Boomtown, Episode 11: The Last Frontier
Record-breaking oil production in the Permian Basin has brought the boom to the Big Bend's doorstep for the first time. Is it too late to save this pristine landscape?
Christian Wallace is a writer from West Texas. Before joining Texas Monthly as an assistant editor in March 2016, Wallace worked as a roughneck, a ditch digger, an electrician, a record store clerk, a radio DJ, and as a writing instructor at the National University of Ireland in Galway, where he earned a Master's degree in Writing. Among his publishing credits, Wallace has a Pushcart Prize nomination for his poetry and contributed an essay to Texas Monthly's National Magazine Award-nominated package "Knives Out." When not fact-checking or writing stories, he prefers to be reading at his home in San Marcos, kayaking through Santa Elena Canyon, hiking around Ireland, or holed up in a honky-tonk with a good jukebox somewhere in between.
Articles by Christian Wallace
Boomtown, Episode 10: The Mitchell Paradox
No oil and gas baron since John D. Rockefeller has made more of an impact on society than George P. Mitchell. But this son of poor Greek immigrants who died a billionaire wanted to leave a legacy beyond oil and gas.
Boomtown, Episode 9: A Dark Horizon
Christian talks with renowned business writer Bethany McLean about how the finances of fracking aren't what they're cracked up to be.
Boomtown, Episode 8: Wild West Texas
The uneasy alliance between ranchers and the oil industry goes all the way back to the early wildcatting days in West Texas. But today, that relationship is more fraught than ever.
Boomtown, Episode 7: Mojo Magic
The Permian Basin is the birthplace of Friday Night Lights. But the historic oil boom threatens beloved high school football traditions.
Boomtown, Episode 6: A Thin Line
During booms, the Permian Basin sees a rise in prostitution charges. But misperceptions and stereotypes about sex work have led to policies that may actually harm the women involved.
Boomtown, Episode 5: Boobtown
We explore a different kind of boom in the Permian Basin. Meet the women working at a lingerie coffee shop, a “breastaurant,” and two area strip clubs.
Boomtown, Episode 4: Life and Death on the Rig
Working in the oil patch is incredibly dangerous. But March 10, 2015, brought unimaginable tragedy for one Andrews family.
Boomtown, Episode 3: Dust to Dust
A devastating bust transforms the Permian from the promised land into a wasteland.
Boomtown, Episode 2: The Rise of the Permian
The Santa Rita oil well, named after the patron saint of impossible dreams, launched the first Permian Basin boom and has been fueling the dreams of West Texas wildcatters ever since.
Why Billy Bob’s, Texas’s Most Famous Honky-Tonk, Isn’t a True Honky-Tonk
A brief history of one of our most beloved (and endangered) cultural institutions.
Texas’s Greatest Honky-Tonk Hits
From Ernest Tubb to Bob Wills to Willie, Texas has produced a jukebox worth of classics. Here are the best.
The Best Honky-Tonks in Texas
We traveled 3,000 miles to find the state's best little country joints. Welcome to neon nirvana.
For those of us born decades after Apollo 11 returned from its mission, the imprint of astronaut boots on the lunar surface has always been historical fact. We can’t conjure personal memories of that voyage, of families huddled around the TV or radio, anxiously waiting for news of that one small…
The Permian Basin Is Booming With Oil. But at What Cost to West Texans?
Though some will reap serious profits, the region's dealing with skyrocketing rents, overcrowded schools, and potholes as big as VW Beetles.
Premiere: The Final Chapter of Terry Allen’s ‘Pedal Steal’
The Lubbock native talks about his trippy, blood-flecked radio plays, the border wall, and working with Jo Harvey Allen.
Exclusive Premiere: Robert Ellis Gets ‘Passive Aggressive’ on His New Song
The Austin-based songwriter opts for the keys and wry humor on his latest single.
On ‘Parts Unknown,’ Anthony Bourdain Asks If West Texans Are the Platonic Ideal of Texans
Spoiler: The answer is yes.
Beto O’Rourke Had a Very Different Type of Political Rally
And it wasn't just because of Willie Nelson. We spent time on the ground at Austin's Auditorium Shores on Saturday night, and here's what we found.
Exclusive Premiere: Kacey Musgraves Is a “Kansas City Star” on Roger Miller Tribute Album
Musgraves joined Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, and others to honor Miller's legacy.
