Neyla Pekarek Net Worth

What is Neyla Pekarek's net worth?

Neyla Pekarek is an American cellist and vocalist who has a net worth of $5 million. Neyla Pekarek is an American singer, cellist, and songwriter best known as a former member of the multi-platinum folk-rock band The Lumineers. Her warm harmonies, expressive cello playing, and magnetic stage presence helped shape the band's early success, including their breakout 2012 hit "Ho Hey." Since departing the group, Pekarek has carved out her own creative identity, releasing a solo concept album inspired by a trailblazing Colorado legend and continuing her work as a performer, educator, and advocate for women in music. With her blend of classical training and folk-pop sensibility, she has proven herself a compelling voice with a deep love of storytelling.

Early Life and Education

Neyla Pekarek was born on September 4, 1986 in Denver, Colorado to Dana and Rodger. She has an older sister named Romi. When Pekarek was nine years old, she began playing the cello in her school's orchestra. She chose the instrument because her school only allowed fourth-grade students to play stringed instruments, while fifth-graders could play woodwinds. Growing up, Pekarek was also heavily inspired by various famed singers, including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Bob Dylan, and Carole King. For college, she attended the University of Northern Colorado, where she studied vocal performance and musical theater before switching to music education.

The Lumineers

After graduating from college, Pekarek responded to a Craigslist ad put up by musicians Wesley Schultz and Jeremiah Fraites, who were seeking a cellist for their folk rock band the Lumineers. Pekarek thus joined the group. For a number of months, the trio rehearsed and played gigs around Denver. They then embarked on a self-financed 30-day concert tour across the United States. The Lumineers did another 30-day tour after that, this one on the West Coast. Additionally, the group had a weekly gig at the Living Room venue in New York. Following the release of their first EP in 2011, the Lumineers released their eponymous debut studio album in 2012. Supported by the hit single "Ho Hey," the album reached number two on the Billboard 200 and number eight on the UK Albums Chart. The band subsequently went on its first world tour, from 2012 to 2013.

In 2016, the Lumineers released their second studio album, "Cleopatra," which debuted atop both the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart. Its singles included "Ophelia" and "Angela." In addition to her regular cello and vocal contributions, Pekarek co-wrote two songs on the album: "Gale Song" and "My Eyes." However, struggling with gender inequality in the music industry and being the sole female member of the Lumineers, Pekarek left the band in late 2018 to pursue a career as a solo artist. She strongly desired to write her own songs and be her "own boss," as she stated.

(Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage)

Musical Style and Influences

The Lumineers are considered alternative folk or indie folk rock, with a sound characterized by simple, energetic melodies and primarily acoustic instruments. This includes many instruments played by Fraites, including drums, piano, guitar, and mandolin, as well as Pekarek's cello. In terms of influences, the Lumineers are musically inspired by such artists as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen, and Talking Heads.

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"Rattlesnake": A Solo Debut Rooted in Legend

In 2019, Pekarek released her debut solo album, "Rattlesnake," a concept record inspired by the life of Rattlesnake Kate, a nearly forgotten frontierswoman from early 20th-century Colorado. The album tells the story of Kate Slaughterback, a fiercely independent woman who gained local fame after reportedly killing 140 rattlesnakes to protect her son—and who later became a symbol of feminist resilience and eccentricity.

"Rattlesnake" combines Americana, cabaret, and folk-pop with lush orchestration and theatrical flair. Tracks like "Train," "The Attack," and "Better Than Annie" blend narrative songwriting with Pekarek's cello-based arrangements and powerful vocals. The album was praised for its originality, storytelling, and feminist perspective.

Pekarek later adapted "Rattlesnake" into a stage musical, collaborating with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts to bring Kate's story to the theatrical world. The show further demonstrated Pekarek's passion for history, performance, and women's voices in underrepresented stories.

Style, Themes, and Influence

Pekarek's music reflects a deep love of narrative and character. Whether accompanying a folk-rock ballad or leading a theatrical production, her work often centers on overlooked or misunderstood women, exploring themes of independence, identity, and emotional strength.

Musically, she draws from Americana, classical, vaudeville, and indie folk, using her classical training as a foundation but never bound by it. Her cello is often more than an accompaniment—it's a character in the storytelling, offering both mood and momentum.

She has cited influences ranging from Brandi Carlile to Regina Spektor, as well as musical theater icons like Stephen Sondheim. Her ability to shift between genres while maintaining a clear emotional throughline makes her work distinct and engaging.

Advocacy and Education

Beyond music, Pekarek has become an advocate for arts education and gender equity in the music industry. She has spoken openly about the challenges of being the only woman in a male-dominated band and the importance of supporting diverse voices in folk and rock music. She continues to mentor young musicians and remains involved in Colorado's arts community.

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