Thao Nguyen

Thao Nguyen
Performing in 2009
Background information
Also known as	Thao
Born	(1984-03-19) March 19, 1984 (age 33) Virginia, United States
Genres	Folk rock, indie folk, indie pop
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, banjo, slide guitar
Years active	2005-present
Labels	Kill Rock Stars, Trust Me Corporation
Associated acts	Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Mirah, Tune-Yards

Thao Nguyen (born March 19, 1984), also known as Thao, is an American singer-songwriter originally from Virginia and now based in San Francisco. She is the lead musician of the band Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, and has collaborated with Joanna Newsom and Andrew Bird. Outside of the band she has collaborated on projects with several artists including Merrill Garbus, The Portland Cello Project, and Mirah. Her music is influenced by folk, country, and hip hop.

Born in Virginia and raised in Falls Church, Nguyen began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of twelve while helping out at her mother's laundromat. She began performing in high school as part of a pop-country duo with friend Brenna Clerkin. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County and studied at the College of William & Mary, where she double majored in Sociology and Women's studies. After recording an EP that differed from her initial style, she began performing as a soloist with her acoustic guitar. With her fellow college students Adam and Willis Thompson she formed Thao Nguyen and the Get Down Stay Down. After graduating she toured extensively, both with the band and as a solo artist.

Her first album, Like the Linen, was released in 2005 and led to a tour as a solo artist supporting Laura Veirs the following year. In 2007 she collaborated with Merrill Garbus of Tune-Yards as 'Merrillthaocracy' releasing the "Tuvalu" single. She subsequently signed to the Kill Rock Stars label, releasing the Tucker Martine-produced We Brave Bee Stings and All album in 2008. In 2008 she duetted with Zach Rogue of Rogue Wave at the 'Revenge of the Book Eaters' benefit show in New York City.