7 Notes to Gaia

7 Notes to Gaia formed in 2007 around vocalist Melissa Quinley and multi-instrumentalist Paul Ruskay. They started in the Pacific Northwest, where Quinley's background in classical music and environmental concerns shaped their direction from the beginning.

Their music blends classical, folk, and electronic elements, with collaborators like violinist Jessica Deutsch and cellist Peter Adams adding to their sound. They've released albums including 'Breath Beneath the Ice' and 'The Earth, the Sky, the Deep,' which explore environmental themes through myth and contemporary issues.

One of their better-known songs, 'They Are Us,' became something of an anthem for environmental activists. The track's lyrics focus on the connection between living creatures and the need to protect natural resources, delivered with the kind of haunting melody that sticks with listeners.

Their work has appeared in documentaries and educational settings, and they've performed at various venues while maintaining their core duo of Quinley and Ruskay.