The Jackie Robinson of Rodeo
Five decades ago, Myrtis Dightman broke the color barrier in professional rodeo and became one of the best bull riders who ever lived. But his imprint on the sport was only just beginning.
Watch a Clip From ‘The Iron Orchard’ Before Its Premiere
The film debuts at the Dallas International Film Festival this weekend.
The Last Stand at Alamo Village
Remembering "The Alamo" through souvenir shot glasses, John Wayne toilet paper, and the family that brought the 1960 classic to Texas.
Exclusive Premiere: Kent Finlay’s Last Song
Chris Fullerton performs the final song of the beloved Texas songwriter.
The Wildcatters
Can a 1960s novel with a cult following finally become the blockbuster film its fans believe it should be?
“Friday Night Writes”: We’re Over Julie Taylor
Plus: Does Coach really deserve Tami Taylor?
“Friday Night Writes”: Who’s Landry?
Going to Gatling, meeting Landry, and discovering the cruelty of teenage girls.
“Friday Night Writes”: Can Coach Taylor Make Boys into Men?
Yeah, we love Coach Taylor. But we're skeptical that his big hearted speeches are doing much for his team off of the field.
“Friday Night Writes”: Meeting the Dillon Panthers
The Dillon Panthers are back (for us, anyway).
Country Round-up
Three albums out in the next month bring country rock, story-songs, and swampy blues.
Exclusive: David Ramirez Premieres New Song “Time”
With fewer words and a lot more synth, Ramirez proves his songwriting chops stretch beyond roots music.
The Madisons Debut Title Track from Upcoming Album, “No Man’s Land”
With their fourth record, the Austin septet solidifies their place as one of the hardest-working, hardest-drinking, and most compelling acts in the state.
Rodney Crowell on Growing up in Houston, His Rise in Nashville, and Writing Honest Songs
A candid conversation with ”the Houston Kid."
Watch Robert Earl Keen and Randy Rogers Swap Songs and Talk John T. Floore’s
The honky-tonk celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary with two Texas country icons.
EP Premiere: Radney Foster and Kyle Hutton Shine a Light on the Texas Foster Care System
With their forthcoming EP, the singer-songwriters seek to raise awareness for an issue that hits both of them close to home.
Generations of Willie devotees came together to revel in music and good times with the Red Headed Stranger in his own backyard.
Scott H. Biram Sets Aside the Whiskey for “Red Wine”
The Austin-based one-man band channels George Jones to create a honky-tonk ballad that’s the perfect soundtrack for drowning your woes in the company of your demons..
Randy Rogers Takes The Reins At Cheatham Street Warehouse
To honor the lifework of his ”musical father,” Texas country star Randy Rogers purchases the historic honky-tonk that launched his career.
Exclusive Premiere: Curtis McMurtry’s Sharp Insight into Loss on “Bayonet”
The Austin singer-songwriter uses the sound of a chamber ensemble to explore the limits of Americana and the darker side of the human condition.
How Not to Cook Like a Texan
One man's adventure in margarita-making turns into a prickly affair.
Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett Turn Gruene Hall Into Their Front Porch
Reflections on the penultimate Texas stop of Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett’s acoustic tour.
Exclusive Premiere: Hayes Carll, Shinyribs, and Bob Schneider Go Acoustic for the Holidays
A forthcoming playlist from Amazon Music features a wide range of artists—including three prominent Texas acts—with their takes on 'Acoustic Christmas.'
Exclusive Song Premiere: Robert Earl Keen Revisits “Shades of Gray” for ‘Live Dinner Reunion’
Twenty years after the release of his classic live album, 'No. 2 Live Dinner,' Robert Earl Keen returns to the John T. Floore Country Store in Helotes for a reunion.
Jim Lauderdale Set to Release His Love Letter to Texas
Veteran Nashville songwriter Jim Lauderdale debuts a fresh take on the song he wrote that George Strait made a classic.
Texas, My Texas, You Deserve a New State Song
If you don’t know it, can’t remember it, or won’t sing it, what good is it?
Kent Finlay, Dreamer
An exclusive excerpt from the forthcoming book by Jenni Finlay and Brian T. Atkinson.
Flood 2015
After the Flood
In the aftermath of the Memorial Day flood, one family recovers what’s left of their belongings and searches for hope.
