Alisa Xayalith (born 24 August 1986) is a New Zealander musician best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboard player[1] for the indie electronic[3] band the Naked and Famous.[10]
Alisa Xayalith | |
|---|---|
 Xayalith performing with the Naked and Famous in 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 24 August 1986 New Zealand[1] |
| Origin | Auckland, New Zealand[2][1] |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2007–present[2] |
| Labels | Somewhat Damaged[9] |
| Member of | The Naked and Famous |
Early life
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]
The Naked and Famous
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]
Solo career
In December 2021, Xayalith published a song entitled "High Fidelity", the first tune 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]
Critical reception
Alex Gallagher of NME Networks described "High Fidelity" as "a lush, spacious pop cut that foregrounds the singer's syrupy vocals with shimmering synths and a soaring, effervescent chorus".[10] Referencing the song, Dan Shaw of We Are Happy Media stated that "With shimmering retro synths and powerhouse vocals front and centre, it blooms with romantic colours", going on to say that the "accompanying video mirrors the lyrical reveries of Xayalith, making a star of the Californian landscape".[23]
Discography
EPs
Singles
As featured artist
- "Psychadelic Girl" by Kidz in Space, from Episode 001: Chasing Hayley (2009)[27]
- "Tucan" by Kids of 88, from Modern Love (2012)[28][29]
- "Forget" by The Chain Gang of 1974, from Felt (2017)[30]
- "Move" by Peking Duk (2020)[31]
- "Half Light" by Attlas, from Lavender God (2020)[32]
As songwriter
- "Half Naked & Almost Famous" by Machine Gun Kelly, from Rage Pack (2011)[33] as well as Lace Up/Half Naked & Almost Famous (2012)[34]
- "Little Deaths" by Sir Sly, from The Rise & Fall of Loverboy (2021)[35]
Other credits
- Various background vocals, Human by OneRepublic (2021)[36]
- Co-writer, "Bloodredroses" by Soojin (2023)
References
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