Accessibility in Music | Gaelynn Lea | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Gaelynn Lea, a violinist with a disability, emphasizes the importance of accessibility and representation in the arts as she uses her music to promote positive social change.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER 1: Good afternoon. We're excited to welcome Gaelynn Lea to Talks at Google. Gaelynn is a violinist, a songwriter, and speaker, who has a unique take on fiddle music, incorporating her love of traditional tunes, songwriting, poetry, and sonic exploration. Last year, she won NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest, a competition drawing... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎼 Gaelynn Lea's music incorporates her love of traditional fiddle tunes, songwriting, poetry, and sonic exploration, providing a unique take on fiddle music.
• 🥳 Gaelynn's congenital disability, osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bones disease, has shaped her perspective on life and her music, emphasizing the importance of making the most of each day.
• 💦 Society must work harder to prioritize accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, enabling them to fully participate in their communities and pursue their passions.
• 👯 Representation of people with disabilities in the media is crucial for changing societal perceptions and promoting inclusivity.
• 👯 Gaelynn's experiences of touring with a disability highlight the need for more accessible venues and accommodations, as well as better job inclusion for people with disabilities.
• 🥰 Gaelynn's positive outlook on life is influenced by her spiritual beliefs and her commitment to spreading love, compassion, and understanding.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Gaelynn Lea get her start in music?

Gaelynn Lea began playing the violin in fifth grade after being inspired by an orchestra performance at her school. Despite her disability, she found a way to adapt her playing style and has been pursuing music ever since.

Q: Who are Gaelynn Lea's biggest musical influences?

Gaelynn cites Alan Sparhawk of the band Low as her biggest influence. He introduced her to the looping pedal and helped her explore more creative and innovative techniques with her music. She also has a love for the lyrical and harmonious styles of artists like Simon and Garfunkel, The Decemberists, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Wilco.

Q: How has winning NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest changed Gaelynn Lea's career?

Winning the contest brought Gaelynn increased recognition and opportunities. She has received offers to perform in more distant locations and has been touring extensively with her husband. Winning the contest also allowed her to release an EP and a full-length album, further expanding her reach and impact.

Q: How does Gaelynn Lea advocate for accessibility and positive social change?

Gaelynn uses her music as a platform to advocate for disability rights and accessibility. She believes that society needs to prioritize accessibility so that people with disabilities can fully participate in their communities and use their talents without barriers or discrimination. By representing people with disabilities in the media and addressing the importance of accessibility in her performances, she promotes positive social change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Gaelynn Lea is a violinist, songwriter, and speaker who uses her unique take on fiddle music to promote accessibility and positive social change.

• She won NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest in 2016, which propelled her to release an EP, a full-length album, and embark on tours across the United States and Europe.

• Gaelynn speaks about disability rights and the joy of music, advocating for prioritizing accessibility to allow people with disabilities to fully participate in their communities.