eGigs talks to American alt folk songstress Thao Nguyen

from Thao with The Get Down Stay Down on Mon 12th Apr 2010

eGigs got the chance to interview Thao Nguyen frontwoman of Thao with The Get Down Stay Down the California-based alternative folk rock music group who are about to play the UK.

After releasing both of your albums over the US, this month sees you release your debut UK single, 'Body', how are feeling ahead of its release?
We are grateful that our music might find its way so far from where we live and we hope you all like it more than you don't.

You play live in London in a couple of weeks, but your last appearance there resulted in quite the dramatic show, what happened with the stolen guitar?
It was recovered that same evening in a police car and returned to me at the venue, battered but triumphant.

Do experiences like this ever put you off playing live, or simply push you on to find another level in your performance?
Such experiences put me off humanity for a little while, but my faith was quickly restored. I'll tell you what though, that performance right after I discovered my guitar was stolen was angrier than I'd usually prefer.

Having released your latest album, 'Know Better Learn Faster' late last year, are you already thinking about the next full length album?
No, not at all. not even a little bit.

You worked with the producer Tucker Martine on the record. How was it working with a producer who had previously worked with the likes of the Decemberists, Mudhoney and Sufjan Stevens? Did he bring something extra to the overall production of the record that you were looking for?
We've worked with Tucker on the last two records. He has an incredible ear and sensibility and finesse and is such a pleasure to work with. a dear friend of ours.

On the album you also brought in several guests, Andrew Bird, Laura Veirs, Steve Berlin of Los Lobos and Jenny Conlee of the Decemberists. How did these come about? Did you enjoy working with them all on the record?
We were lucky to record in Portland, Oregon, where some of the most incredible musicians reside. they were all a pleasure to work with and so gracious to lend their talents.

You previously toured with Laura Veirs back in 2006, how was that? You've toured extensively across America and toured Europe several times; do you enjoy the whole being on tour experience? How do you feel about it?
Touring with LV was a fantastic and educational time and I'm so grateful to Laura for all the ways she has helped me. I enjoy touring when it is well balanced with my other real stationary life.

With 'Body' being released over here, do you expect to do lots more shows here in the UK over the next year? Or will you be heading straight to America to write the new record?
If you all would care to have us we'd love to come back. Otherwise it's touring and recording in The States and maybe I will try to have a garden or do my laundry.

Thanks very much for you time, hopefully I'll be to catch you over here soon.

article by: Anthony Hetherington

published: 12/04/2010 16:08



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