“I try not to read reviews because I know how sensitive I am and how debilitating it is and how it follows me around. If they're bad, you feel terrible, you feel worthless, no matter if you think they're wrong - and if they're good, it feels cheap and sleazy because you went looking for it.” IfsThinkingKnowsFeelsTryingMatterKnow HowTerribleSensitiveReviewsWorthlessFollow MeSleazy Author:Thao Nguyen
“I think that the activism I've become involved with informs and enhances my life in a lot of ways, and definitely career-wise. This record wouldn't exist [without that activism], for one.” ThinkingWayCareersRecordsWiseInvolvedActivism Author:Thao Nguyen
“Some of the folks we see are in for defending themselves against their abusers, or drug charges that, because of the California state prison system, they have mandatory sentencing and life in prison for three counts of simple drug possession, or whatever. I find it not only helpful but, I think, necessary in maintaining my grounding and my perspective. Because music is such an unrealistic job to have. It's a really lucky job to have, but it's also very unrealistic.” ThinkingStatesJobsThreeSimplePerspectiveDrugLuckyMusic IsPrisonFolksPossessionCaliforniaHelpfulMaintainingAbusersGroundingPrison System Author:Thao Nguyen
“So when I can, I try my best to meditate a little bit every day, and that helps a lot. I think that just taking a minute, or however long you can, and really acknowledging everything that you have. Acknowledging what you have, and at the same time, acknowledging what other folks don't have. And you know, you don't have to feel guilty about it, but definitely to feel grateful is the first step in giving it back.” ThinkingKnowsGivingFeelsTryingFirstsLittlesLongI CanHelpingBitsStepsMinutesLittle BitGratefulFolksGuiltyFirst Steps Author:Thao Nguyen
“I think it's really important for the audience to feel connected, and when it's good it's this amazing, symbiotic relationship. I try to give as much as they can give. We're not avant garde and we make no claim to be revolutionary, but I think we are sincere.” ThinkingGivingTryingImportantAudienceRevolutionarySincere Author:Thao Nguyen
“Sometimes I say things in interviews and then I see them in print and I think, "What an asshole."” ThinkingSometimesPrint Author:Thao Nguyen
“I think I'm more effective as an activist if I stay in music, to be honest. Music, the way it reaches people and transcends divisions, is a really effective and powerful forum.” PeopleThinkingPowerfulHonestBeing HonestActivistIf I Stay Author:Thao Nguyen
“When I am onstage, singing all these songs... what's going through my mind is nothing. That's what's so amazing about meditation - achieving that state, getting to a place where you're clear and present. I'm not thinking about anything except connecting with an audience.” ThinkingMindSongAudienceMeditationAchieveSinging Author:Thao Nguyen
“I think meditating on tour is integral. It's a priority, because everything is so chaotic, and the calmer you stay, the calmer everybody is. Sometimes I do it hotel lobbies, or in corners, and I try to find moments. It's not ideal when people come out and almost step on you.” PeopleThinkingTryingSometimesMomentsPrioritiesHotelChaotic Author:Thao Nguyen
