Thao & the Get Down Stay Down
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in Falls Church, Virginia, United States |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Thao & the Get Down Stay Down was an American band blending alternative rock and folk rock styles, originally established in Falls Church, Virginia in 2003 before relocating to San Francisco, California. The group's final roster consisted of Thao Nguyen (lead vocals and guitar) alongside Adam Thompson (bass, keyboards, backing vocals). Previous members included Frank Stewart (lead guitar, production) and Willis Thompson (drums). Their discography comprises five studio albums: We Brave Bee Stings and All (2008), Know Better Learn Faster (2009), We the Common (2013), A Man Alive (2016), and Temple (2020).
History
While pursuing Sociology and Women's Studies at the College of William & Mary, Thao Nguyen met drummer Willis Thompson, who had prior involvement with bands such as Camp Tigerclaw and The Light Footwork. The duo connected with Adam Thompson—who was then performing solo under the name The OK Bird—during a Richmond, Virginia show. Frank Stewart, known from Durian and Verbal, produced their 2005 debut album Like the Linen and subsequently joined as lead guitarist. Initially a duo, the ensemble expanded to four members who began touring together starting with Kill Rock Stars' Sound the Hare Heard tour in 2006. The band's name originated from a suggestion by a former bassist.
After submitting Like the Linen to Laura Veirs, Nguyen established a relationship with producer Tucker Martine. They recorded We Brave Bee Stings and All in Seattle, which was released in January 2008. Following their move to San Francisco, the group toured alongside artists like Xiu Xiu and Rilo Kiley, leading up to their inaugural headlining tour that summer.
Their sophomore album, Know Better Learn Faster, launched on October 13, 2009, was primarily composed within a single week and included a collaboration with Andrew Bird. Throughout 2010, the band toured extensively across both the United States and Europe. During this period, Nguyen also worked with Mirah, producing a collaborative album.
The song "When We Swam" was selected as the opening theme for the Australian television series Offspring in 2010. Additionally, the band created the soundtrack for the 2011 documentary film American Teacher.
On October 25, 2012, Nguyen signed with Ribbon Music to release We the Common, which debuted on February 5, 2013. This album features twelve tracks including a collaboration with indie artist Joanna Newsom. It marked a thematic transition toward more socially conscious subject matter. The album's promotion included performances at prominent festivals such as South by Southwest and Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival.
In November 2013, they issued an EP titled The Feeling Kind, consisting of cover versions of songs originally by Melanie Safka, the Troggs, and Yo La Tengo.
Their fourth studio effort, A Man Alive, was released on March 4, 2016. Production was handled by Merrill Garbus, who had previously collaborated with Nguyen on her project with Mirah.
The fifth album, Temple (2020), was Nguyen's first release following her public coming out as queer. Critics highlighted its fusion of post-punk influences with hi-fi grooves that express her integration of queer identity alongside her Vietnamese cultural background.
On October 3, 2021, Nguyen announced via Instagram that the band was disbanding as she and Adam Thompson embarked on separate creative endeavors.
Band members
Last roster
- Thao Nguyen – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, banjo, piano (2003–2021)
- Adam Thompson – bass, piano, supplementary guitars (2003–2021)
- Charlie Glenn – lead guitar, piano (2010–2021)
- Jason Slota – drums (2010–2021)
- Johanna Kunin – piano, backing vocals (2014–2021)
Past members
- Willis Thompson – drums (2003–2010)
- Frank Stewart – lead guitar, piano (2005–2008)
Discography
- Studio albums
- We Brave Bee Stings and All (2008)
- Know Better Learn Faster (2009)
- We the Common (2013)
- A Man Alive (2016)
- Temple (2020)
- Extended plays
- The Feeling Kind (2013), Ribbon Music
- Singles
- "Bag of Hammers" from We Brave Bee Stings and All
- "Know Better Learn Faster" from Know Better Learn Faster
- "Holy Roller" and "The Feeling Kind" from We the Common
- "An Astonished Man" from A Man Alive
- "Temple" from Temple
- Compilation appearances
- "Feet Asleep" – included on The Sound the Hare Heard (2006, Kill Rock Stars compilation)
- "Before You Vote" – featured on 30 Days, 30 Songs (digital release only)
- "Young Man" – part of Kill Rock Stars Winter Holiday Album (digital release only)
- Collaborative works
- Thao/The Thermals Record Store Day Split 7" (2009) EP shared with The Thermals for Record Store Day
- The Thao and Justin Power Sessions (2009) in partnership with The Portland Cello Project
- Thao + Mirah (2011) LP collaboration with Mirah