MP3 Masala: Thao Nguyen

At the age of 12, Thao began working at her mom's laundromat in a D.C. suburb.  Between customers, she'd pass time writing songs on her acoustic. Her intricate fingerpicking? She credits that to years of "laundry oragami."

MP3 Masala: Thao Nguyen - "Moped" (VI Pick)
MP3 Masala: Thao Nguyen - "Hills"

Now she's getting attention for more than just her string strumming: Thao has a reedy, raspy voice and songs that'll stay with you. "Hills" starts a bit like something from Josh Rouse's Subtitulo: the acoustic waltz of a lazy, sunny Spanish afternoon.  The mild percussion and hook harmonies help. But the two-minute "Moped" really won me:

"Bravado will take you far. But you will take me home."

New Yorkers have a shot at seeing her 7/12 @ Northsix.  Dodge and Dreams of Horses are also fans. Another MP3 at her website, and go here for three more.