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{{short description|American violinist and disability advocate (born 1984)}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Gaelynn Lea
| name = Gaelynn Lea
| image = GaelynnLeaViolin.jpg
| image = GaelynnLeaViolin.jpg
| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption = Gaelynn Lea in 2017
| caption = Gaelynn Lea in 2017
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1984|1|21}}
| birth_date = {{Birth year and age|1984}}<ref name="lea20170420">{{cite web|url=https://violinscratches.com/2017/04/20/sexuality-disability-for-tedxyale/|title=Sexuality, Disability & the Journey to Inner Freedom|first=Gaelynn|last=Lea|work=Gaelynn Lea}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Duluth]], [[Minnesota]]
| birth_place = [[Duluth]], [[Minnesota]]
| origin =
| origin =
| genre = [[folk music|Folk]], [[bluegrass music|bluegrass]], [[celtic music|Celtic]], [[experimental music|experimental]]
| genre = [[folk music|Folk]], [[bluegrass music|bluegrass]], [[celtic music|Celtic]], [[experimental music|experimental]]
| instrument = Violin, vocals
| instrument = Violin, vocals
| years_active =
| years_active =
| label =
| label =
| associated_acts = [[Alan Sparhawk]], The Murder of Crows
| associated_acts = [[Alan Sparhawk]], The Murder of Crows
| website = [https://violinscratches.com/ www.violinscratches.com]
| website = [https://violinscratches.com/ www.violinscratches.com]
}}
}}


'''Gaelynn Lea Tressler''' (born January 21, 1984) is an American [[folk music|folk]] singer, violinist, public speaker and disability advocate from [[Duluth]], [[Minnesota]]. She won [[NPR]]'s 2016 [[Tiny Desk Concerts|Tiny Desk Contest]].
'''Gaelynn Lea Tressler''' (born January 21, 1984) is an American [[folk music|folk]] singer, violinist, public speaker and disability advocate from [[Duluth]], [[Minnesota]]. She won [[NPR]]'s 2016 [[Tiny Desk Concerts|Tiny Desk Contest]].


==Early life==
==Early life and education==
Gaelynn Lea was born with [[osteogenesis imperfecta]], a genetic condition that causes complications in the development of bones and limbs. Lea became impassioned by classical music from an early age, and in fifth grade a teacher took notice and encouraged Lea to pursue music after she had the class's only perfect score on a music listening test.<ref name=":1" /> Lea developed a technique for violin which involved holding the bow "like a baseball bat" with the body of the instrument placed in front of her, like a cello, and attached to her foot so it wouldn't slip when she played.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/disability-36315689|title=Music matters: Choosing the violin over walking|last=Rose|first=Beth|date=February 18, 2017|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref>
Gaelynn Lea was born with [[osteogenesis imperfecta]], a genetic condition that causes complications in the development of bones and limbs. Lea became impassioned by [[classical music]] from an early age, and in fourth grade a teacher took notice and encouraged Lea to pursue music after she had the class's only perfect score on a music listening test.<ref name=":1" /> Lea developed a technique for violin which involved holding the bow "like a bassist" with the body of the instrument placed in front of her, like a cello, and attached to her foot so it wouldn't slip when she played.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/disability-36315689|title=Music matters: Choosing the violin over walking|last=Rose|first=Beth|date=February 18, 2017|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref> Her parents also owned and operated a dinner theater while Lea was growing up, and she would often usher and do lighting for productions.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Cox |first=Gordon |date=2022-03-22 |title=How Gaelynn Lea Is Breaking Broadway Barriers as 'Macbeth' Composer |url=https://variety.com/2022/legit/podcasts/gaelynn-lea-broadway-macbeth-composer-1235210901/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>


Lea attended [[Macalester College]], where she majored in [[political science]]; prior to her music career, she had planned to pursue a career as a lawyer and disability rights advocate.<ref name=":1" />
Lea attended [[Macalester College]], where she majored in [[political science]]; prior to her music career, she had planned to pursue a career as a lawyer and disability rights advocate.<ref name=":1" />


