Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer (born April 30, 1981) is an American musician, songwriter, and performance artist born in New York and raised in Massachusetts. She is best known as the lead singer and keyboardist of The Dresden Dolls, a two-person theatrical rock band formed in 2000, known for their cabaret-influenced alternative rock sound and elaborate live performances. Palmer's distinctive contralto vocals, dramatic presentation style, and innovative approach to music distribution have made her a cult figure in alternative and indie music circles. Beyond The Dresden Dolls, she has pursued solo projects, collaborations with artists like Jason Webley, and her supergroup Evelyn Evelyn. Palmer became the first musician to raise over $1 million on Kickstarter in 2012, revolutionizing music crowdfunding and artist-fan relationships. She is also an accomplished visual artist and author, having written the memoir 'The Art of Asking.' Palmer is known for her provocative live performances, gender-bending aesthetics, and advocacy for artists' rights and direct-to-fan engagement. Her career represents an alternative path in the music industry, emphasizing artistic integrity and community connection over traditional industry structures.