Turkish Cellist Ezgi Karakus Launched New Musical Group
The Kansas City-based ensemble focuses on blending traditional Turkish folk with a distinct 1970s disco aesthetic.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in World
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Turkish cellist Ezgi Karakus has formed The Ezgi Band in Kansas City. The project explores the 1970s Turkish disco style through original compositions and traditional folk arrangements.
Why it matters
The group represents a cross-cultural fusion, drawing on Karakus's background in Turkey and her formal training at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory to revive vintage psychedelic rock sounds.
The Ezgi Band debuted its first single, "Kadin," on March 8, followed by the release of "Yine Bana Gel" in September. The compositions are specifically curated to emulate the 1970s Turkish disco and psychedelic rock sound.
The players
Ezgi Karakus
She is a cellist who moved from Izmir, Turkey, to the United States and attended the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory.
Brandon Moser
He is a musician who collaborated with Cole Bales to approach Karakus about forming a project focused on 1970s Turkish disco.
Cole Bales
He is a musician who helped initiate the formation of The Ezgi Band alongside Brandon Moser.
Po Sim Head
She is a pianist who provides musical accompaniment for Karakus during performances of Turkish folk songs.
The details
After moving to Kansas City in 2013, Karakus was approached by musicians Brandon Moser and Cole Bales to create a group dedicated to 1970s Turkish disco music. The band features Karakus on cello, often accompanied by pianist Po Sim Head to perform original songs and traditional folk pieces.
Timeline
Ezgi Karakus arrived in West Virginia from Turkey in 2009.
Karakus moved to Kansas City in 2013.
The Ezgi Band released its first single, "Kadin," on March 8.
The band released the single "Yine Bana Gel" in September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The Ezgi Band's formation follows the 1970s Anatolian rock revival trend currently gaining international attention. The band contributes to the global resurgence of 1970s Turkish psychedelic rock by reinterpreting its disco-era elements for modern audiences.
Listeners can access the band's initial output through their latest digital releases of "Kadin" and "Yine Bana Gel." The group's unique blend of cello-led Turkish folk music is now available for streaming to global audiences.
The takeaway
The Ezgi Band highlights the growing interest in cross-cultural musical fusion that bridges local folk traditions with global retro-pop styles. Aspiring musicians can look to this project as an example of how specific niche historical influences can revitalize contemporary original songwriting.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving global music scene in our World section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The World from PRX.
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