About Gaelynn Lea

Since winning NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, Gaelynn Lea has captivated audiences around the world with her haunting original songs and traditional fiddle tunes. Over the years she has collaborated and performed with many notable artists such as Michael Stipe (REM), The Decemberists, Wilco, LOW, and the industrial rock supergroup Pigface. In 2022, Gaelynn Lea composed and recorded the original score for Macbeth on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga. Gaelynn's resulting concept album, "Music From Macbeth", was released in Spring 2025.

In 2023, Gaelynn co-founded the Music Inclusion Ensemble with fellow disabled musicians Adrian Anantawan and Molly Joyce; this inclusive ensemble places disability at the heart of its performances, compositions, and commissioned works. Also in 2023, Gaelynn co-wrote and performed in a new musical fable for the stage with disabled storyteller Kevin Kling; so far their production has sold out three runs at various theaters in Minnesota.

Music aside, Gaelynn Lea is a sought-after public speaker about Disability Culture and accessibility in the arts. She has been featured on PBS NewsHour, On Being with Krista Tippett, The Moth Radio Hour, The Science of Happiness Podcast, and via two widely-viewed TEDx Talks.

Gaelynn co-founded RAMPD in 2022 with recording artist Lachi. She is also a voting member of the Recording Academy and currently enjoys serving as a Governor for the Chicago Chapter. In 2024, Gaelynn was awarded both a Whippoorwill Arts Fellowship for her creative work in the folk music tradition, as well as a Disability Futures Fellowship, which spotlights the work of disabled creatives across disciplines.

Gaelynn Lea recently wrote a memoir about her touring adventures and disability advocacy, which will be published in early 2026. "It Wasn’t Meant To Be Perfect" is a love-letter to every body — a warm, funny and deeply-felt exploration of disability, music, and the messy creativity of an artist’s life

Recognition and Awards

Professional Memberships

• Folk Alliance (FAI) Member
• PRO: BMI
• Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) Voting Member