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Duo Ruut

Folk / Estonia (Tallinn)
Duo Ruut
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Duo Ruut

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Puuluup, Andrey Vinogradof

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Baltic folk

" Connecting Baltic folklore and indie motifs "

The Estonian nu-folk duo Duo Ruut, formed by Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi, create their own style using a single Estonian zither. The two playfully combine the traditional instrument – playing it together at the same time, using four hands – with otherworldly vocals and minimalist harmonies. Their music draws from Baltic traditions, but in reality they generate a completely new sound. Influenced by classical, jazz, pop, and folk music, the band produce a fascinating and unusual blend. The result is a powerful amalgamation of sounds and lyrics that showcases a contemporary musical celebration bridging the present with the past – e.g. their 2021 English-lyric track, ‘Nightingale’ is like a modern fairytale: As I was a walking one morning in may/ I met a young couple who fondly did stray/  One was a young maid so sweet and so fair/ And the other was a soldier and a brave Grenadier”.

Their debut album ‘Tuule sõnad’ was released in 2019, and since then Duo Ruut embarked on a crazy musical journey. The album won them the Debut Album of the Year category at the Estonian Ethno Music Awards 2020, and the band began touring in Europe, Uzbekistan and Japan. In 2021, their EP ‘Kulla Kerguseks’, (which literally translates as ‘Golden Light‘), brought them even more international acclaim. Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi present an enchanting mix of ethnic tunes, contemporary classical music, jazz improvisations and harmonious chants. Their playing technique and elaborate multidimensional compositions create a unique and ethereal musical atmosphere.