art
Their touring retrospective, 'Uncanny Valley,' will be on display at The Blanton from Sept. 27 through mid-January.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Dispatch from the Pacific Northwest: Recs, songs, pics, and more. someoneelsessongs.substack.com/p/dispatch-f...
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
Dispatch from the Pacific Northwest
A journey beyond grunge
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Went to the wine capital of Texas, drank no wine, had a good time anyway.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
For the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University, I spoke with the prizewinning novelist Chang-rae Lee about his newest (and most personal) book. Check it out. (And if you're in Austin, come see him at BookPeople next Friday!) humsci.stanford.edu/feature/engl...
humsci.stanford.edu
English professor Chang-rae Lee authors his most personal work yet
With A Tender Age, the prizewinning novelist tells the story of a Korean American immigrant at summer camp in 1976.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Hot off the presses: I spoke with Matt Johnson — co-founder of Mill Scale Metalworks, which makes world-class grills and smokers for world-class restaurants and regular Joes alike, in Lockhart — for a piece on The Old Ghosts (my first!). Check it out: www.theoldghosts.com/stories/heav....
theoldghosts.com
Heavy Metal
How two self-taught welders build live-fire grills and offset smokers for the world’s greatest pitmasters in Lockhart, Texas
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Road tripping this summer? Here's your soundtrack.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Went to Lockhart for @texasmonthly.bsky.social. Found plenty of special shops, galleries, restaurants, and hidden gems. Danced a little. Fell in love with the place, and I think you will, too. Read it now: www.texasmonthly.com/travel/visit...
texasmonthly.com
The Reinvention of a Texas Town Once Known Only for Barbecue
Making friends with locals is all part of the trip in this town bursting with creative energy.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
New for @austinmonthly.bsky.social: A profile of the Austin artist Laura Lit's charming, imaginative new show at The Contemporary Austin's Laguna Gloria, her first solo museum exhibition and a delightful addition to the local arts scene. www.austinmonthly.com/laura-lit-im...
austinmonthly.com
Imaginative Sculptures Herald an Austin Artist’s First Solo Museum Show
Laura Lit’s enormous, abstract works bring vibrant color to Laguna Gloria’s sweeping grounds.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
New: My profile of Texas photographer Erin Newman-Mitchell for @texashighways.bsky.social. I'm not sure I've ever worked on an article that looked so beautiful in print or online. texashighways.com/travel/captu...
texashighways.com
Capturing the Spectacular Landscapes of Texas
An astrophotographer documents the violence and beauty of the state’s diverse terrain
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Now online: My feature for Wildsam, on scenic road tripping through Sedona. www.wildsam.com/stories/scen...
wildsam.com
Seeing Red: A Scenic, RV-Friendly Road Trip in Sedona
Fall under the spell of Sedona’s magnetic landscapes and undeniable aura.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
A friend asked me recently what my favorite year in music is, with a request to send a ten-song playlist from that year. Here’s how I interpreted that wonderful, provocative question: someoneelsessongs.substack.com/p/my-favorit...
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
My favorite year in music.
It starts with a question from a friend.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
My first piece for @austinmonthly.bsky.social!: 6 great Austin summer reads, from romance to short stories to a "sultry love letter to The Little House on the Prairie" from May Cobb: www.austinmonthly.com/6-great-summ...
austinmonthly.com
6 Great Summer Reads From Austin Authors
From May Cobb's latest page-turner to new work from a literary Longhorn, here are some engrossing books to check out this season.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: A Mother's Day gift guide, with more than 25 ideas for the real Texas moms out there: www.texasmonthly.com/style/mother...
texasmonthly.com
More Than 25 Texas Gifts for the Real Texas Moms Out There
Your mother gave you life. The least you can do for Mother's Day is give her a Lone Star-related present.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
New feature alert: A quarterly playlist of new songs, on my Substack newsletter, Someone Else's Songs. Check it out:
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
Songs I heard and liked in Q1 of 2026
27 great jams from the year so far
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
"There's just a meanness in this world." On listening to @brucespringsteen.net's Nebraska in 2026. My latest: someoneelsessongs.substack.com/p/listening-...
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
A Nebraskan on Nebraska
Listening to a Springsteen classic in 2026
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
New for @texasmonthly.bsky.social: A Texas Valentine's Day gift guide, with 14 ideas for your beloved. Plus: A bonus gift idea for the heartbroken. (Hint: It involves a cockroach.) Give it a read: www.texasmonthly.com/style/texas-...
texasmonthly.com
The Made-in-Texas Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with one—or more!—of these fourteen Lone Star ideas.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Online and on newsstands: My cover story for @texashighways.bsky.social, on the centennial of Route 66. I visiting lovingly preserved Art Deco gas stations, mouth-watering BBQ spots, and roadside museums — including one devoted to "the devil's rope," barbed wire.
texashighways.com
Take the Ride of the Century on Route 66
Take a trip down a memory lane with 100 years of sights and bites along Route 66
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
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...
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
"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...
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
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.com
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...
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
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:
humsci.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
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
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:
humsci.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
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 28/09/2025
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...
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
My latest for @texasmonthly.bsky.social, on the 20th anniversary of an improbable Texas institution: Prada Marfa.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
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...
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
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...
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
Talking Acid Jazz with Garmsville’s Jason Jules
The stylish author of Black Ivy was there from the start
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
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...
austincf.fcsuite.com
/erp/donate/create/fund
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
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...
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
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).
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
“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:
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Reposted by Paul L. Underwood
Texas Monthly @texasmonthly.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo describes Pope Leo XIV as a symphony—and hopes his steady nature will help shepherd the church through the migration crisis.
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
Talked to Texas's first — and, so far, only — Catholic Cardinal about the conclave (and about Conclave) for @texasmonthly.bsky.social.
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
"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.
ralphlauren.com
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
For your #OpeningDay enjoyment: 42 songs about baseball.
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
Play ball! ⚾
42 songs for Opening Day
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
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.
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
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.
texasmonthly.com
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.
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Reposted by Paul L. Underwood
Park Ranger @spartanparksdept.bsky.social · 04/02/2025
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.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 23/12/2024
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:
texasmonthly.com
Where to Eat, Shop, and Explore in Historic Victoria
This charming southeast Texas city celebrates its bicentennial this year.
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 19/12/2024
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...
someoneelsessongs.substack.com
Ray Benson’s Texas Christmas Playlist
Talking holiday songs (and Willie!) with the man behind Asleep at the Wheel
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Paul L. Underwood @plunderwood.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
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.
texasmonthly.com
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.
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