Ezgi Karakus is a genre-defying Turkish cellist, vocalist, and composer known for her bold artistry and magnetic stage presence. A classically trained soloist with a Doctor of Musical Arts from the UMKC Conservatory, she has performed with major ensembles including the Kansas City Symphony and Tulsa Symphony, and appeared as a soloist with the Topeka Symphony and Springfield Symphony.

Her performance credits include prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Merkin Hall, and distinctive stages across Turkey and South America. She was also invited to perform in a master class with Yo-Yo Ma at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Blending Turkish, Spanish, and world music influences, Ezgi composes and performs original works that cross cultures and genres. She also sings traditional Turkish music as well as her own songs, bringing emotional depth and expressive power to every performance. Her meditation album Warmest Wave received Grammy consideration in the New Age category. She currently serves as principal cellist of the Turkish American Orchestra and is a core member of Ensemble Iberica.

Branden Moser is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and bassist whose creative fingerprints can be heard across some of today’s most influential media platforms. As co-founder of Groove King Records, he has helped create a space where innovative sound, analog craftsmanship, and boundary-pushing music thrive.

His compositions and performances have appeared on Netflix and Peacock, as well as in national advertising campaigns for brands including Apple. At the heart of Moser’s musicianship is his bass playing, defined by a sophisticated blend of melody, harmony, rhythm, syncopation, and ghost-note texture.

Drawing inspiration from James Jamerson, Nick Movshon, Lafayette Hudson, and Gustave Bentho, Moser has developed a distinct musical voice that honors the past while pushing boldly into new territory.

Cole Bales is a producer and multi-instrumentalist who has played on and produced tracks for The Freedom Affair, Black Light Animals, Seyko, Flare tha Rebel, Ezgi, Olivia Fox, and others.

He is also a founder of Groove King Records, a label specializing in analog recording and vinyl releases. His work reflects a deep commitment to musicianship, sonic character, and the craftsmanship behind timeless recordings.

Dave Brick is a drummer, songwriter, and sometimes producer best known for his work with The Freedom Affair and The Grease Traps. His style is simplistic, deeply funky, and awfully soulful with heavy influence from Clyde Stubblefield, Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Al Jackson Jr., and Bernard Purdie. Those are the guys he’d spend hours playing along with while often grounded as a teenager.

Brick has a vast musical library from years searching for and studying artists from around the globe, always excited to discover new, soulful music feeding his insatiable hunger for all things funky. His musicality and knowledge of what works—and what doesn’t—brings a sensitivity to his playing that establishes an unwavering foundation while leaving room for the other musicians in the room to shine.