Nellie McKay’s acclaimed debut album, Get Away from Me, released in February 2004, immediately established her as a formidable talent. Produced by Geoff Emerick, renowned for his work with The Beatles, the album garnered widespread critical acclaim, with Jon Pareles of The New York Times hailing it as ‘a tour de force from a sly, articulate musician who sounds comfortable in any era.’ It was subsequently featured on multiple ‘Best of 2004’ lists. McKay’s visibility surged after being recognized as a breakout artist at the 2004 SXSW Festival and a finalist for the prestigious Shortlist Music Prize. That same year, she embarked on a northern United States tour, serving as an opening act for the Au Naturale tour, which was co-headlined by industry giants Alanis Morissette and Barenaked Ladies.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, McKay is a vocal advocate for feminism and animal rights, having lent her voice and performed at events for organizations such as PETA and Farm Sanctuary. Looking ahead, fans anticipate her upcoming album, Gee Whiz: The Get Away From Me Demos, slated for release in 2025.