Southern Outlaws is an American country and Southern rock band based in Northeast Ohio that has steadily built a reputation for authentic storytelling, strong musicianship, and a sound rooted in classic Southern traditions. Founded in 2019, the band blends outlaw country themes with Southern rock guitar-driven arrangements, drawing inspiration from legendary artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, and The Marshall Tucker Band. Although relatively young as a formal group, the Southern Outlaws Band reflects decades of musical experience and personal history among its members.
The band was founded by musician and songwriter Arlis Walker, an Academy of Country Music member who first performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1994. Walker grew up in a musical family in West Virginia, where bluegrass and traditional country music played a major role in his early life. As a teenager, he performed in local bands and developed a passion for songwriting before stepping away from music to pursue a career in law enforcement. He served as a police officer in Newton Falls, Ohio, and later worked as a deputy with the Stark County Sheriff’s Department.
In 1999, Walker’s life changed dramatically following a serious on-duty accident that ended his law enforcement career. The incident resulted in severe injuries, multiple surgeries, and several years of wheelchair use. During his long recovery, music became more than a creative outlet. It served as a source of motivation, healing, and emotional strength. Writing and performing helped Walker rebuild his confidence and reconnect with a sense of purpose, ultimately leading him back to the stage.
The Southern Outlaws Band officially came together in 2019, emerging during the early period of the global pandemic. While the timing presented challenges for live music, it also allowed the group to focus on songwriting and collaboration. The band’s name reflects Walker’s personal history, combining a deep respect for Southern musical heritage with a nod to his former career in law enforcement. This blend of tradition and lived experience has become central to the band’s identity.
Musically, Southern Outlaws Band is known for rich guitar work, steady rhythms, and lyrics that emphasize storytelling. Their songs often explore themes of resilience, personal struggle, community bonds, and the power of music itself. Many of the band’s tracks draw from real-life experiences, giving their work a sense of honesty that resonates with listeners. Rather than chasing trends, the band remains committed to a sound that honors classic outlaw country and Southern rock while still feeling current and relatable.
One of the band’s most recognized songs, Good for the Soul, reflects this approach. The track explores how music and shared moments can restore hope and strength during difficult times. In 2021, the song received a World Songwriting Award for Best Outlaw Song, bringing wider attention to the band’s work. Independent music organizations have since recognized several other tracks for their lyrical depth and musical quality.
In 2022, Southern Outlaws Band released its debut album, The Southern Outlaws. The album features a wide range of Southern rock and country-influenced songs that showcase the band’s musical range and storytelling style. It was named a Country Album of the Year finalist by the Rampage Music Awards, helping expand the group’s audience beyond Ohio. The album includes original tracks such as Southbound Train, Four Walls of Raiford, Good for the Soul, Louisiana Water, Liberty, Bullet for Freedom, and Outlaws and Bikers, along with select covers that pay tribute to classic influences.
Live performance has remained a key part of the band’s presence. Southern Outlaws Band regularly performs throughout Ohio and the Midwest, appearing at regional venues and industry events. The group has also delivered a preshow performance for the Independent Singer Songwriter Association Awards in Atlanta. In their hometown of Newton Falls, Ohio, the band maintains a strong local following and frequently returns to perform for community audiences that have supported them from the beginning.
The current lineup includes Arlis Walker on vocals, harmonica, songwriting, and production, serving as the band’s frontman. Lead guitarist Dave Weilacher II contributes vocals, songwriting, and production, bringing high-energy performances shaped by a lifetime of playing since early childhood. Bass guitarist Matt Bower adds vocals and songwriting, drawing from a broad musical background that includes country, rock, soul, metal, and classical styles. Drummer MykoMan Lawrence rounds out the group with vocals and songwriting, influenced by classic rock, Motown, jazz, country, and pop traditions rooted in his North Carolina upbringing. Past and touring members have included Bob Furda, Mike Bright Jr., Tom Levak, and William Putt.
Southern Outlaws Band has earned multiple independent music awards and nominations, including two Grammy Award nominations and two World Entertainment Awards nominations. These achievements reflect both the quality of their music and the powerful story behind the band’s formation. Their journey is often cited as an example of perseverance in the face of personal and professional adversity.
At its core, Southern Outlaws Band represents more than a musical project. It stands as a testament to resilience, creative renewal, and the enduring role of music in overcoming life’s challenges. Through honest songwriting and a commitment to tradition, the band continues to redefine outlaw country for a new generation while staying true to the roots that shaped them.