== Musical career ==
== Career ==
Lea's early career collaborations included the alternative folk music duo The Murder of Crows with [[Alan Sparhawk]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/artist-of-the-year-honorable-mention-duluth-singer-and-advocate-gaelynn-lea/408655225/#1|title=Artist of the Year honorable mention: Duluth singer and advocate Gaelynn Lea|date=December 31, 2016|newspaper=Star Tribune|access-date=February 26, 2017}}</ref> an "atmospheric, improvisational project" they began in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.citypages.com/music/duluths-gaelynn-lea-builds-on-tiny-desk-buzz/393311921|title=Duluth's Gaelynn Lea builds on Tiny Desk buzz|last=Thompson|first=Erik|date=September 14, 2016|newspaper=City Pages (Twin Cities)|access-date=February 25, 2017}}</ref> Lea has also played with [[Charlie Parr]] and [[Billy McLaughlin]].<ref name=":0" />
Lea's early career collaborations included the [[alternative folk]] music duo The Murder of Crows with [[Alan Sparhawk]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/artist-of-the-year-honorable-mention-duluth-singer-and-advocate-gaelynn-lea/408655225/#1|title=Artist of the Year honorable mention: Duluth singer and advocate Gaelynn Lea|date=December 31, 2016|newspaper=Star Tribune|access-date=February 26, 2017}}</ref> an "atmospheric, improvisational project" they began in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.citypages.com/music/duluths-gaelynn-lea-builds-on-tiny-desk-buzz/393311921|title=Duluth's Gaelynn Lea builds on Tiny Desk buzz|last=Thompson|first=Erik|date=September 14, 2016|newspaper=City Pages (Twin Cities)|access-date=February 25, 2017}}</ref> Lea was also the violinist/vocalist of the Scandinavian [[Folk music|folk]]/[[Rock music|rock]] band Snöbarn, which released its first and only album in 2013. The album was titled, ''Hand by Hand''. Additionally, Lea has played with [[Charlie Parr]] and [[Billy McLaughlin]].<ref name=":0" />


Lea gained exposure after winning NPR's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://people.com/celebrity/gaelynn-lea-wins-nprs-tiny-desk-concert-contest/|title=Gaelynn Lea: Wins NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Contest|last=Heigl|first=Alex|date=March 3, 2016|newspaper=People|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> Her song and performance for "Someday We'll Linger in the Sun" was selected over six thousand other submissions<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2016/03/03/469034857/meet-gaelynn-lea-the-2016-tiny-desk-contest-winner|title=Meet Gaelynn Lea, The 2016 Tiny Desk Contest Winner|website=NPR.org|access-date=February 26, 2017}}
Lea gained exposure after winning NPR's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://people.com/celebrity/gaelynn-lea-wins-nprs-tiny-desk-concert-contest/|title=Gaelynn Lea: Wins NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Contest|last=Heigl|first=Alex|date=March 3, 2016|newspaper=People|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> Her song and performance for "Someday We'll Linger in the Sun" was selected over six thousand other submissions<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2016/03/03/469034857/meet-gaelynn-lea-the-2016-tiny-desk-contest-winner|title=Meet Gaelynn Lea, The 2016 Tiny Desk Contest Winner|website=NPR.org|access-date=February 26, 2017}}
</ref> by a committee that included [[Dan Auerbach]] of the [[The Black Keys|Black Keys]], Jess Wolfe of [[Lucius (band)|Lucius]], [[Son Lux]] and NPR staff.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/duluth-singer-songwriter-gaelynn-lea-wins-npr-s-tiny-desk-contest/370928351/|title=Duluth singer/fiddler Gaelynn Lea wins NPR's Tiny Desk Contest|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|date=March 3, 2016|newspaper=Star Tribune|access-date=February 26, 2017}}</ref> Auerbach's citation read: "This song starts off with the sound of 20 old floorboards groaning and creaking in unison and then [[Karen Dalton (singer)|Karen Dalton]] and [[Joanna Newsom]] melt together in the form of Gaelynn Lea and set about absolutely obliterating your heart."<ref name=":0" />
</ref> by a committee that included [[Dan Auerbach]] of the [[The Black Keys|Black Keys]], Jess Wolfe of [[Lucius (band)|Lucius]], [[Son Lux]] and NPR staff.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/duluth-singer-songwriter-gaelynn-lea-wins-npr-s-tiny-desk-contest/370928351/|title=Duluth singer/fiddler Gaelynn Lea wins NPR's Tiny Desk Contest|last=Riemenschneider|first=Chris|date=March 3, 2016|newspaper=Star Tribune|access-date=February 26, 2017}}</ref> Auerbach's citation read: "This song starts off with the sound of 20 old floorboards groaning and creaking in unison and then [[Karen Dalton (singer)|Karen Dalton]] and [[Joanna Newsom]] melt together in the form of Gaelynn Lea and set about absolutely obliterating your heart."<ref name=":0" />


