Boy Meets Girl ... Auckland's The Naked And Famous are a pop power-house owned and designed by the formidable duo of Alisa Zayalith and Thom Powers.
The band, which has recently evolved into a five piece (joined by David Beadle, Jesse Wood & Aaron Short) took their namesake from a Tricky song - yes, they also have great taste in music. Their sister EP's This Machine and No Light both released in 2008 had critics singing their praises, Auckland audiences dancing (a feat in itself) and saw them offered a coveted spot at CMJ Festival in New York.
Well known on the Auckland gigging circuit, the band are back after some down time with the release of their latest single All Of This, from their forthcoming debut album. Lovemusic talked to Thom about what the band's been up to and how it all started...
How did you and Alisa meet and decide to form a band?
We met at MAINZ in Auckland. I was doing audio engineering. I never had much luck working in a typical ‘band’ situation so I guess I was taking the producers-route. Alisa was doing the contemporary music course, looking to link up with some musicians and possibly start a band. She was hot so naturally I tried to get her number. After some more serious discussions though, I heard her sing. We started talking about putting a band together and recorded a few demos at my house. There was a lot of live show orientated bands playing around that time which we had an aversion to; it felt more like a party-scene. We decided it was crucial to have an EP recorded, produced and well rehearsed before we began gigging.
You’ve had some local & international success – what do think has been the secret to your bands success so far?
There’s no secret. Simply having determination where it counts - being artists. We’ve also made an effort to understand how the music industry works. I’d highly recommend any young musician to do the same. Alisa and I have both worked in music retail, which helped form both of our musical palettes… I think having a decent music collection is imperative too. How long have you guys been playing for? Did you play instruments while at school?
Alisa’s been singing since she was really young, she was involved quite a bit in theatre while at school but TNAF is her first band. I’ve been playing guitar since I was the same height as a guitar. I also played drums for a while. I remember Scott from Whitebirds and Lemons and I made this band for 2 weeks when we were 15 just so we could play a System Of A Down song at ‘The Big Lunch Out’ at Rangitoto College… we were going through a bogan stage. I only really hung around with musicians at school so I’ve always been playing music.
What kind of music did you grow up listening to? Any guilty pleasures you still like to listen to?
I had really cool parents who’ve never changed the radio from 95bfm so I think I got to listen to some pretty decent music growing up. Massive Attack, Tricky, NIN, Smashing Pumpkins etc. Mainly alt rock from the 90s. I’d say Tool’s my biggest guilty pleasure, which is ridiculous! It shouldn’t be! They’re a great band, they just have such clichéd bogan fans. Tool fans are notorious for having no appreciation for anything that isn’t Tool. They totally idolize the singer Maynard James Kennan too… I know this because I too used to be an embarrasing Tool fan. I’m ok now though. Jesse, our new drummer, is also a recovered Tool fan so I’m not alone!
What artist are you listening to at the moment?
Health – Noise-rock band from the states Heather Woods Broderick – folk artist and Tamyrn – gloomy post-punk sounding rock band with Cocteau Twins moments. I found out about Health and Tamyryn from Pitchfork What are you guys currently working on as a band?
The album, which we will be releasing early next year.
What’s your advice for kids who want to get into bands?
It’s going to take ages but if you really want to – do it. Lots of my friends backed out of pursing music because it doesn’t seem like a realistic career. Some because their old fashioned parents weren’t supportive enough. Don’t listen to anyone except other musicians (haha), they can help. Learn as much as you can about ALL aspects of music: theory, industry, history etc. There is something fantastic about every single genre of music too, so don’t disregard anything till you’ve listened to it properly. Any Naked & Famous gigs/ special events coming up we should look out for?
Check out the stunning new video just released by The Naked And Famous for latest single All Of This and buy it from bandcamp.com HERE: (click on image to purchase!!)
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