This lovely songbird from the Kill Rock Stars label has had a good run so far. Getting her start at age 12 and gaining small-town notoriety through impromptu shows at her mother’s laundromat, her career was launched when she met the rest of her band and formed The Get Down Stay Down. Touring with acts such as Laura Viers and Xiu Xiu, it seems they have nowhere to go but up. Their new album, We Brave Bee Stings and All was released in January. Check out this feature to see the appeal of small town livin’.

What’s your town’s nickname?

Falls Church, VA (we like to do real name as nickname).

What’s your nickname for your town?

False Church, VA

What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?

My mom’s laundromat in nearby Fairfax. When I’m back in town I go and fold strangers’ laundry.

What is your favorite local event / festival?

Library book sale.

Who is your favorite local celebrity / personality?

My grandmother. She hides from the Church of Latter-Day Saints people and
talks to me while I’m on the phone like I am not on the phone.

What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?

Iota in Arlington– I saw Voices on the Verge when I was in high school.

What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?

Sunflower in Vienna, VA– General Tso’s Chicken Surprise (the surprise is it’s not real chicken. Sorry i ruined it.)

Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?

Galaxy Hut– endless pitchers of YuengLing when you play there. Also good oatmeal stout.

What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?

Cd Cellar– best find was The Pretender’s Isle Of View– live and acoustic.

What is your favorite local shop?

Unique Thrift store– it is huge but uncannily well-organized.

What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?

City Paper.