Philly’s Sonic Explorers: How GPS Carves Their Own Unique Musical Path

Your Next Phavorite Artist: Article 04

Written by Nell Duesler | Photography by @LeonChan.Photo

Photography by @LeonChan.Photo

Galactic Prism Sounds, also known as GPS, is a Philly-based jazz fusion band that has been carving a unique path in the Philly music scene. In 2019, saxophonist and flutist Gabe Preston decided to branch out from what they were learning as a music student at Temple University. After hearing a friend and fellow Temple musician, Tony PC, on keys, Gabe invited him to join the project. At that moment, Gabe Preston Sounds was formed. Since then, the band grew, went through member changes, and has now evolved into the broader project, Galactic Prism Sounds, symbolizing exploration and fusion. After releasing their self-titled album in April 2025, I sat down with Gabe Preston (saxophone and flute), Tony PC (keys), Jack Thomas (drums), Victor Nica (guitar), and Kyle Rowe (bass) to talk about all things GPS, from their writing process and band dynamic to their evolving place in the Philly music scene.

The members of GPS crossed paths at different moments in their musical journeys. Gabe and Jack first met in high school—Jack was a freshman, Gabe a senior—and later played together with Tony in the All-City Youth Orchestra. Jack stayed in touch with Gabe after graduation, and in 2023, after Gabe heard him performing with his family band, Jack was invited to sub in for GPS shows. That spot soon became permanent, and he’s been playing with GPS ever since. Kyle was already a regular member of the group, and about a year ago, Victor joined GPS, completing the current lineup.

Photography by @LeonChan.Photo

The unique sound of GPS emerges from a blend of individual input and collective spontaneity. While each member brings their own ideas to the table, many songs come to life through improvisation and jamming. Gabe says most of their tunes are driven equally by melody and groove. The third track on their newest album, “Stone Groove,” was written before the pandemic in a Temple practice room. By coming up with the “funkiest groove imaginable,” the band was able to build on that base to create the full song. Tony says the group’s superpower is the fact that they all have “a completely different brain and a different perspective on composition and song creation.” 

When Gabe began writing the album’s fourth track, “Ode to an Adventure,” it started with a melody and a harmonic framework. They brought the rough idea to the rest of the band, who each layered in their own groove. Victor credits Gabe’s clear communication as key to their collaborative writing process. Gabe finds that it only takes little things, like communicating a specific melody, groove, or style, to connect with the other bandmates and allow them to come up with their own parts. 

Photography by @LeonChan.Photo

Jack notes that, with respect to the original vision of the songwriter, GPS songs often evolve significantly as each member connects more deeply to them. Victor finds that live performances are what make GPS special. He stated that “if you listen to the record and come see us, it's so different. [With live performances,] there's way more dynamic, experimentation, and clear influences.”

For Gabe, this constant evolution ties back to the band’s name. GPS reflects the desire to keep music fresh by constantly exploring new and different territories. The full name, Galactic Prism Sounds, represents the vast musical space that they are eager to explore.

Photography by @LeonChan.Photo

That same spirit of exploration runs through the Philly music scene. “Even though Philly is a lot smaller than New York, if you work really hard and stay with it, you’ll eventually find a core group that understands and believes in what you do,” Tony says. He feels that GPS is finally connecting with the scene they’ve been searching for. Kyle adds that in other cities, musicians often seem focused on what they can gain from you. In contrast, Philly’s community feels more genuine and full of artists who are in it for the music and the mutual support.

Each member of GPS truly loves the Philly music scene. They have a long list of local bands and musicians that they would love to play with. The list includes Chris Murray & Soul Frequency, Atomic Fizz, Mobbluz, Riko and Whaler Collective, Spirit Furnace, Charmspeak, Nazir Ebo, Zaku, armbite, Fib, and Microgoblet. Looking ahead, GPS is very excited to play more Philly shows. They find that their studio recordings differ from their live performances, so they are hoping to eventually record a live album in the future. 

Photography by @LeonChan.Photo

With Philly impact woven into every member of GPS, they all have their Wawa favorites.

Victor swears by the Cookies & Cream Milk, and notes that, technically, it’s meant to be two servings, though he (and apparently most of Philly) chooses to ignore that detail. Kyle and Jack are loyal to the Italian Hoagie. Tony is confident that the best thing you can get from Wawa is a chicken wrap with American cheese, bacon, buffalo sauce, and pickles. And Gabe keeps it simple with a classic for many: a Wawa pretzel and a coffee.

Whether they’re trading solos on stage or hoagie recommendations after rehearsal, GPS brings thoughtfulness, humor, and heart into everything they do. Their music pulses with the energy of collaboration and curiosity, and with a new album under their belt, these musicians continue to groove their own sound into the Philly scene. So, grab a friend to split a Wawa Cookies & Cream Milk with, or just keep one to yourself, and stream GPS’s new self-titled album, Galactic Prism Sounds, wherever you listen to music.