If I was challenged with the task of naming a band, I don’t know that I could do any better than The Naked and Famous Band. Sex and celebrity combined into one epic band title – does it get any better than that?
The band, worthy of such an impactful identity, topped the charts in New Zealand, – marking the first time a native “Kiwi” band has done so in 16 years – after single “Young Blood” took off on BBC Radio. They’ve since made their way across the shores and after several talked about South by Southwest performances, have been selling out shows left and right, leaving fans in awe of the quintet’s electro pop infused rock.
The Naked and Famous Band formed when guitarist Thom Powers and lead vocalist Alisa Xayalith met at music school. After discussing their musical endeavors, it wasn’t long before band members David Beadle, Jesse Wood, and Aaron Short joined the duo. With the addition of the new members, the five piece was complete, which according to Powers, worked in his best interest as he jokes about his life turning out very different had the band not met. “I’d probably be in Auckland – unemployed and playing PlayStation.”
The debut album “Passive Me, Aggressive You,” was released in September and second single “Punching in a Dream” drops on radio stations on August 16th, just in time for the extensive North American tour which kicked off in Los Angeles at the beginning of the month. The band’s first two singles have been described, as “The best tracks Passion pit and MGMT never wrote.”
A Naked and Famous Band stage show is energetic, upbeat, and demands audience participation. From dancing in place to belting out lyrics, the band captivates their crowd. Xayalith’s vocals take over the venue as she marches in time to pulsating drumbeats, playing peppy synth melodies, and playfully interacting with her band mates. Short is equally, if not more energetic when armed with a guitar in hand.
Powers explains that unlike many bands that aim to spontaneously alter the live versions of their tunes, The Naked and Famous Band strives to perform each song on the album exactly as it was recorded. “We had to learn to play live – to recreate the tracks on the album as accurately as possible,” explains Powers.
The Los Angeles Music Box show featured a 15-song set including “Young Blood,” “The Ends,” “A Wolf In Geek’s,” and that newly released, “Punching in a Dream.” Fans that attended the show felt as if they had witnessed a large-scale production but aside from the occasional colorful light show and album artwork photograph, the energy was all provided by the musicians on stage.
“I had never heard of this band until today when my friend [Points to “Thomas”] said he had an extra ticket for me. They put on such a fun show. I felt like I was at a musical circus.” exclaimed newly converted Naked and Famous Band fan Jules Lee upon exiting the venue.
For more information on The Naked and Famous Band and their upcoming tour dates in your area, visit: www.thenakedandfamous.com.
