IN THE SPOTLIGHT: The Naked And Famous

6512 miles across the Pacific Ocean. The Naked And Famous, formed in Auckland, New Zealand in 2007, is now currently based in Los Angeles, California. Behind the spectacular sound is Alisa Xayalith (vocals, keyboards), Thom Powers (vocals, guitars), and David Beadle (bass), along with touring musician Luna Shadows (vocals, keyboards). They released their debut record, Passive Me, Aggressive You, which features their hit, “Young Blood”, on September 6, 2010 via their own label, Somewhat Damaged. September 13, 2013 then marked the release of their sophomore album, In Rolling Waves, which was followed by Simple Forms on October 14, 2016. In addition, they have released a couple of EPs. Most recently, they put out an acoustic compilation, A Still Heart, on March 2, 2018, via Somewhat Damaged/Kobalt. Not only have they performed at festivals such as Firefly, Coachella, and BottleRock, they have shared the stage with notable artists including Imagine Dragons and GROUPLOVE. After completing a West Coast run of their stripped-down tour in support of A Still Heart, they are currently on the East Coast; they sold out two nights at (le) poisson rouge in NYC earlier this week on June 25 and 26.

Taking a pause from performing, Alisa and Thom kindly contributed some time to discuss the beginnings of The Naked And Famous, the process behind creating and crafting A Still Heart, and even a few tour essentials!

What’s the story behind the formation of The Naked and Famous? Is there any particular significance to the name “The Naked and Famous”?

THOM: Alisa and I met in 2006—we dropped out of music university together to become successful indie/alternative student-radio rock musicians AKA broke. I stumbled upon our band name while I was busy avoiding doing actual work at my record store job. Scrolling through my favorite artist's lyrics, I landed on “Tricky Kid” by Tricky. The Naked And Famous is everything we aren’t. Being part of the Commonwealth, we inherited English self-deprecation. It really has blossomed into its own special native self loathing that Kiwis might call “tall poppy syndrome”.

What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?

ALISA: My primary instrument is my voice. I began singing at a very young age. My dad used to sing in a Laotian community band, and I would fantasize that I would be singing in my own band one day. I didn’t learn the guitar until I was about 13 years old; I knew I needed to learn an instrument so that I could have accompaniment for the songs I would write.

You recently released an acoustic compilation, A Still Heart, on March 9, 2018. What was the process of selecting, recording, and producing the songs?

THOM: It’s like a photo album. We picked our most well-known songs—the tracks that identify us in the broadest sense and then re-produced and re-recorded them as though we were an alternative folk duo. My opinion is that if you’re going to record stripped back versions, they better bloody well feel justified. I slaved over these reimagined versions. I can’t do creative things without intention and consideration.

Which song (released or unreleased) are you most proud of?

ALISA: I’m really proud of “I Kill Giants.” This one speaks about a profound grief that I experienced as a young child. I’m not really good at speaking about grief. I’m better at writing and singing about it. This one is particularly special to me. I haven’t really touched on this subject very much in my songwriting post “I Kill Giants”, and I’m realizing that it might be something I need to write about more.

What are you currently listening to?

THOM: I’m really enjoying the new Nine Inch Nails EP Bad Witch. I’m listening to the previous two EPs, also. I think they’re three parts of a larger picture. Jangly 80’s Prince-esq guitars seem to be quite on trend at the moment...the T-rezzy guitars are a breath of fresh air! Or fire...

If you weren’t in a band, what would you see yourself doing?

ALISA: I honestly didn’t set myself up with a plan B. I went all in with this music thing. I went to music college and dropped out. Before that, I was working at a record store in Auckland City in New Zealand, and before that, I was a shop girl working for a New Zealand designer called Juliette Hogan who I have immense gratitude for because she was understanding of me needing to switch my shifts around so that I could dip out to record TNAF’s debut record. I sacrificed everything to be able to make music my life. If an opportunity presents itself where I absolutely cannot resist saying no, I’m sure I’d go after it. But, so far, this music thing has worked out.

While on the road, what are some of your essential tour items?

THOM: Foam roller, steamer, sock bag. Always overestimate how much underwear you will need.

What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food back home in Auckland?

ALISA: I’ve been living in Los Angeles for the past 6 years and every time I go home (usually for Christmas), stores that I used to frequent when I was younger have disappeared and replaced with a storefront I don’t recognize. One thing that hasn’t changed is this place in a city suburb called Ponsonby; it’s a food court, and I would often go to the Malaysian stall and order a bowl of noodle laksa. It’s a favourite of my sister’s too. She sends me pictures of her having lunch there whenever she orders the noodle laksa bowl.

If there were a pizza with the name “The Naked and Famous”, what toppings would it feature?

THOM: I’m a converted purist when it comes to Italian food, so wacky topping pizzas are blasphemy. I refuse to answer and accept the consequences of my actions.

What’s something you have wanted to share in an interview?

THOM: I used to imagine being interviewed. I pictured myself calm, collected and polite—having an answer for every question. In reality, I feel as though I do little more than fumble for my words. I’m always worried that people would have challenging or provocative questions for us—particularly about lyrics. We’ve yet to be scrutinized though. Overwhelmingly, people are polite and complimentary.

A huge thank you to Alisa and Thom for taking the time and thought to respond to the questions, and to Victoria for coordinating!

Be sure to check out their amazing sound, along with following them on Twitter (@TNAF), Instagram (@tnaf), and liking them on Facebook (/tnafofficial)!

*Check out the full gallery of PHOTOS from Night 1 (June 25) below!*