Vali

Vali, a native of New York, first built experience through musical theater while simultaneously working as a dancer and backup vocalist alongside assorted urban and rock performers. Born in Hell's Kitchen and raised by a single mother who played clarinet, with her symphony-conducting father living nearby, Vali—born Kelly Valentina Porter—encountered the entertainment industry at an early age, which eventually led her to study at Connecticut's Hartt School of Music. After multiple years of touring with theater ensembles and supplying backup vocals to acts that included Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Aerosmith, she obtained a chance role as a backup dancer for Rostrum Records rapper Nitty. This opportunity soon yielded her own solo contract with Rostrum, resulting in the 2012 release of her debut effort Kiss the Sky, a varied EP of urban pop that highlighted Vali's range. The next year she teamed with labelmate Wiz Khalifa for the single "Dimes." She kept collaborating, recording, and sharpening her songwriting craft over the ensuing period before returning in early 2017 with the hooky single "Ain't No Friend of Mine" ahead of her first album.