In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers is joined byLaura Lee, founding member and bassist of the globally acclaimed band Khruangbin, for a vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation about family, ancestry, identity—and what it means to raise a child while on tour.

Laura shares the emotional story of her parents’ abrupt separation when she was just six years old, a rupture that left her bouncing between homes and questioning the meaning of “family.” She talks about the pain of being labeled a “rebel” as a teen when she was simply hurting—and how the emotional safety she found in her grandparents’ home shaped her sense of belonging more than anything else.

The episode also dives into her Mexican and Spanish lineage, including a fascinating (and literal) claim to South Padre Island through a centuries-old lawsuit. Now a mother herself, Laura talks candidly about touring with her baby and partner, carving a path for motherhood in an industry with no blueprint. She calls her Khruangbin bandmates her family, describing their deep trust, creative intimacy, and the joy her daughter has brought to the entire touring crew.

This is a story about making peace with the past, building your own version of home, and finding family in both bloodlines and bandmates.

Host: Nabil Ayers

Guest: Laura Lee (Khruangbin)

Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji

In this episode of Identified, Nabil Ayers is joined by Laura Lee, founding member and bassist of the globally acclaimed band Khruangbin, for a vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation about family, ancestry, identity&mdash;and what it means to raise a child while on tour.
Laura shares the emotional story of her parents&rsquo; abrupt separation when she was just six years old, a rupture that left her bouncing between homes and questioning the meaning of &ldquo;family.&rdquo; She talks about the pain of being labeled a &ldquo;rebel&rdquo; as a teen when she was simply hurting&mdash;and how the emotional safety she found in her grandparents&rsquo; home shaped her sense of belonging more than anything else.
The episode also dives into her Mexican and Spanish lineage, including a fascinating (and literal) claim to South Padre Island through a centuries-old lawsuit. Now a mother herself, Laura talks candidly about touring with her baby and partner, carving a path for motherhood in an industry with no blueprint. She calls her Khruangbin bandmates her family, describing their deep trust, creative intimacy, and the joy her daughter has brought to the entire touring crew.
This is a story about making peace with the past, building your own version of home, and finding family in both bloodlines and bandmates.
Host: Nabil Ayers
Guest: Laura Lee (Khruangbin)
Executive Producer: Kieron Banerji

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.

In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.

Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?

Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.

The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

Identified with Nabil Ayers

Welcome to 'Identified', a podcast hosted by Nabil Ayers, music executive and author of 'My Life in the Sunshine'. This show explores the intricate and often complicated world of family and identity.
In his memoir, Nabil shared his journey of understanding his mixed-race identity, navigating a distant relationship with his father, renowned jazz musician Roy Ayers, and discovering new family connections. 'Identified' continues this exploration, broadening the scope to encompass universal themes of family dynamics.
Join Nabil as he engages in heartfelt conversations that traverse cultural histories, the impact of non-traditional childhoods, and the ways our relationships shape our identities. Through personal stories, the show confronts the challenges of loss and grief, while celebrating the unique bonds that define us. Each episode seeks to answer the profound question: What is family?
Discover remarkable stories from individuals of diverse backgrounds as 'Identified' unravels the complexities that make family so unique.
The executive producer for 'Identified' is Kieron Banerji, and is produced by Palm Tree Island.

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