Louis Emory and The Reckless Few Deliver Anthemic Americana Rock with “Prophets Said” from Upcoming EP The Siege
There are songs that come and go, and then there are songs that stay with you, lingering like the echoes of a classic rock radio station fading into the night. “Prophets Said”, the latest single from Louis Emory and The Reckless Few is exactly that—a modern rock anthem with the heart and soul of a ‘70s classic, taken straight from the vault of the greats.
Emory, a Troy, NY-based singer-songwriter with a knack for storytelling that rivals his heroes, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison, channels an electrifying mix of grit, melody, and raw emotion into “Prophets Said.” The track, recorded with longtime collaborators Tim Lynch and Bob Boyer at The Recording Company and mixed by Shelly Yakus (John Lennon, The Band, Tom Petty), showcases the kind of rock ‘n’ roll that doesn’t just demand to be heard—it demands to be felt.
Lyrically, “Prophets Said” is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful look at love that has run its course. With lines like “We were just ships passing in the night / Flames dancing in eternal vibes”, Emory captures the bittersweet realization that some relationships are fated to end—but that doesn’t make them any less meaningful.
“I’ve always been into history and the idea of prophets or oracles. But in this song, the ‘prophets’ are the good friends who tell you when something’s over, even when you don’t want to hear it.”
The song’s driving electric guitars, haunting organ swells, and Emory’s smoky, Petty-esque vocals create a dynamic blend of classic rock energy and modern storytelling—a sound that has drawn praise from industry veterans:
“Louis Emory is writing top-shelf, catchy, meaningful rock and roll songs at a time when this type of music that champions perseverance, positivity, and the human spirit is sorely lacking. He’s right up there with the best of them. Prophets Said is a prime example.” — Greg Richling, Former Grammy-winning bassist for The Wallflowers
“Louis Emory has the melody, the words, and is now! I believe he is one of the most promising unsigned artists of our time.” — Shelly Yakus, Former Chief Engineer and VP of A&M Records
“Nice cut! Solid production.” Larry Ratso Sloman – Author, former writer for CREEM, Rolling Stone Magazine, and Crawdaddy
“What I love: The Tom Petty (“Won’t Back Down”) sound. The gritty, smoky vocals. The track’s lyrical depth and haunting/heavy emotion. The return to form — good ol’ fashioned rock n’ roll. The lonely roads, desert-y mood.” – Amanda Peukert, Culture Journalist, SPIN Magazine
“Prophets Said” is the lead single from Emory’s upcoming EP, The Siege, a collection of songs that further cement his signature fusion of timeless rock, heartfelt lyrics, and stadium-sized hooks.
The song’s music video, shot in the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, Italy, reflects the song’s themes of loss, resilience, and reflection. The cover art, captured at the same location, paints a moody yet hopeful scene—Emory standing among volcanic black bricks, caught between darkness and light, much like the song’s emotional pull.
Emory and The Reckless Few aren’t just making music—they’re reviving the spirit of rock and roll, one melody at a time. For fans of Petty, Dylan, and classic Americana storytelling, The Siege is a must-listen.
Hi Louis! Good to meet you! Care to introduce yourself to the readers?
My name is Louis Emory. I’m the lead singer and songwriter for my band Louis Emory and The Reckless Few. I’ve been writing and recording with Bob Boyer and Tim Lynch at The Recording Company since I was 16. I’ve visited your beautiful country multiple times including experiencing Arcade Fire with my wife in Montreal around 2017.
You mentioned that the ‘prophets’ in the song are the good friends who tell you when something’s over, even when you don’t want to hear it. Was this song inspired by a personal experience?
Yes, it was. I reflected throughout my life on several personal relationships, and yes – in this case the “prophets” were my close friends. They can see the writing on the wall when we are struck and sometimes wounded by Cupid’s arrow. There’s so much pressure – or at least I felt it – to settle down after college and live this life that’s been preordained. Our partners sometimes don’t see the best versions of ourselves.
