Us The Duo creates music that feels like a warm embrace. Their sound is defined by the incredible vocal chemistry between Michael and Carissa Alvarado, whose voices interlock with a precision that only comes from years of singing together. Most of their arrangements are intentionally sparse, relying on a gently strummed acoustic guitar or a bright, melodic piano to carry the emotional weight of their lyrics.
What makes them truly distinctive is their ability to distill complex pop melodies into their most intimate, acoustic forms. Born from the world of short-form social media, they mastered the art of the 'musical moment,' creating songs that feel complete even in their most minimalist states. Their original songwriting leans heavily into themes of domestic bliss, enduring partnership, and the quiet joys of building a life together, delivered with an earnestness that avoids being saccharine.
Start with 'No Matter Where You Are' to hear their signature blend of folk-pop energy and romantic devotion. It captures the essence of their appeal: music that is technically proficient yet feels like it was performed just for you in your own living room. It is perfect for anyone who finds beauty in simplicity and the human voice.
Us the Duo was an American folk pop duo consisting of ex husband-and-wife Michael Alvarado and Carissa Rae Martin. The duo met in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 2011 on the set of an AJ Rafael music video. They got married in 2012. In 2013, the duo started uploading six-second cover versions of popular songs to their Vine account, where they amassed 5 million followers as of the time when vine shut down in January of 2017. In March 2014, they were signed to Republic Records. They are reported as being the first musicians to have signed to a major record label due to their presence on Vine.
Shares acoustic folk, indie pop, chamber pop (subgenres); harmonized, breathy, gentle (vocal style)
Shares acoustic folk, indie pop, chamber pop (subgenres); analog warmth, stripped back, studio polished (production style)
Shares acoustic folk, indie pop, chamber pop (subgenres); harmonized, breathy, gentle (vocal style)
Shares indie pop, acoustic folk, chamber pop (subgenres); stripped back, bedroom production, studio polished (production style)
Shares acoustic folk, indie pop, chamber pop (subgenres); piano, acoustic guitar, percussion (instrumentation)
Shares stripped back, bedroom production, studio polished (production style); acoustic folk, indie pop (subgenres)
Shares acoustic folk, indie pop, traditional pop (subgenres); harmonized, breathy, gentle (vocal style)
Shares acoustic folk, indie pop (subgenres); harmonized, breathy, gentle (vocal style)
Shares acoustic folk, indie pop, chamber pop (subgenres); sunday morning, coffee shop, candlelit (atmosphere)
Shares acoustic folk, harmonized, tender, sunday morning (subgenre)
Shares sentimental, acoustic folk, harmonized, tender (mood)
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