Veirs was raised in Colorado, studied geology and Mandarin Chinese at Carleton College, worked as a translator for a geological expedition in China, and now lives in Portland, Oregon.

While growing up, she heard folk-country, classical, and pop music at home. However, she didn't "listen seriously," she says, until her 20s.

At Carleton, she joined an all-girl punk band called Rair Kx!.

After graduation, her taste moved to older country and folk, and during her time in China she began writing lyrics.

In 1999, Veirs released a self-titled album, which was recorded live and featuring just herself and guitar. 2003 saw the release of Troubled by the Fire, accompanied by veteran musicians such as Bill Frisell.

She then signed to Nonesuch and released Carbon Glacier. Year of Meteors followed in August 2005.

Year of Meteors was selected by the New York Times as a "critics choice".

Veirs released Saltbreakers in 2007. July Flame appeared in January 2010 on her Raven Marching band label. The Washington Post praised it.

In November 2011, Veirs released the album Tumble Bee: Laura Veirs Sings Folk Songs for Children.

The album presents mostly traditional songs, and features an array of guest musicians, including Colin Meloy, Jim James and Bela Fleck. Tumble Bee won a Parents' Choice Award in 2012.

In September 2012 her first feature film soundtrack was released: Hello I Must Be Going.

The exclusive soundtrack features eight instrumental versions of previously released songs, five catalog favorites and one new vocal track, Spring Song.

Veirs's husband, Portland-based producer Tucker Martine, has produced her last seven albums, and plays many instruments on the records as well.

Their first son, Tennessee Veirs Martine, was born in April 2010. In May 2013 they welcomed a second son, Oz Rhodes Martine.

Musician, Singer-Songwriter, Indie, Indie Folk & Soul, Indie Rock, Pop/Indie/Rock/Alternative, Indie Pop, Chinese Heritage, Chinese Speaking, Music,