In 2022, Lea made her [[Broadway theatre|Broadway]] debut as the composer of original music for the revival of ''[[Macbeth]]'', directed by [[Sam Gold]] at the [[Longacre Theatre]].<ref name=":3" />
===Style and influence===

⚫
Lea possesses a [[mezzo-soprano]] voice, which has been characterized by Denny Dyroff of the ''Unionville Times'' as "ethereal".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unionvilletimes.com/?p=32224|work=Unionville Times|last=Dyroff|first=Denny|date=October 20, 2016|accessdate=July 21, 2018|title=On Stage: Maurice Hines "Tappin' Thru Life"}}</ref> Lea's style is rooted in classical, Celtic and traditional folk music. With the use of looping pedals Lea layers multiple orchestrated parts from a miked violin while she sings. Due to her physical stature she plays violin in the style of a cellist,<ref name="pbs">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/tiny-desk-winner-on-why-musicians-with-disabilities-are-an-unequal-minority/|title='Tiny Desk' winner on why musicians with disabilities are an 'unequal minority'|newspaper=PBS NewsHour|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en-US}}
== Musical style and influences ==
⚫
Lea possesses a [[mezzo-soprano]] voice, which has been characterized by Denny Dyroff of the ''Unionville Times'' as "ethereal".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unionvilletimes.com/?p=32224|work=Unionville Times|last=Dyroff|first=Denny|date=October 20, 2016|accessdate=July 21, 2018|title=On Stage: Maurice Hines "Tappin' Thru Life"}}</ref> Lea's style is rooted in [[Classical music|classical]], [[Celtic music|Celtic]] and [[traditional folk]] music. With the use of looping pedals Lea layers multiple orchestrated parts from a miked violin while she sings. Due to her physical stature she plays violin in the style of a cellist,<ref name="pbs">{{Cite news|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/tiny-desk-winner-on-why-musicians-with-disabilities-are-an-unequal-minority/|title='Tiny Desk' winner on why musicians with disabilities are an 'unequal minority'|newspaper=PBS NewsHour|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en-US}}
</ref> which creates a unique sound: in this stance, her bow strikes the lower strings first (as they do on a cello), in contrast to most violinists for whom the bow strikes the highest string first.<ref name=":1" />
</ref> which creates a unique sound: in this stance, her bow strikes the lower strings first (as they do on a cello), in contrast to most violinists for whom the bow strikes the highest string first.<ref name=":1" />


Reviewing her performance at the 2017 Folk Alliance Conference for ''[[Paste Magazine]]'', [[Geoffrey Himes]] described Lea's "Watch the World Unfold" as the "most moving song" he heard at the conference: "The song draws its power from the tension between a young person’s optimistic plans and the obstacles that life throws in the way of those hopes, a conflict reinforced by the paradox of the sunny, childlike vocal melody and the cloudy, ominous swirl of violin harmony."<ref name=":1">{{cite news|last1=Himes|first1=Geoffrey|authorlink=Geoffrey Himes|title=Road Music, Chapter Two: Kansas City, Missouri|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/02/road-music-chapter-two-kansas-city-missouri.html|accessdate=February 26, 2017|work=Paste Magazine|date=February 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
Reviewing her performance at the 2017 Folk Alliance Conference for ''[[Paste Magazine]]'', [[Geoffrey Himes]] described Lea's "Watch the World Unfold" as the "most moving song" he heard at the conference: "The song draws its power from the tension between a young person's optimistic plans and the obstacles that life throws in the way of those hopes, a conflict reinforced by the paradox of the sunny, childlike vocal melody and the cloudy, ominous swirl of violin harmony."<ref name=":1">{{cite news|last1=Himes|first1=Geoffrey|authorlink=Geoffrey Himes|title=Road Music, Chapter Two: Kansas City, Missouri|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/02/road-music-chapter-two-kansas-city-missouri.html|accessdate=February 26, 2017|work=Paste Magazine|date=February 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref>


