CocoRosie

CocoRosie is a Paris-based American duo formed in 2003 by sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady, who perform as Bianca “Coco” Casady and Sierra “Rosie” Casady. The group is active from 2003 to the present and is associated with Sub Pop Records. Its music is commonly placed within avant-garde pop, chamber pop, electronica, folk, folktronica and freak folk.

Formation and background

The sisters are born and raised in the United States, with Sierra born in Iowa and Bianca born in Hawaii. They form the group in Paris after meeting again following years apart. Their names come from nicknames given to them by their mother, with Rosie and Coco becoming the basis for the act’s name.

Sound and instrumentation

CocoRosie begin as a duo built around Sierra’s singing, guitar, piano, harp and flute, and Bianca’s vocals, percussion, beatboxing and use of children’s toys, electronic instruments and other unconventional noise-making objects. Their style is also described through influences and associations including pop, blues, opera, hip hop, indie rock, psychedelic folk, folktronica and the New Weird America movement.

Releases and development

The duo complete their debut album La Maison de Mon Rêve in the bathroom of Sierra’s Paris apartment, and the record is first intended for a small circle of friends. It is later picked up and released by Touch and Go Records in 2004. CocoRosie then release Noah’s Ark in 2005, The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn in 2007, Grey Oceans in 2010, Tales of a GrassWidow in 2013, Heartache City in 2015, Put the Shine On in 2020 and Little Death Wishes in 2025. Their unreleased early hip-hop recording word to the crow is also completed during their first period of work together.

Live activity and influence

The group tours extensively across Europe, the United States and other territories. In 2004 they tour widely with artists including TV on the Radio, Bright Eyes, Battles, Devendra Banhart and Busdriver. They are also cited as a major influence by indie bands such as The xx.