Duo Ruut's (Duo Square) sound is based on the common ground that two young Estonian musicians and songwriters, Ann-Lisett Rebane and Katariina Kivi have explored since coming together in 2017.
Their sound ties together a single Estonian zither and two distinct voices. Inspired by the traditions of their Estonian heritage, they draw influence from both the beliefs of different cultures and their own contemporary and emotive songwriting. As they are composing on one instrument Duo Ruut's music is minimalist at it's core but packed with new and imaginative ideas.
In December 2019 Duo Ruut released their debut album "Tuule sõnad” which was awarded as the Debut Album of the Year by Estonian Ethno Music Awards 2020. The same album was nominated in different categories at Estonian Music Awards 2021. In summer 2021 Duo Ruut released an EP called “Kulla kerguseks” (“Golden Light”) which has received strong organic support internationally. The EP was nominated for the “Ethno/Folk Album of the Year” by Estonian Music Awards 2022.
During a short period of time Duo Ruut has already toured in Europe, Uzbekistan and Japan (Celtic Connections, Eurosonic Noorderslag, WOMEX, PIN Music Conference, Stimmen Festival, Suono Mobili, Tallinn Music Week, Thalia Theater, Sharq Taronalari, Jazzkaar etc). Their music has been supported by international media such as MOJO, The Arts Desk, Louder than War, Full Moon, Songlines, Folk Radio UK, National Public Broadcasting Italy (NO RAI), Estonian Public Broadcasting, NTS Radio etc.
Duo Ruut has collaborated with beloved artists, such as Curly Strings or NOËP. Remix of the song “Tuule sõnad” by NOËP was awarded as the Remix of the Year by Radio 2.