THAO & THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN  //  thaoandthegetdownstaydown.com

Based in San Francisco after growing up in Falls Church, VA, Thao Nguyen first picked up a guitar at age 12. She has worked with a long list of acclaimed artists including Andrew Bird, Mirah, Laura Veirs and producer Tucker Martine (The Decemberists, Sufjan Stevens) and has recorded a pair of critically acclaimed records for Kill Rock Stars, 2008′s We Brave Bee Stings and All and the aforementioned 2009 release Know Better Learn Faster with her backing band the Get Down Stay Down. This year, in addition to recording her forthcoming album, Thao has toured the US with the nationally syndicated NPR program “Radiolab.”

SALLIE FORD & THE SOUND OUTSIDE  //  sallieford.com

Since 2008, Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside has been intertwining elements of swinging roots rock, country, jazz, and blues with a contemporary lyrical stance and Ford’s instantly recognizable voice. The Portland quartet has steadily ascended through the ranks, earning a growing following throughout the Pacific Northwest. Ardent evangelizing by nationally-recognized peers like the Avett Brothers has augmented that momentum. Now, with the release of Dirty Radio, Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside offers the most fully-realized example of its aesthetic yet.