Xelli Island is the indepedent dream-pop of Detroit-based vocalist and songwriter Lianna Vanicelli. Her music speaks with a unique take on establishing a life of creativity in the city, which she pairs with influences from visiting family in The Philippines since childhood. These come together to give her music a charming flavour, that comes wrapped in humble wisdom, that has impressed tastemakers her entire career.
Her latest release is her highly anticipated EP ‘Streets Of A Spiral’. The infectious vocal melodies are brought to us through instrumentals that range from funky to celestial, using lush yet subtle synths alongside beats that get you moving. We really see the range of Lianna’s talents on this project, with each track taking on it’s own distinct sound, whilst staying cohesive in its arrangement. It’s a vibrant, glowing listen that pairs the emotional with the catchy, connecting with her fans along the way.
Speaking about the EP, she says: “Streets Of A Spiral is an EP about finding the way back to yourself after years of relationships that led you astray. I imagine each relationship is a little spiral on the greater path of life. They are winding and endless and hypnotising, but whether you decide to travel upward or downward determines everything. It’s so easy to get sucked into the orbit of people you love, and sometimes it’s tricky and terrible and you have to drive away. So this is an EP about getting in my beloved car and driving away. Away from romance and its consuming nature, away from the pressures of finding a partner and settling down, and finally cutting loose all of the tension and strings that form within the world of intimacy and relationships.
It’s five songs that were written on a very winding but familiar path. The path of losing yourself in lust and love with someone that isn’t right for you, and then the process of finding self-worth and joy again, entirely on your own. Something that I believe is Universal but is also a privilege that not everyone gets to experience. To me, my car has always been an incredible source of freedom. The way you can just get in and go anywhere you decide. And most of the time it’s just parked outside of your house, but the option is always there.”
‘Streets Of A Spiral’ is available on streaming services now:
