Alisa Xayalith

For Alisa Xayalith, music has always been more than just a passion—it’s been a lifeline. Born into a family of seven to refugee parents who fled Laos in the wake of the Vietnam War, she grew up navigating hardship and resilience in equal measure. One of the most defining moments of her childhood came at just seven years old when she lost her mother—a profound loss that shaped both her work and the way she sees the world. Her father later remarried, adding more layers to an already complicated upbringing, but Xayalith leaned into the only thing that gave her solace: music.
From school choirs and vocal groups to musical theatre, she found her escape in melody and song, picking up a guitar at thirteen and writing her own music. That creative spark only grew stronger, leading her to pursue music professionally after returning to New Zealand from a gap year overseas. It was at music school that the story of The Naked and Famous began. Over 850 shows later, global recognition, and records that defined an era, she now steps into a new chapter—one where she fully embraces her own voice.
With her debut solo album Slow Crush, Alisa Xayalith invites us into her world. This is her story, told on her terms—a testament to resilience, love, and the quiet power of reinvention.