Writing for ''[[The Kansas City Star]]'', Bill Brownlee contrasted Lea's musical style with what Brownlee called the "fussy forms of indie-rock" often praised by NPR ''[[All Songs Considered]]'''s hosts, [[Bob Boilen]] and Robin Hilton: "Many listeners who object to the tastemakers’ genteel predilections forgave the men after they discovered plaintive folk artist Gaelynn Lea last year...Filmed on a friend's iPhone, the video of Lea's rendition of her memorable original song 'Someday We'll Linger in the Sun' captures her otherworldly voice and ethereal fiddle playing."<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/ink/article131016639.html#storylink=cpy|title=Victory tour for NPR's 'Tiny Desk' winner includes stops in KC and Lawrence|last=Brownlee|first=Bill|date=February 6, 2017|newspaper=Kansas City Star|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
Writing for ''[[The Kansas City Star]]'', Bill Brownlee contrasted Lea's musical style with what Brownlee called the "fussy forms of indie-rock" often praised by NPR ''[[All Songs Considered]]''{{'s}} hosts, [[Bob Boilen]] and Robin Hilton: "Many listeners who object to the tastemakers' genteel predilections forgave the men after they discovered plaintive folk artist Gaelynn Lea last year...Filmed on a friend's iPhone, the video of Lea's rendition of her memorable original song 'Someday We'll Linger in the Sun' captures her otherworldly voice and ethereal fiddle playing."<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/entertainment/ink/article131016639.html#storylink=cpy|title=Victory tour for NPR's 'Tiny Desk' winner includes stops in KC and Lawrence|last=Brownlee|first=Bill|date=February 6, 2017|newspaper=Kansas City Star|access-date=February 26, 2017|language=en}}</ref>


==Advocacy==
==Advocacy==
Lea was a guest speaker at [[Yale University]] for a TedxTalk to discuss sexuality, the obstacles for people with disabilities, and the use of art as a vessel to overcome physical limitations.<ref>{{Citation|last=TEDx Talks|title=Sexuality and Disability: Forging Identity in a World that Leaves You Out {{!}} Gaelynn Lea {{!}} TEDxYale|date=January 18, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akGYugciSVw&t=447s|accessdate=February 26, 2017}}</ref> She also speaks on accessibility in the music industry.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Walsh|first1=Jim|title=A safe place for sensitive artists|url=http://www.southwestjournal.com/voices/my-minneapolis/2016/10/a-safe-place-for-sensitive-artists/|accessdate=February 26, 2017|work=Southwest Journal|date=October 18, 2016}}</ref>
Lea was a guest speaker at [[Yale University]] for a TedxTalk to discuss sexuality, the obstacles for people with disabilities, and the use of art as a vessel to overcome physical limitations.<ref>{{Citation|last=TEDx Talks|title=Sexuality and Disability: Forging Identity in a World that Leaves You Out {{!}} Gaelynn Lea {{!}} TEDxYale|date=January 18, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akGYugciSVw&t=447s|accessdate=February 26, 2017}}</ref> She also speaks on accessibility in the [[music industry]].<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Walsh|first1=Jim|title=A safe place for sensitive artists|url=http://www.southwestjournal.com/voices/my-minneapolis/2016/10/a-safe-place-for-sensitive-artists/|accessdate=February 26, 2017|work=Southwest Journal|date=October 18, 2016}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Line 45: Line 49:


==Discography==
==Discography==

'''Solo albums'''
=== Solo albums ===
*''All the Roads that Lead Us Home'' (2015)
*''All the Roads that Lead Us Home'' (2015)
*''Deepest Darkness, Brightest Dawn'' (2016)
*''Deepest Darkness, Brightest Dawn'' (2016)
*''Learning How To Stay'' (2018)
*''Learning How to Stay'' (2018)
*''The Living Room Sessions'' (2020)


'''Singles'''
=== Singles ===
*''Someday We'll Linger in the Sun'' (2016)
*"Someday We'll Linger in the Sun" (2016)
*''All Changing Tides'' (2017)
*"All Changing Tides" (2017)


'''Extended plays'''
=== Extended plays ===
*''The Songs We Sing Along the Way'' (2016)
*''The Songs We Sing Along the Way'' (2016)


'''The Murder of Crows'''
=== The Murder of Crows ===
*''Imperfecta'' (2012)
*''Imperfecta'' (2012)


'''Snöbarn'''
=== Snöbarn ===
*''Hand by Hand'' (2013)
*''Hand by Hand'' (2013)


