Biography

Although the music scene in Denver is incredibly diverse, the sound of Ephesus encapsulates this diversity to a tee. They're the musical equivalent of a late night drive up Capitol Hill and long talks that you'll reminisce about for years to come.

With their debut album, Ghosts With a Smile, Ephesus dares to ambitious heights and does not disappoint. All the cuts are varied, yet powerful, the lyrics are bold, and the instrumental elements reflect the intricate nature of human mood. The songs are fresh, yet hauntingly familiar. Founded by singer Russell Dean and guitarist Ryan Stanley, the band has come along way since basement recordings and small, midnight showings. Joining them for final line-up are drummer Shane Gregg and bassist Tim Friesen.

Members

Russell Dean

Russell was born and raised in North Denver, and always had a passion for both music and theater. His high school years were spent learning to play the guitar, singing in the school choir, and acting as president of the drama club, where he played the lead in several plays, including "Brigadoon" and "The Man Who Came to Dinner." After meeting Ryan Stanley in a high school music theory class, Russell attended CU Denver for performance guitar, where he met bassist Tim Friesen. Now, Russell is best known as the frontman for Ephesus, playing lead guitar and belting out his unique brand of lead vocals.

Ryan Stanley

Ryan, though born in Denver, has actually spent most of his life living elsewhere. He has lived and performed in many places, including Minneapolis, MN, Portland, OR, Phoenix, AZ, and Hayward, WI. Ryan began playing music when he picked up the saxophone for his sixth grade school band in Minnesota. After playing the sax for a few years, he traded it for a drum kit. Ryan started his first band, Hydro, soon after. On his 16th birthday, Ryan moved to Denver, where he met Russell Dean, and together, after a last-minute performance at their high school talent show, they founded Ephesus. After a few years and several failed rhythm guitarists, Ryan traded his drum kit for a guitar and took his place as Ephesus' rhythm guitarist.

Tim Friesen

As the only member of Ephesus not born in Denver, Tim was born in California and raised in Hawaii. He moved to Colorado to attend CU Denver, which is where he met Russell Dean and became the bassist for Ephesus.

Shane Gregg

Shane was introduced to Russell Dean through a mutual friend who had heard that Ephesus was in search of a new drummer. Shane fit the bill perfectly. His commitment to his craft, as well as his unique, driving rhythms immediately earned him a spot as the rhythmic backbone of Ephesus.