Nali.
Alondra Buccio / via publicist.
The Opener is The FADER’s short-form profile series of casual conversations with exciting new artists.
Nali doesn’t believe in clichés like “right person, wrong time.” The Brooklyn singer is firmly committed to romance on her 2025 EP I Love Nali, whether hopping on a flight to a distant paramour or ringing her man just to hear his voice when she’s “crossfaded.” But it would be a mistake to lump her in with head-over-heels ingenues or TikTok lover girls — Nali is looking for a partner, not a liability, and isn’t going to lower her standards for anyone (just take a listen to “good day”).
The 23-year-old’s freeform R&B pulls heavily from jazz and reggae, an evident product of her upbringing as a third-generation musician in East Flatbush. Her delicate vocals pirouette through expansive soundscapes across I Love Nali, the BPM dialing up and down with her feelings. Occasionally her songs recall Kehlani at her most wholesome or Liv.e at her poppiest, but only briefly. I’m especially partial to the wistful, OG Ron C-channeling “i.m.u.” and the crush-struck rush of “all day,” which sounds like second date drinks on a sunny afternoon.
Nali has spent much of the spring on tour with Jordan Ward; the Brooklyn native’s also been working on her first album I Hate Nali, releasing new single “Maybe” with Coi Leray at the end of February.
The FADER caught up with Nali over email to chat about anime tattoos, the Octavia Butler novel she’s been reading lately, and the real meaning behind her 2020 song “Don’t Call.”
Alondra Buccio
What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
The coolest thing to do is go to a block party, there’s nothing like a Brooklyn block party.
Tell us about the first album you bought and why.
The first album I bought was XXXTENTACION’s 2018 album ?. Super random, I was getting on a flight and I needed to listen to something and I decided to buy that album. Now randomly it’ll just start playing bc it’s still in my phone, really nostalgic. “Infinity (888)” is still my favorite.
What was the last movie you watched?
I watched Zootopia 2, it was amazing, I love love loooove Zootopia. Actually one of my favorite films oddly enough.
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
I’m either reading this book by Octavia Butler, it’s a science fiction called Dawn, or watching Sex in the City, I'm obsessed with that show right now. Or I’m spending time with friends and family.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
Curry goat with white rice and sweet plantain from Nostrand Ave.
What’s the ideal level of fame and why?
Whatever Michael Jackson had going on, because maybe then his spirit can anoint me to dance like him.
Best advice you’ve gotten?
How you treat yourself is how people will learn to treat you, so treat yourself better.
Worst advice you’ve gotten
“Do it for the plot” -- chile! NEVER AGAIN!
Explain a lyric of yours that people misunderstand.
In “Don’t Dial,” I get questions of what I’m talking about. I wrote that song in 2020 when the BLM movement was happening and police brutality was rampant. If you listen to the lyrics from that perspective you’ll probably understand my lyrics better.
What’s a song you’d want to remix and why?
I would love to remix “Crust” by Flying Lotus because it’s so good.
Tell us about your favorite tattoo.
My favorite tattoo is my Uzumaki tattoo on my arm. I got it simply because I loved the art. I never watched the anime prior to getting the tattoo but I did watch it after and loved it!
What’s a motto you think everyone should live by?
“Everything happens for a reason.” I know some people hate that motto, but it’s true. Your life is already mapped out as soon as you arrive here, every step you take is figuring out how to stay aligned with your purpose, so why spend time regretting or moping over things that may feel like it’s throwing us off our track when half the time it’s aligning you with your purpose in life.
Nali and Coi Leray.
via publicist.
Describe the best concert you’ve attended.
The best concert I’ve attended was 100% Rihanna’s concert in 2016. It was for her ANTI album and I was14 and that woman was in the sky singing, it was amazing and she had Travis Scott open for her.
What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
My guest list for my show on Jordan’s tour. LOL
Describe your perfect afternoon.
A picnic in Prospect Park with my friends/family and we just hang out until it gets dark and eat great food and play games and laugh about memories we have with each other.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to working on my first album and having my first headline tour.
Alondra Buccio
