This was a Treefort highlight for me. I had heard of Gaelynn Lea, and couldn’t wait to work out an in-studio interview and session. They were really curious about Built To Spill, and hoped to catch them at Treefort.
This performer is so many kinds of amazing. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, OI. Brittle Bone Disease didn’t keep Gaelynn Lea from being a musician.
Gaelynn brought her guitarist Al Church in to help with the session. It was nice to escape the busy Treefort scene and get to an intimate recording area. Learning we’d have video, Gaelynn took a few minutes to put on some makeup. We talked about so many things, and we’ll post a podcast soon once Treefort has settled down!
A huge help in Gaelynn’s career was her appearance on the Tiny Desk Concert.
Gaelynn is a Political Science graduate, and has done a TEdx Talk for Yale. The topic is sexuality and disability, a topic she says doesn’t get much attention.
A band Gaelynn has been in is Murder of Crows.
Alan Sparhawk of Low, who happens to be in town for a Treefort show as well, is the one who told Gaelynn to start looping her violin. He knew she would soon be a solo performer.
I could have chatted with Gaelynn for hours. She can’t wait to write a book. She loves being an indie artist, and getting to do shows for kids.
On her final song, I’d asked if she’d mind doing an instrumental. She asked, “Do you mind if the instrumental is loud…and weird?” I told her, “You just do you,” and she gave this incredible performance of a Finnish song that translates to “Forest Flowers.”
Her husband waited patiently in our staff room to give us some time together. She encourages qualified people to take the Disability Survey on her website.
After the interview, guitarist Al Church told me he’d pulled a Dave Grohl in the past, jumping up and breaking his leg during a show.
We’re really hoping Gaelynn Lea can return for a proper Boise show in a large venue. So far I know that we have in common, wishing we could catch Laura Veirs at Treefort, and loving the violin! Check out her new album, “Learning How to Stay.”
Here is a podcast.
COMING SOON :
MT. JOY-Live session TODAY at 3 pm!
Happy Treefort!
Have questions or comments? Email me.
