Gaelynn Lea – Music From Macbeth (self-released, 2025)
Gaelynn Lea, the American violinist, composer, and disability rights advocate, rose to prominence after winning NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Contest in 2016. Since then, she has toured internationally and collaborated with artists such as The Decemberists, LOW, Wilco, Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), and the industrial rock group Pigface. Most recently, she composed the original score for the 2022 Broadway revival of Macbeth, directed by Sam Gold and starring Daniel Craig and Ruth Negga.
Drawing from that theatrical experience, Lea released a new, deeply mesmerizing and mostly instrumental concept album titled Music From Macbeth in May 2025.
Structured as a seven-track instrumental suite, Music From Macbeth features one composition per act, tracing the arc of Shakespeare’s tragedy. However, it diverges from the live production by restoring omitted cues and presenting the music as originally envisioned. Notably, two vocal tracks frame the project: “Starving,” an ominous piece that was ultimately cut from the stage version, and “Perfect,” Lady Macbeth’s lament, which is sung by Lea on the recording after being performed by a cast member in the play. “My hope is this album takes you on a journey that mirrors the unfolding, tragic path of the Macbeths themselves,” Gaelynn shared.
Musically, Lea weaves theatrical folk-rock, spellbinding cinematic passages, ambient drones, enthralling minimalism, and magnificent, finely crafted, timeless and deeply absorbing fiddle performances.
To support the release, Lea toured the United Kingdom in May 2025. All venues were wheelchair accessible, with each show featuring local opening acts who identify as Deaf or disabled, underscoring Lea’s commitment to accessibility and Disability Culture. The tour marked her first return to the UK since 2019.
Beyond the album, Lea remains active in multiple creative ventures. She recently performed in Invisible Fences, a musical fable co-written with playwright Kevin Kling. She also appeared with the Berklee-based Music Inclusion Ensemble, which she co-directs alongside Adrian Anantawan and Molly Joyce. In addition, she has completed her debut memoir, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect, scheduled for release in 2026.
Buy Music From Macbeth.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.