“Potent and immediate, the album vibrates, emanates, elucidates a world fusion… spacious yet weird, distant but universal, unsubtitled and liberated.” — Raoul Hernandez, The Austin Chronicle
“Nagavalli is truly an amazing talent. Her concert was one of the most moving performances I have experienced at One World Theatre.”
— Hartt Stearns, Founder, One World Theatre
“The purity of Valli’s voice reaches into the deeper recesses of the listeners being… her singing comes from that place of honesty and touches me to the quick…” — Suzi Stern, Jazz vocalist
“Nagavalli’s voice and spirit give me the depth of experience I long for in music and rarely reach.” — Eliza Gilkyson, Grammy-nominated Folk Musician
“Nagavalli is a giant on stage… her presence under the spotlight is a revelation.” — Cy White, Austin Woman Magazine
“Less a performer and more a spirit taking flight.” — Jody Denberg, KUTX
Indian-American artist Nagavalli is a distinctive voice in the global indie avant-garde, creating music that moves fluidly across cultures and sonic traditions. Drawing from the melodic depth of Indian musical heritage and the rhythmic pulse of contemporary global sounds, she crafts immersive musical landscapes shaped by powerful vocals, layered percussion, and fearless collaboration.
Born and raised in Mumbai and now based in Texas, Nagavalli lives in Austin with her wife Nita, their two dogs, and a cat named Bossy. Her work reflects a lifelong dialogue between East and West, and a deep process of self-exploration and expression, honoring lineage while continually pushing into new sonic territory.
Her recordings and performances weave together Indian classical influences, global rhythm, and contemporary sonic exploration, resulting in work that feels expansive, textured, and deeply human.
Her debut album Eastern Soul (2012) introduced this cross-cultural approach through collaborations with Pat Mastelotto, Mitch Watkins, Oliver Rajamani, AJ Vallejo, Richard Bowden, and Omar Vallejo. Alongside her original work, she has explored the spiritual musical traditions that shaped her early life, collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Ben Leinbach on devotional recordings including Om Shiva and Madana Mohana Murari.
Her second album Immersion (2019) expanded her sound into more atmospheric terrain and premiered with a sold-out performance at One World Theatre. With NUMINOSUM (2023), her artistic vision deepened further, blending layered rhythms, global textures, and emotionally resonant songwriting. The release was marked by a sold-out concert at Stateside at the Paramount Theatre, where the City of Austin proclaimed the evening “Nagavalli Day.”
On stage, Nagavalli delivers immersive, dynamic performances driven by commanding vocals and a powerful ensemble presence that forges a deep connection with audiences.
Photography byTodd Wolfson
