Gracie and Rachel

Gracie and Rachel are a Brooklyn-based duo consisting of keyboardist/vocalist Gracie Coates and violinist Rachel Ruggles. Originally from Berkeley, California, the pair leverages a deep personal history to create 'orchestral pop' that emphasizes the tension between Coates's folk-leaning songwriting and Ruggles's classical training. Their sound identity is defined by a minimalist approach to chamber pop, often eschewing traditional percussion in favor of rhythmic violin techniques and percussive piano playing.

Their career arc began with a striking monochromatic aesthetic, using black-and-white visuals to mirror the sonic duality of their instrumentation. Their debut self-titled album (2017) established them as critical darlings in the NPR/Tiny Desk circuit. The follow-up, 'Hello Weakness, You Make Me Strong' (2020), expanded their palette slightly with subtle electronic textures while maintaining their core intimacy. Culturally, they occupy a niche within the 'modern classical crossover' and 'indie-chamber' scenes, influenced by the likes of Regina Spektor's piano-driven whimsy and the structural elegance of minimalist composers. They are highly regarded for their live performances, which translate their studio precision into a high-stakes, emotionally resonant duo format.