Without those relationships and the growth and wisdom that comes from them I wouldn’t be where I am today. The other side of this is each of these relationships and experiences help you grow and evolve into your True Self. In other words, if you have a vision for yourself then your friends and relationships help you get to that ideal and eventually back to love. Love for yourself, your partner, kids, the divine.
When writing I pull from whatever happens to be coming in at that moment – that divine spark. I find the old world Prophets to be really interesting. It must have been The Odyssey or my studies early on about the Oracle at Delphi that attracted me – or maybe a past life! I can’t wait to visit Greece and their historical sites. I wanted to bring the essence of that word into our everyday life.
Your work has drawn comparisons to legends like Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison. How have these artists shaped your songwriting and approach to storytelling?
It’s an honor to even be mentioned in the same breath. They were all so good individually and as The Traveling Wilburys! I think they gave me the freedom to write and sing about whatever I want. Such distinct voices and songwriters.
I’m still trying to figure out how Dylan wrote “Lily Rosemary and The Jack of Hearts”! He can express so many emotions in just one song…From pain, heartache, and hopelessness to love, seduction, and humor. He deserves his due and nothing less.
I was lucky to see Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers at Saratoga Performing Arts Center twice. I was feeling fantastic along with some friends and that just made me connect on a deeper, more spiritual level. I felt like I was at the center of the universe for those two shows. It’s one hit after another. All distinct-sounding singles with killer melodies and lyrics we can all relate to. No surface. Pure authentic rock ‘n’ roll – which I love.
George hits me in a different way altogether. He’s like a moral compass guiding me on my path. On some posts, I’ll add #georgeismyguru because his interviews are truth bombs cutting to the point about life. In times of darknes,s he’s a beacon of light (cue “Here Comes the Sun”). I highly recommend listening to his Brainwashed album – it’s a sleeper. He’s dealing with his own mortality and letting us in on the process. His philosophies led me on a path to discussing the end of life with my wife and spiritual teachers Bhagavan Das and Amulya Maa.
John Lennon is also a big influence on me. I admire his idealism, promotion of peace and love, and the way that he would write about his life. His songs on Double Fantasy sound fantastic and I can totally relate to them – family life and the chaos and bliss it brings.
All of these writers were brave to bear their souls and enlighten us. There’s a real magic to their craft. I’m trying to carry on that tradition and maybe if I’m lucky make a little magic, too.
The track was mixed by Shelly Yakus, whose resume includes icons like John Lennon and The Band. What was it like working with someone of his caliber, and what did he bring to the song’s final sound?
All I can say is that for someone who’s worked with Lennon, The Band, Petty, Seger… etc., he is the most humble, loving, and – truly – one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. He’s positively changed my life. When I’m on the cliff he talks me off it. He supports my writing and singing and is passing on his wisdom and experience to Bob and Tim. I love him; He’s family – part of the tribe! He demands the best and we’re all rising to the occasion. There is a quality you can hear in everything he’s ever worked on and you can hear that same quality in the songs on The Siege EP. He has been involved every step of the way and it sounds fantastic. Sometimes I’ll ask him a question about working with John or The Band and he hits me with some nugget of wisdom that relates and encourages me on my own path. Eternally grateful for his wisdom, love, and guidance.
“Prophets Said” is the second single from your upcoming EP, The Siege. What can listeners expect from the rest of the record in terms of themes and sound?
The Siege EP has songs relevant to the times we’re living in. Hopefully, songs that they can connect with.
The title track “The Siege”, which is one of my favorite songs on the EP, was written in response to the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine. There is no honor in appeasement.
“Do What I Want To Do” (1st single) is in response to cancel culture and the dangers of mob mentality applied to morality laws and oppression over others.
“Cortona” was partly inspired by Frances Mayes’s “Under The Tuscan Sun” and the feeling my wife Rae and I get when we are in Tuscany. The freedom to just be in the moment together and slowing down life.
“Time Keeps Passing By” is about the awareness of life passing by and coming to grips with it.
“Once Again” was written because of Shelly. He persuaded me to write a song about a sick loved one and their mortality; I chose instead to focus on the bittersweet feeling I get after I wake up from a dream with the loved ones who have passed.
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