'''The Getarounds'''
=== The Getarounds ===
*''The Getarounds Live EP'' (2013)
*''The Getarounds Live EP'' (2013)


Line 70: Line 76:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|https://violinscratches.com/}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://gaelynnlea.bandcamp.com/ Gaelynn Lea] on [[Bandcamp]]
* [https://gaelynnlea.bandcamp.com/ Gaelynn Lea] on [[Bandcamp]]
* [http://www.kqal.org/2018/01/gaelyn-lea/ Interview with Gaelynn Lea] on [[KQAL]]
*{{discogs artist}}
*{{discogs artist}}
*{{allmusic|artist/gaelynn-lea-mn0003500211}}
*{{allMusic|artist/gaelynn-lea-mn0003500211}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}
Line 80: Line 85:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lea, Gaelynn}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lea, Gaelynn}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Songwriters from Minnesota]]
[[Category:Musicians from Duluth, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Musicians from Duluth, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Singers from Minnesota]]
[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Minnesota]]
[[Category:Disability rights activists from the United States]]
[[Category:American disability rights activists]]
[[Category:Macalester College alumni]]
[[Category:Macalester College alumni]]
⚫
[[Category:American violinists]]
[[Category:People with osteogenesis imperfecta]]
[[Category:People with osteogenesis imperfecta]]
[[Category:Musicians with physical disabilities]]
[[Category:American musicians with disabilities]]
[[Category:American female singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American women singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century American violinists]]
[[Category:21st-century violinists]]
[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:21st-century American singers]]
[[Category:Activists from Minnesota]]
[[Category:Activists from Minnesota]]
[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American women singers]]
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:1984 births]]
[[Category:Pigface members]]
⚫
[[Category:American activists with disabilities]]

Latest revision as of 17:13, 3 September 2024

Gaelynn Lea
Gaelynn Lea in 2017
Gaelynn Lea in 2017
Background information
Born (1984-01-21) January 21, 1984 (age 40)
Duluth, Minnesota
GenresFolk, bluegrass, Celtic, experimental
Instrument(s)Violin, vocals
Websitewww.violinscratches.com

Gaelynn Lea Tressler (born January 21, 1984) is an American folk singer, violinist, public speaker and disability advocate from Duluth, Minnesota. She won NPR's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest.

Early life and education

[edit]

Gaelynn Lea was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a genetic condition that causes complications in the development of bones and limbs. Lea became impassioned by classical music from an early age, and in fourth grade a teacher took notice and encouraged Lea to pursue music after she had the class's only perfect score on a music listening test.[1] Lea developed a technique for violin which involved holding the bow "like a bassist" with the body of the instrument placed in front of her, like a cello, and attached to her foot so it wouldn't slip when she played.[2] Her parents also owned and operated a dinner theater while Lea was growing up, and she would often usher and do lighting for productions.[3]

Lea attended Macalester College, where she majored in political science; prior to her music career, she had planned to pursue a career as a lawyer and disability rights advocate.[1]

Career

[edit]

Lea's early career collaborations included the alternative folk music duo The Murder of Crows with Alan Sparhawk,[4] an "atmospheric, improvisational project" they began in 2011.[5] Lea was also the violinist/vocalist of the Scandinavian folk/rock band Snöbarn, which released its first and only album in 2013. The album was titled, Hand by Hand. Additionally, Lea has played with Charlie Parr and Billy McLaughlin.[6]

Lea gained exposure after winning NPR's 2016 Tiny Desk Contest.[7] Her song and performance for "Someday We'll Linger in the Sun" was selected over six thousand other submissions[8] by a committee that included Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, Jess Wolfe of Lucius, Son Lux and NPR staff.[6] Auerbach's citation read: "This song starts off with the sound of 20 old floorboards groaning and creaking in unison and then Karen Dalton and Joanna Newsom melt together in the form of Gaelynn Lea and set about absolutely obliterating your heart."[6]

In 2022, Lea made her Broadway debut as the composer of original music for the revival of Macbeth, directed by Sam Gold at the Longacre Theatre.[3]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Lea possesses a mezzo-soprano voice, which has been characterized by Denny Dyroff of the Unionville Times as "ethereal".[9] Lea's style is rooted in classical, Celtic and traditional folk music. With the use of looping pedals Lea layers multiple orchestrated parts from a miked violin while she sings. Due to her physical stature she plays violin in the style of a cellist,[10] which creates a unique sound: in this stance, her bow strikes the lower strings first (as they do on a cello), in contrast to most violinists for whom the bow strikes the highest string first.[1]

