An Interview with Alisa Xayalith of The Naked and Famous
Alisa Xayalith of The Naked and Famous
Fusing together ‘80s post-punk and synth-pop, Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers make up The Naked and Famous, a New Zealand-based indie electronic duo, who released their album, Recover almost one year ago this month. In the most honest the group has ever been in their songwriting, one of the most special things about the record is the identity Xayalith explores on it. Through most of the album, you’ll hear her singing about family, being the daughter of refugees, and her mother’s passing.
On the same path of exploration, Xayalith is now ready to discover more of her identity, who she is separate from her role in The Naked and Famous, and what that means for her as an artist. Hinting at her own upcoming solo music, Alisa Xayaith opened up to Amplify Her Voice about her inspirations, creative experience, and how she handles music industry criticism.
We’ve seen you’ve been working on some music! Anything you can share with us?
Alisa: Over the last few years, I’ve been working on my own music with some friends. I hope to release something this year pending on a few things falling into place. It’s been a journey of growth and change for me figuring out who I am as an Asian woman outside of the collective voice being a member of The Naked and Famous. It’s been exciting to explore different sonic palettes and lean into my own personal narrative in my everyday life and songwriting.
It has almost been one year since the release of your album Recover. What were the benefits and drawbacks of releasing a record during a pandemic?
Alisa: The benefits of releasing an album is simply being able to reach that point! It took a lot out of us to make this record, we went through a lot of growing pains creatively. This album was the first time we really embraced opening up the room to collaboration. Up until that point, everything was done in such an insular way. The major drawback for us was not being able to tour this album that we worked so tirelessly on. We thought 2020 was going to be the year we’d get the touring machine up and running with a full band line up. But the universe had other plans!
What advice do you have for young women exploring their creativity?
Alisa: My advice to young women exploring their creativity is to get to know your tools well, respect the timeline and process of where you are in your process, be consistent and show up for yourself everyday in your artistry.
In what settings is the gender divide within the music industry most apparent to you?
Alisa: It’s most apparent to me when it comes to dealing with the business side of things; lawyers, music management, record labels and booking agents. Sadly, it’s been a rare occasion for me personally to have worked with females who are running the show on the business side. But I do feel encouraged by the fact that I’ve been able to work with females on the creative side of things. I think of Ruth Bader Ginsberg when she said “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time” and I believe that things can change in small increments, one step at a time, I’m here for it.
Music is incredibly subjective, lending itself to much criticism and opinion from the public. How do you decide which opinions to take seriously?
Alisa: Listening to the opinions of your peers and trusted contemporaries can be helpful; and having the support of people you trust, who know you well, will turn out to be the same voices who will help you grow into the artist you want to be. Whether they share an opinion you agree with or not, there will no doubt be something to learn from it. Part of being an artist is braving the wilderness and trusting your instincts enough to keep going no matter what people think of you.
What is one of the hardest aspects of being a musician that listeners may not realize?
Alisa: Making one damn song can drain you of all your resources, so the most valuable thing a listener can do to support an artist is stream their song, engage with the artist on their social media platforms and share the music.
What is the most rewarding part of being a musician?
Alisa: The most rewarding part of being a musician is the privilege of being able to support yourself with the art you create and being able to share it with an audience that is invested.
What is the most important thing you want listeners to take away from your music?
Alisa: I want listeners to be able to insert themselves into the narrative of my songs and claim it as their own. Those kinds of songs stick with you for a lifetime.
Can we anticipate The Naked and Famous touring anytime soon?
Alisa: At this point in time, touring is put aside while the world is having to sort itself out. We encourage and urge people to get vaccinated, trust the science and use their common sense.
What advice do you have for aspiring new female musicians?
Alisa: Figure out what tools you need and show up for yourself every day to hone in on your craft and remember, the internet is a great resource of knowledge. Be kind to yourself and know that you’re on your own timeline. Comparison is the death of joy.