Prophets and Outlaws to Bring Texas Soul to San Angelo

Whether your music tastes range from "country" to "soul" or the gritty gutsy sounds of the "Marshall Tucker Band," get ready San Angeloans; the Dallas Texas band "Prophets and Outlaws" personify these genres and more and are coming to town Saturday, April 9th. Playing music since their high school days, these talented young men, now in their 20s and 30s, have just about mastered their craft and are attracting new followers in droves. 

Singer Matt Boggs said, back in high school, he had heard a rendition of “Why Georgia” performed by brothers James and Steven Guckenheimer and immediately approached Steven about becoming his guitarist for the Matt Boggs Band. Both agreed this was the beginning of a lasting friendship. Although several members had been involved in different bands over the years, the natural order of destiny took its course, and, eventually, they were brought together.

The band "Prophets and Outlaws" was officially formed five years ago. Members include: Matt Boggs, lead vocals and guitar; Steven Guckenheimer, acoustic/electric guitars (both of who contribute to the song writing); James Guckenheimer, drums-percussion;  Jamie "Jellie" Ringholm, piano and organ; and CJ Thompson, bass. All five members also share in the 5-part vocal harmonies.

Boggs said he will never forget the first time he heard their music on the radio.

"I was driving and had the radio set on a static station, had to pull off into a parking lot, which I'm sure aggravated other drivers, but it was like a goosebump feeling."  As he sat there listening to the whole song, Boggs said, "I then realized we had made it."  He added that the band had "come a long way from playing frat parties back in their college days, but wouldn't mind at all going back to do so should the request arise."

Guckenheimer and Boggs said they still get many requests, on stage and by social media, to cover other bands' songs, which they don't mind doing on occasion.  

"People have actually requested us to play anything from Hip Hop to Country and everything in between," said Boggs. "We do our best to accommodate, well, maybe not so much the Hip Hop requests; I think that person was joking (he chuckled). Our fan base includes men, women, and children of all ages. It's a great feeling to look out into the crowd and see people dancing and singing along."

Boggs humbly admitted that one of the band's biggest accomplishments has been winning "the Ranch Factor" in 2013, presented by Ft. Worth radio station KFWR, "The Ranch." Another admirable accomplishment for Boggs is that he was also a finalist on CMT's "Can You Duet" in 2009.

He said, "It doesn't matter if we play large venues or private parties; we're just glad people like our music."

(San Angelo Live! Photo courtesy of Prophets and Outlaws Natalie Rhea)

Adding to their many credits, on New Years Eve 2015, the band played at the legendary "Larry Joe Taylor Music Fest" at Dallas’ American Airlines Center, entertaining over 30,000 people. Most recently, on March 25th, during their big release show for their latest CD, "V," at the House of Blues in Dallas, they played at a "sold out event." Unfortunately, event coordinators had turn away over 100 people at the door.  "V" actually debuted at #21 on the iTunes R & B/Soul chart, so this band is rapidly increasing in popularity.  

Boggs said, "We want to let the fans know, if they miss us, please watch the online schedule and try to come out and see us again."  

Over the next 3.5 weeks, so far, the band is booked for 13 shows, including two shows on April 23rd--one in Stephenville and the other in Grand Prairie.

"We can do it," said Guckenheimer. "Sometimes, we feel like a Nascar Pit Crew (in reference to their travel mode). Great things are on the way for us though, as soon, we will add another vehicle to our convoy; with so many people and equipment in limited space, it only brings us closer together as we spend a lot of time on the road." 

Adding to their notoriety, P & O's song "Texas Souls" was included in a Lifetime movie called Babysitter's Black Book, inspired by a true story, which has a similar scenario to the old movie Risky Business.

Guckenheimer said, "We were playing at Sundown to a crowd of about 30 people and Ryan McFarland, the actor, just happened to be there. He was so taken by our sound, he actually had a hand in incorporating our music onto the soundtrack. Our songs have also been on the show Nashville twice in one month, and are played regularly at the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers home games as well."  

The group also has several videos on "YouTube," with the most popular being "Soul Shop" with over 67,000 views.  

The website "reverbnation.com," compared P & O sounding like "Gavin DeGraw," "John Mayer" and "Ben E. King;" although Boggs and Guckenheimer like some of Mayer's music, Boggs said, "We really have our own genre, which is more of a Texas Soul sound."  

Looking forward, Guckenheimer said, "We would love to tour with Erick Willis, given the opportunity, as he is a phenomenal artist." 

It is well noted, on the web, front man Boggs regularly makes flirtatious eye contact and inviting gestures towards the camera for videos and onstage for live performances. Although he portrays the "bad boy outlaw image," which seemingly attracts a lot of female fans, Boggs is the epitome of a well mannered "Texas Gentleman."  Regarding his "performance character," Boggs said, "My fiance doesn't mind. In fact, once, while we were shooting a video, she encouraged me to do so and it felt kind of funny at first doing five retakes, but I'm comfortable with it now." 

Boggs said, "There will also be a "merchandise table" with band memorabilia for sale, including all five of their CDs: "Texas Home," "Wolf Howl," "Wanted," "Prophets and Outlaws" and "V."  Also for sale will be t-shirts, caps, koozies and more. The band will also be celebrating their 5th year and 5th CD release "V," which contains five songs, and will ironically sell for $5.

"We're looking forward to a full house, the opportunity to entertain new, as well as established, fans, and just having a good time doing what we love," said Boggs.

iTunes also carries P & O's music for anyone interested in purchasing downloads of their songs. People can also check them out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6au….

For more information, check them out online at www.prophetsandoutlaws.com and www.facebook.com/prophetsandoutlaws.