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Alisa Xayalith

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Alisa Xayalith
Alisa Xayalith wearing dark clothes, singing into a microphone onstage
Xayalith performing with the Naked and Famous in 2016
Background information
Born (1986-08-24) 24 August 1986 (age 38)
New Zealand[1]
OriginAuckland, New Zealand[2][1]
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • keyboard
[1]
Years active2007–present[2]
LabelsSomewhat Damaged[9]
Member ofThe Naked and Famous

Alisa Xayalith (born 24 August 1986) is a New Zealand musician best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboard player[1] for the indie electronic[3] band the Naked and Famous.[10]

Early life

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Xayalith, the daughter of Laotian refugees, was born in New Zealand and grew up in South Auckland. She has one sister and three brothers.[11][12][13] Shortly after Xayalith's seventh birthday, her mother died[11] from breast cancer.[14][15][16][2] Her father was a vocalist in a local Laotian ensemble.[16]

Career

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2006–2021: The Naked and Famous

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In 2006, Xayalith met Thom Powers and Aaron Short at the Music and Audio Institute of New Zealand.[17][9] They formed the band the Naked and Famous, and Powers and Xayalith began dating.[18] In 2012, the quintet moved to Los Angeles, California.[19] In 2014, Powers and Xayalith ended their romantic relationship but remained part of the band.[18]

The Naked and Famous parted ways with Short and Jesse Wood in 2018,[20] followed by their split with Luna Shadows and David Beadle some time prior to March 2020.[21] As of December 2021, the ensemble continues to perform as a duo composed of Powers and Xayalith.[10]

2021–present: Solo work

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In December 2021, Xayalith published a song entitled "High Fidelity", the first single from her upcoming EP, Superpowers, which was released in 2022. The track was produced[10] by Tyler Spry[failed verification] and Simon Oscroft,[10] with a music video directed by Jason Lester.[22]

In April 2024, Xayalith released her debut studio album, Slow Crush. This was preceded by the singles "Chaotic", "Ordinary Love", "Boys & Guitars", "Roses", and "What the Hell Do We Do Now".[23]

Discography

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Albums

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List of albums, with selected details
Title Details
Slow Crush
  • Released: 4 April 2025[23]
  • Label: Nettwerk
  • Format: CD, digital

EPs

[edit]
List of EPs, with selected details
Title Details
Superpowers
  • Released: 18 November 2002[24][25]
  • Label: Alisa Xayalith
  • Format: Digital

Singles

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  • "High Fidelity" (2021)[10]
  • "I'll Be There" (2022)[26]
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As songwriter

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Other credits

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "How The Naked and Famous Will Make It in America". Buzzfeed.com. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Xayalith, Alisa (10 February 2021). "Line 6 Artists". Line6.com. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  3. ^ a b Collar, Matt. "The Naked and Famous | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  4. ^ Brody, Caitlin (27 August 2013). "Exclusive: The Naked and Famous' New Song, "A Stillness." Listen In!". Glamour. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  5. ^ Geslani, Michelle (7 July 2016). "The Naked and Famous announce new album, Simple Forms, premiere "Higher" — listen". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 8 July 2016.
  6. ^ Libman, K.C. (20 August 2014). "The Naked and Famous Keep the Pressure on Themselves". OC Weekly. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  7. ^ "The Naked and Famous". Radio New Zealand. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  8. ^ Unterberger, Andrew (5 November 2015). "Review: We've Awaited Kate Boy's Debut 'One' Since the Midnight Sun". Spin. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  9. ^ a b "Feature - The Naked And Famous: Gone Where the Weather's Always Good". NZ Musician. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  10. ^ a b c d e "The Naked and Famous' Alisa Xayalith shares debut solo single 'High Fidelity'". NME. 8 December 2021.
  11. ^ a b "The Naked and Famous' Alisa Xayalith on Growing Up As a Refugee". Clash Magazine. 14 February 2017.
  12. ^ "The Naked and Famous". The Brag. 9 September 2013.
  13. ^ Schneider, Meredith. "Alisa Xayalith of The Naked and Famous Talks Inspiration, Simple Forms, and Burritos". Impose Magazine. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  14. ^ "How a 'Tumultuous Period' for The Naked & Famous Resulted in a 'Return to Form'". SGC Media.
  15. ^ "Alisa Xayalith of The Naked and Famous on Stage Fright and Breaking Through". Character Media. 29 July 2014. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  16. ^ a b Schneider, Meredith. "Alisa Xayalith of The Naked and Famous Talks Inspiration, Simple Forms, and Burritos". Impose Magazine. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  17. ^ Shute, Gareth (24 April 2020). "The Naked and Famous – Person". AudioCulture. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  18. ^ a b Geslani, Michelle (7 July 2016). "The Naked and Famous announce new album, Simple Forms, premiere "Higher" – listen". Consequence. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  19. ^ "Naked and Famous: Five go mad in LA". New Zealand Herald. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  20. ^ Maher, Natalie (8 March 2018). "The Naked and Famous Reveal Departure of Two Members, Drop Nostalgia-Filled Video F for Stripped Version of 'Young Blood'". Billboard. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  21. ^ Leeson, Josh (11 March 2020). "The Naked and Famous duo move into the recovery phase". Newcastle Herald.
  22. ^ "The Naked and Famous' Alisa Xayalith drops debut solo single "High Fidelity"". Thelineofbestfit.com. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  23. ^ a b "Alisa Xayalith Announces Debut Album 'Slow Crush', Shares New Single". Rolling Stone Australia. 31 January 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  24. ^ "New Music: Alisa Xayalith – I'll Be There | AnalogueTrash". 11 September 2022.
  25. ^ Krueger, Jonah (9 September 2022). "The Naked and Famous' Alisa Xayalith shares the Origins of new solo single "I'll Be There": Exclusive".
  26. ^ "Alisa Xayalith – I'll Be There (Official Music Video)" – via www.youtube.com.
  27. ^ "Episode 001: Chasing Hayley – EP by Kidz in Space". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  28. ^ "Kidsof88 Tickets | 2021–22 Tour & Concert Dates". Ticketmaster NZ. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  29. ^ Unterberger, Andrew. "Happy New Zealand Day! 10 NZ Artists Who Could Make a Lorde-Like Leap". Billboard. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  30. ^ "Felt by The Chain Gang of 1974". Apple Music. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  31. ^ "Move – Single by Peking Duk". Apple Music Australia. 17 January 2020. Retrieved 3 February 2020.
  32. ^ "ATTLAS grows both roots and wings in debut LP, 'Lavender God' [Review]". Dancing Astronaut. 5 February 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Machine Gun Kelly – Rage Pack (Hosted By DJ Xplosive & DJ EV)". Hotnewhiphop.com. 14 October 2011. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  34. ^ "Half Naked & Almost Famous – Machine Gun Kelly". AllMusic. 10 April 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  35. ^ "Alisa Xayalith Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  36. ^ "Human – OneRepublic | Credits". AllMusic. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.