My Version: Alayna.
My Version chats to Kiwi stars and people of influence to give a glimpse into their time as a teen and see the things they are currently obsessed with!
Say hello to Kiwi musician, Alayna.
Obsessed RN.
Currently bingeing:
Ted Lasso - I don’t know how I missed this show when it came out but it’s so good!
Song on repeat:
Novo Amor ‘Repeat Until Death’. Since I’ve been writing an album for the last few years I’ve been spending a lot of time in silence and not listening to much. If I do find a song that I love I end up just playing it over and over. This is definitely one that takes me somewhere else.
Favourite Insta account to follow:
My beautiful friend @yes.nami who is an amazing photographer for women. She has such a gift for making people feel empowered and beautiful.
Must have beauty product:
Lip balm and mascara.
The item of clothing I’m definitely over wearing:
My leather jacket, but it’s getting cold!
Currently reading:
Happy Place by Emily Henry.
Snacking on:
Peanut Butter on bagels - don’t know where this came from but it’s so good, with banana on top too.
Can’t stop watching on TikTok:
Alix Earle’s Europe trip. Sorry, I’m hooked and I think she’s hilarious.
Next place on the list to travel to:
Bali for a surf trip!
Dreaming of:
My album release and show has been pretty time consuming to organise, so it’s been following me in my dreams too! I get pretty busy and can get overwhelmed quite easily, so I guess a goal of mine is to be more present in the busy parts so that I can actually experience them rather than survive them.
I’m currently inspired by:
So many women in the industry are inspiring me lately - with their drive, passion, kindness and work ethic. I have some pretty special women working in my team that I can lean on, as well as friends. I always feel better when I lean on those people.
My favourite way to relax is:
Go for a walk in the sun, or find a recipe to cook. I also love to paint, it’s a hobby of mine that I enjoy to do as a different art form when I need a break from music.
I stay healthy by:
Doing my best to look after my mind and be kinder with the words I use to speak to myself. It’s hard, but it’s really important. I think if you can have a healthier mind, a healthier body would follow.
When I was younger…
One thing I love about Gen-Z is:
Their openminded-ness and determination to make positive change. We need that spirit to make it a better place.
If I could give my teenage self one bit of advice, what would it be:
Keep your friends close, and be present in every little piece of life, even the tough times. The journey is all that there is.
My dream job as a teen was:
A musician & singer.
My favourite part of being a teenager was:
The friends I had around me are still my best friends today. It’s been special to grow and experience life together.
Best piece of advice I ever received as a teen was:
Slow down, these can be some of the best times of your life.
My first job was:
Working at a dairy down the road in Hamurana, Rotorua. My first shift I spent all the money I’d just earned to take ice creams home to my family.
My biggest fashion faux-pas was:
Too many to count.. an extremely gravity defying side part was probably the one.
My biggest inspiration was:
Hayley Williams. I loved Paramore and I thought Hayley was the coolest, I think I was able to see them live a couple of times too. I also think I was pretty inspired by my Dad, who taught me a lot of songs to learn as I was starting to play more and more and develop myself as an artist.
Check out Alayna’s new album, Self Portrait of a Woman Unravelling, here.
