Gaelynn Lea won NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016. Since then, Lea has captivated audiences around the world with her haunting original songs and traditional fiddle tunes. In 2022, she composed the music for Macbeth on Broadway, directed by Sam Gold and starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga.

Lea is also a sought-after public speaker on Disability Rights and accessibility in the arts and has shared her perspective on PBS NewsHour, On Being with Krista Tippett, The Moth Radio Hour, NowThis, The Science of Happiness Podcast, and via two widely-viewed TEDx Talks. One of her biggest passions is promoting Disability Culture. Lea co-founded RAMPD (Recording Artists, and Music Professionals with Disabilities) with New York City-based recording artist Lachi in early 2022. The mission of this fast-growing global network of disabled music professionals is to amplify Disability Culture, promote equitable inclusion, and advocate for accessibility in the arts.

Lea is a member of the Recording Academy and enjoys serving on the Advocacy Committee. Most recently, she co-wrote, acted, and sang in a new musical fable for the stage called Invisible Fences with disabled storyteller Kevin Kling, which premiered at Open Eye Theater in 2023. This fantastical, music-filled production touches on disability, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. Invisible Fences will be revived in November 2024 at Zeitgeist Arts Theater in Duluth, MN. Currently, Lea is writing a book about her touring adventures and disability advocacy that will be released by Algonquin Books in 2025.