Thao is an American musician and songwriter from Falls Church, Virginia, best known for her folk and indie rock musical influences. She has been a part of several musical projects, including Thao & The Get Down Stay Down, an indie rock band she formed with a cohort of musicians in 2005, that released five full-length albums and toured the world together. Thao went solo in 2014, with her solo debut album, We The Common, being praised by critics for its lyrical depth and soulful, honest sound. Her other solo releases include A Man Alive, her acclaimed sophomore album released in 2016, and her most recent album Temple, released in 2020. Thao has also collaborated with many A-list artists over the years, such as Andrew Bird, Neko Case and Merrill Garbus from Tune-Yards. She has enjoyed a lengthy career and her music continues to receive praise from critics and music fans alike.