“Music -- it connects us all. It connects to the deepest places in the mind and heart. Sometimes I hear a song and it brings me to a far off moment in my life, like it was yesterday. In a car with a friend, singing along and feeling free -- in a crowd, everyone in tune. When I am alone it’s an understanding friend with an open ear, with melody as words of wisdom. It comforts. It heals. It transcends generations and cultures. The music we love becomes the sound track of our lives. My music is a self-medicating expression of my life experiences and emotions. That is its purpose in my life. If others can relate, if it causes them to think or just feel, then I am overjoyed.” 　　Thompson, Nashville, June 2005 　　 　　 　　An Atlanta native, Thompson dropped on the burgeoning Nashville rock scene just under two years ago. But unusually it did not even take her that long to woo local audiences into submission. Between her striking beauty, her creative-endowment and her haunting voice there was no choice but to listen and to listen to her quietly. The frequent and well-attended live shows have seduced even the most cynical industry-types. It is easy to recognize Thompson as a rarity: her richly written lyrics, her trembling voice and her personal style so distinctly her own. 　　 　　Thompson picked up her mother’s ‘68 Gibson at 15, and was taught then how to play a d-chord. She took to it quickly and soon found herself making up her own progressions and writing a slew of elementary-sounding songs. For years she just played around the house, singing her heart out and letting the music fall naturally behind. That’s how it has always been with her. No formal lessons, no posturing and absolutely no gimmicky rock songs. 　　 　　Ten years later her lyrics have matured and her finger-work has improved, but her honesty, intimacy and immediacy are the same. The themes of falling in love, loosing love and the mess of life at twenty-five are set in a fresh and flavorful world of indie-pop. She concedes lyrics have a “melancholic feel”, but she is quick to point out a most important juxtaposition, “the melodies almost always feel open, hopeful and free.” 　　 　　With influences ranging from Simon & Garfunkel to Astrud Gilberto to Rufus Wainwright to Sheryl Crow, Thompson’s voice appeals to a diverse audience; sure to find a niche with the Parthenon of songwriters.