Since becoming known worldwide in 2019, ALI has shared their bold, genre-blending sound that fuses funk, soul, hip-hop, rock, and ska. ALI first made waves with “LOST IN PARADISE (feat. AKLO),” the ending theme for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1. Building their presence in anime, ALI continues to contribute tracks like “CASANOVA POSSE” for Dr. Stone and, more recently, “FUNKIN BEAUTIFUL” for Eren the Southpaw. Now led by vocalist LEO as a solo project under the ALI name, the act remains a distinctive voice in anime music.
ALI will make their Anime Expo debut as part of the J-Pop Sound Capsule, sharing the stage with other artists such as Roselia, SPYAIR, Yoko Kanno, and Yoko Takahashi. The concert will take place on Thursday, July 2, at the Crypto.com Arena from 8:00 to 11:00 pm. Ahead of the performance, Anime Trending spoke with LEO via email about the core of his sound, his approach to collaborations, and the physical energy behind his live shows.
Anime Trending: You’re set to perform at Anime Expo’s J-Pop Sound Capsule alongside other notable artists. How does it feel to share the stage with other artists and connect with your international fans in person?
LEO: To be able to perform in Los Angeles as a Japanese artist, and to know that so many people are waiting for us there, is one of the reasons I can truly thank God for being born in this era.
ALI is now your solo project — nearly two years into that chapter, how has that shift changed the way you approach making music and performing?
LEO: Nothing has really changed, because I’ve been supported all along by the same wonderful people. What has changed is that my roots have grown deeper over time, and I’ve become someone who can truly take responsibility on stage.
ALI’s style is a fusion of genres like funk, soul, hip-hop, rock, ska, and more. How would you describe the “core” of ALI’s sound in 2026?
LEO: The unforgiving winds and words of condemnation that blow against the candle of life.
A thousand kisses, a thousand violins, an angel’s trumpet, the devil’s dance, and sex.
Dr. Stone Science Future’s “CASANOVA POSSE” is one of your latest anime theme songs. What were the ideas that inspired its lyrics and sound?
LEO: By weaving together jazz — which was born in America and spread throughout the world — with the spirit of Japanese festivals, I wanted to express the evolution of culture and the joy found within it through music.
You collaborated with rapper ZORN on “FUNKIN BEAUTIFUL,” the opening theme song for Eren the Southpaw. What did he bring to the track, and how did that collaboration shape the final sound?
LEO: To me, he’s both the Kendrick Lamar of Japanese rap and its Paul McCartney. So I approached this collaboration with love and passion, the way poets and painters once corresponded through letters, beyond the boundaries of gender.
Your setlist at Fanime in May included a cover of “Feeling Good.” What artists got you interested in music, and which have had the strongest influence on your musical style?
LEO: ALL RECORD DJ culture, keb darge, and wacko maria.
There is a lot of physicality to your live performances. Why is that important to you in your live shows?
LEO: I may not be a good singer, but I can’t help singing. Even when no one is listening, I can’t help raising my voice. I don’t even know how to dance, but somehow, I can’t help dancing…
Are there any collaborations or projects you are most eager to explore next?
LEO: Films, film scores, and soundtracks from anime films.
You’ve performed all across Asia, in the USA, South America, and Europe. Where else would you like to perform or visit?
LEO: Every country, every beautiful view, every jazz bar, every record store…
But what makes me happiest is meeting people from different places and getting to experience a part of their lives. Those moments become the fuel that carries me to my next destination.
As you continue to perform internationally, what are you looking forward to bringing to fans of your music?
LEO: Love. Music. And Dance.
And one more message: You’re f*ckin’ beautiful.
Questions by Isabelle Lee, James Mizutani, and Melvyn Tan.
You can follow ALI on their official website, YouTube, X/Twitter, and Instagram.
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