Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer is an American performer, musician, songwriter, and author, best known as the lead vocalist, pianist, and songwriter of the alternative rock duo The Dresden Dolls. Born in 1976, Palmer began her performance career as a living statue, “The Bride,” in Harvard Square, an experience that deeply shaped her views on art, connection, and asking.

Palmer’s solo work includes albums like “Who Killed Amanda Palmer” and “Theatre Is Evil,” the latter famously funded through a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign. Her willingness to engage directly with her fanbase, through platforms like Patreon and social media, has made her a vocal advocate for crowdfunding and alternative models of artistic support.

Beyond music, Palmer is the author of “The Art of Asking,” a New York Times bestseller exploring vulnerability, trust, and the exchange between artists and their audiences. Her TED Talk on the same subject has garnered millions of views, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader on the challenges and opportunities facing artists in the digital age. Palmer is celebrated for her fearless self-expression, her commitment to community, and her unwavering belief in the power of human connection.