Photo: Todd Krolczyk
What is For The Record?
I am at work creating my seventh album and my first book (out via Graywolf Press in 2026). Every week, subscribers will read, hear, and watch how the work unfolds: I’ll be sharing a bit of everything that leads to the tracks you’ll hear on my next album and the writing you’ll read in my first book.
Why subscribe?
Subscribers to the free portion of my newsletter will receive one post a week sharing a piece of art that is helping to inspire my work. The input for the output if you will. I also hope and encourage people to share what art is keeping them going with me and each other. Paying subscribers ($5 a month or $60 a year) will receive a second post a week. This could be me performing a cover, a new or old demo, a beat I’ve produced, a personal essay, a poem, or video art I’ve made and scored. You’ll be able to request songs for me to perform, learn more about the stories behind my lyrics, see behind-the-scenes footage from past and future music videos and studio sessions, and listen to or watch my conversations with artist friends about process and how they’ve built and sustained careers in their corners of the arts and entertainment world.
If you can’t pay for a subscription for any reason but you want access to the material, just email RegardingThao@gmail.com and I’ll comp you, no questions asked.
My career has been made possible by those who buy records and come to shows, and one of my favorite parts of touring is getting the chance to thank new and long-time fans and supporters in person. I’d love the opportunity to build community and stay in touch while I make the album and write the book that will bring me through your town again.
About me
I am Thao Nguyen, a songwriter, musician, producer and writer. For the past 15 years I’ve toured nationally and internationally, solo and as leader of the indie band Thao & The Get Down Stay Down. I released my sixth and latest album, Temple, in May of 2020. I’m so happy to be part of a growing group of musicians on Substack, and I’m proud to be part of the conversation as musicians redefine what it is to protect, sustain, and grow in our work and in our relationship with our fans. Your subscription is integral to this journey, and I thank you.
