Posted by Chicago’s Electric 5 is back with another bold statement in the classical-crossover world. The all-female electric string quintet has just released their searing new cover of The Rolling Stones’ legendary hit “Paint It Black”—and it’s every bit as raw, dark, and electrified as the original.
Arranged by Dusan Sarapa and Electric 5 violinist Adia, the track strips away modern studio crutches. No backing tracks. No overdub shortcuts. Just five players and their instruments, captured in real time.
The recording features Adia, Kelsee Vandervall, Erica Carpenedo, Violetta Todorova, and Lillian Pettit. It was tracked at Coda Room Audio, Chicago by Brandon Aranza and later mixed and mastered at Coda Room Audio, London by Grammy-winning engineer James Auwarter.
Formed in Chicago, Electric 5 began as a challenge: create something unique, unapologetically live, and sonically massive. With two cellos and three violins, the group has built a reputation for turning rock anthems into visceral showcases of virtuosity. Every release, every performance, is a high-wire act of musicianship.
Electric 5 is an all-female electric string quintet pushing the limits of classical crossover. Their lineup—two cellos and three violins—creates multi-dimensional textures and full-scale arrangements without relying on studio scaffolding. From Metallica to The Rolling Stones, Electric 5 transforms rock classics into electrified symphonies of precision, power, and fire.