Photos courtesy of The Offbeats
What started as a one-night gig has turned into something much more. The Offbeats — a Prescott-based trio made up of Kate Vang, Jay Arellano and David Shoemake — came together for Acker Night in 2024 and never really stopped. With a sound they describe as “a punch in the gut — so good, it’ll leave you wanting more,” the band has carved out a following built on raw energy, genuine friendship and a whole lot of fun. We sat down with the group to talk roots, rhythm and what keeps them coming back to the stage.
Prescott NOW: How long have you been playing together as a band?
The Offbeats: We originally came together for Acker night in 2024, but realized we had good chemistry and decided to make it an official thing. We’ve had a couple band member changes, but the core three original band members are Kate Vang on lead vocals, Jay Arellano on the drums and backup vocals, and David Shoemake on rhythm guitar and vocals.
Prescott NOW: What’s the story behind the band’s name?
The Offbeats: Although we have had a few different names, David was the one who came up with the name The Offbeats, and Jay doodled a logo for us one day while at his shop (Soundroom music store). We felt that the name fit our style, and we thought it was funny to switch the words around on stage.
Prescott NOW: How do you connect with the audience during a show?
The Offbeats: We are lucky enough to have good chemistry, not only as a band but as friends, so when we play we are genuinely having a great time, and the audience notices that. It’s also fun to jump off stage and either sing or play while walking around the crowd and connecting with people that way!
Prescott NOW: How would you describe your sound?
The Offbeats: Like a punch in the gut — so good, it’ll leave you wanting more.
Prescott NOW: What advice would you give to your younger self?
The Offbeats: David’s advice would be to start playing earlier in life, and take it more seriously. My (Kate) advice would be to keep exploring music outside of your normal music tastes, and don’t let the thought that “I’m not a good singer” stop you from pursuing singing. Vocal cords are a muscle that needs to be strengthened like any other muscle, so keep on singing and working those muscles!
Prescott NOW: What motivates your band to perform?
The Offbeats: I (Kate) can speak for all of us when I say we are in it for the love of the game. We all genuinely enjoy interacting with the crowd and feeding off of their energy and having a great time on stage. Practice is one thing, but the main event is like getting laid. It’s fun, fast-paced and leaves you breathless.
Prescott NOW: What brought you to Prescott?
The Offbeats: My (Kate) family moved here in 2009 from LA with our horses to escape the city life and find our rhythm out in the countryside of Williamson Valley. David was born and raised in Phoenix but moved here with his family in 2015 for the much nicer, cooler weather. Jay migrated here with his family back in the ‘90s as a kid. We all love this town and have deep roots here, so it’s an honor to perform in a place we are so attached to.
