Alisa Xayalith
New Zealand musician (born 1986)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
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 | |
| Occupations | Musician, songwriter |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2007–present[2] |
| Label | 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]
Career
2006–2021: 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]
2021–present: Solo work
In December 2021, Xayalith published a song entitled "High Fidelity", the first single from her 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 2025, 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
Albums
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)