Reviewing her performance at the 2017 Folk Alliance Conference for Paste Magazine, Geoffrey Himes described Lea's "Watch the World Unfold" as the "most moving song" he heard at the conference: "The song draws its power from the tension between a young person's optimistic plans and the obstacles that life throws in the way of those hopes, a conflict reinforced by the paradox of the sunny, childlike vocal melody and the cloudy, ominous swirl of violin harmony."[1]

Writing for The Kansas City Star, Bill Brownlee contrasted Lea's musical style with what Brownlee called the "fussy forms of indie-rock" often praised by NPR All Songs Considered's hosts, Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton: "Many listeners who object to the tastemakers' genteel predilections forgave the men after they discovered plaintive folk artist Gaelynn Lea last year...Filmed on a friend's iPhone, the video of Lea's rendition of her memorable original song 'Someday We'll Linger in the Sun' captures her otherworldly voice and ethereal fiddle playing."[11]

Advocacy

[edit]

Lea was a guest speaker at Yale University for a TedxTalk to discuss sexuality, the obstacles for people with disabilities, and the use of art as a vessel to overcome physical limitations.[12] She also speaks on accessibility in the music industry.[11][13]

Personal life

[edit]

Around 2014 Lea married Paul Tressler, with whom she had been in a relationship since around 2007.[14] Tressler acts as Lea's tour manager.[15]

Discography

[edit]

Solo albums

[edit]
  • All the Roads that Lead Us Home (2015)
  • Deepest Darkness, Brightest Dawn (2016)
  • Learning How to Stay (2018)
  • The Living Room Sessions (2020)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Someday We'll Linger in the Sun" (2016)
  • "All Changing Tides" (2017)

Extended plays

[edit]
  • The Songs We Sing Along the Way (2016)

The Murder of Crows

[edit]
  • Imperfecta (2012)

Snöbarn

[edit]
  • Hand by Hand (2013)

The Getarounds

[edit]
  • The Getarounds Live EP (2013)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Himes, Geoffrey (February 21, 2017). "Road Music, Chapter Two: Kansas City, Missouri". Paste Magazine. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  2. ^ Rose, Beth (February 18, 2017). "Music matters: Choosing the violin over walking". BBC News. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Cox, Gordon (March 22, 2022). "How Gaelynn Lea Is Breaking Broadway Barriers as 'Macbeth' Composer". Variety. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  4. ^ "Artist of the Year honorable mention: Duluth singer and advocate Gaelynn Lea". Star Tribune. December 31, 2016. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  5. ^ Thompson, Erik (September 14, 2016). "Duluth's Gaelynn Lea builds on Tiny Desk buzz". City Pages (Twin Cities). Retrieved February 25, 2017.
  6. ^ a b c Riemenschneider, Chris (March 3, 2016). "Duluth singer/fiddler Gaelynn Lea wins NPR's Tiny Desk Contest". Star Tribune. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  7. ^ Heigl, Alex (March 3, 2016). "Gaelynn Lea: Wins NPR's Tiny Desk Concert Contest". People. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  8. ^ "Meet Gaelynn Lea, The 2016 Tiny Desk Contest Winner". NPR.org. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  9. ^ Dyroff, Denny (October 20, 2016). "On Stage: Maurice Hines "Tappin' Thru Life"". Unionville Times. Retrieved July 21, 2018.
  10. ^ "'Tiny Desk' winner on why musicians with disabilities are an 'unequal minority'". PBS NewsHour. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  11. ^ a b Brownlee, Bill (February 6, 2017). "Victory tour for NPR's 'Tiny Desk' winner includes stops in KC and Lawrence". Kansas City Star. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  12. ^ TEDx Talks (January 18, 2017), Sexuality and Disability: Forging Identity in a World that Leaves You Out | Gaelynn Lea | TEDxYale, retrieved February 26, 2017
  13. ^ Walsh, Jim (October 18, 2016). "A safe place for sensitive artists". Southwest Journal. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
  14. ^ Combs, Marianne (April 27, 2016). "For this fiddler, a tiny concert led to big things". Minnesota Public Radio.
  15. ^ John, Emma (December 14, 2018). "'It's a cool time to be alive!' – fiddle sensation Gaelynn Lea on changing perceptions of disability". The Guardian.
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