Meet the Benders

Gina & the Soul Benders (GSB) is built on family, feel, and fearless expression.

 

At its core are Gina “Soul Bender” Cartier and Fred “Tone Bender” Cartier — partners in life and music — surrounded by a rhythm section and musical collective that gives their sound depth, pocket, and soul.​

 

Gina’s musical awakening came early. Seeing Elvis at seven and The Rolling Stones at sixteen — with Soul Train in between — sealed her fate. Music didn’t just inspire her; it transported her. Influenced by Rickie Lee Jones, Jonny Lang, Eddie Vedder, and the incomparable Aretha Franklin, she delivers vocals that balance vulnerability and power.  Onstage, she paints with abandon. Offstage, she’s a self-described introvert. When she sings, the room shifts. 

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Fred’s roots run deep through family harmony and guitar tradition. From Sunday Mass to stage lights, melody and tone have always guided him. Influenced first and foremost by The Beatles, and shaped by the expressive touch of Eric Clapton, Mike Campbell, and Peter Frampton, Fred brings clarity, phrasing, and intention to every note. A former pilot, he understands freedom — and that sense of lift carries into his playing.​

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Surrounding them are The Benders: 

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Fredrick “Mojo” Marc-Charles on harmonica brings Blues grit and emotional color, channeling influences from Muddy Waters to Amy Winehouse.​

Austin “Backbeat” Carpenter on drums provides precision and punch, blending classic rock discipline with modern drive. 

Manja “Sugar” Howard on keys adds classic rock texture and structure, grounding the sound with purpose and polish.​​

Kurt “Bottom” Lorenz on bass anchors it all with warmth and groove, proving that the foundation makes the feeling. 

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Together, GSB delivers performances that are tight yet alive, polished yet passionate. Their shows are built on chemistry, musicianship, and presence — not just playing songs but living them in real time.​​GSB isn’t just a band.  It’s family. It’s Intention. It’s soul in motion.