She has a facial tattoo that replicates a scar inflicted by a crow that she cared for as a child. Palm is known for her personal style and adornment, and her self-created make-up style has been noted by fashion magazines. The album's title was inspired by Palm's mother, who owned two Valiant Safari station wagons, one white and one black, and would drive whichever would suit her mood for the day. The third Hiatus Kaiyote studio album, Mood Valiant, was released in June 2021.
On her working relationship with Drake, Palm told NME in 2021 that he started sending her stems and they worked together to create a mutual respect "He picked up pretty quickly that I'm not going to sell his shit to buy a yacht." She sang on a partial cover version of "More Than a Woman" by Aaliyah, which appears at the end Drake's "Is There More". In June 2018, Palm was featured on the album Scorpion by Drake, who has spoken highly of both her and Hiatus Kaiyote. The cover art for the album, an abstract drawing of Saalfield, was done by Chilean artist Jowy Maasdamme. Palm explained that working on a solo album gave her greater flexibility to work on her guitar sounds and the challenge of releasing a more raw and personal record. She also worked with Australian indigenous performer Jason Guwanbal Gurruwiwi on the album. The album features only stripped-down vocals and guitars, and includes original tracks as well as covers of songs by David Bowie, Tamia, and Jimi Hendrix. In 2017, Palm released her debut solo album Needle Paw, which was possibly named after a desert flower. The album reached high in the Australian charts and was nominated for a Grammy Award in the United States. The second Haitus Kaiyote album, Choose Your Weapon, was released in May 2015. In 2012 the band opened for Taylor McFerrin in Melbourne McFerrin later featured Nai Palm on his track "The Antidote." The band released its debut album Tawk Tomahawk independently in April 2012. The following year they formed the band Hiatus Kaiyote with drummer Perrin Moss and keyboardist Simon Mavin. After one gig in 2010 she was approached by bassist Paul Bender, who had seen her performance and suggested a collaboration. In Melbourne, Palm began a career as a solo singer/guitarist.
She started using "Nai Palm" as a professional name while working as a fire performer. When Saalfield was 15 years old, she moved back to Melbourne and was homeless for a time. Her aunt had an acoustic guitar, and Nai learned to harmonize with it. She also lived for a time with a family who ran a wildlife sanctuary for native animals where she developed a love and attachment to the natural world.
Saalfield was orphaned at age 13 when her father died in a house fire.Īfter Saalfield's mother died, she went through the foster care system, and went to live with her aunt in Mount Beauty.
When Saalfield was 11 years old her mother died of breast cancer. Later, her brother introduced her to classic rock staples Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. Saalfield was first introduced to music by her mother, playing piano and listening to soul, flamenco, and Northwest African music. She and her five siblings were raised by their single mother, a choreographer and painter. Nai Palm was born Naomi Grace Saalfield on in Melbourne, Australia.