Born & Raised in Pell City, Alabama, Tristen Gressett was inspired by the sounds and influences of the 60s. With a voice that strides the ranges of Folk, Blues, Rock & Soul, he never fails to pay homage to the likes of Billy Joel, Bob Dylan &Tom Petty.

His life has taken him through rigid circumstances which he says has made him the storyteller that he is today. In 2022, he made it to Top 11 on American Idol, where he showcased a more fun & lighthearted side of his artistry.

After this feat, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he resides today. He continues to hold the personas of a poet, and an eccentric, but nevertheless he juggles them effortlessly.

Soul-R Fusion is Tim Koehler (acoustic guitar / vocals) and Alex Goodell (fretless bass). They started collaborating as a duo in 2015 and developed an original sound by blending diverse musical influences and unique approaches to their instruments and to songwriting. Perhaps best described as modern bluesy-folk with a touch of singer-songwriter storytelling, Soul-R Fusion’s music highlights ethereal fretless basslines and rhythmic acoustic guitar, that together complement intelligent, heartfelt lyrics.​

Based in Wilmington N.C., the duo are focused on writing and performing their own original music. Soul-R Fusion’s songs and live performances are uplifting, positive experiences that pull people in and make them feel good.

Soul-R Fusion’s large repertoire of original music ranges from the humorously quixotic Slack Cat Blues to the elegant poignancy of Simple. The duo has three studio album recordings, all recorded in Wilmington, NC: their eponymous debut Soul-R Fusion, (2016) with drummer Roger Manning, a double CD Like a Circle ‘Round the Sun, (2019), and their newest release, Everybody Knows, (2023). And they have a whole new batch of songs that they are looking forward to recording soon!​

The duo performs regularly at their local listening room, Live at Ted’s, and at the Beale Street Barber Shop, Wilmington’s Elvis themed barber shop / original music venue. They have been featured in local original music showcases and festivals, including Laura McLean’s Songwriters Showcase, Voice and the Pen, the Hope Concert Series, and Alt-Zalea Fest.​

Soul-R Fusion’s music is optimistic and highlights the common experiences and connections people share. The duo is currently looking to expand their range and book performances in original-music friendly venues beyond Wilmington, in order to share their music and connect with a wider audience.