Xani crashes through rock’s glass ceiling with new album Keep Moving
Electric violinist/vocalist Xani took 12 months to write and record her new album, Keep Moving. The idea came about while Xani was confronted with death, grief, health anxiety, and abuse. She wondered how she would get through any of these things; how does anyone? She wrote these songs as little guides for herself on how to get through it all.
Coinciding with life’s barrage of pain, was a new interest in Krautrock music. In lockdown, Xani fell in love with Kraftwerk, but it wasn’t until the end of 2023 that she finally discovered her newest favourite band, CAN. Xani wrote a fair chunk of the melodic material on acoustic guitar – an instrument she can’t play well at all. But stepping away from composing on the violin meant a momentary shake up of her usual process. These ideas were then arranged to perform on electric violin, vocals and drums.
Reams of lyrics poured out. So Xani would meet up online with Nashville-based songwriter Clare Reynolds to workshop them. Because these songs are so intensely personal and from a place of anxiety, many of these songwriting sessions turned into breakdowns, crying and ultimately, therapy. Clare would help guide Xani down into the deepest, hardest parts of her feelings to reveal the truest lyrics she has written to date.
Wanting to try for one takes, to capture the raw vulnerability of these songs as well as the spirit of a live (Kraut)rock show, Xani and Justin Olsson (drums) recorded this album over two sessions in Xani’s upstairs bedroom. Cristian Barbieri (The CB3, Thndo, Jessica Mauboy) engineered and mixed the tracks. Performing these vulnerable songs in a safe and well-known space gives this album a courage and rawness that reflects what the songs are about.
“Keep Moving” is out independently on April 23rd. Download/listen here.
Xani will embark on on an East Coast tour including special double bill shows with Elana Stone (Missy Higgins, Kate Miller-Hedike, All Our Exes Live in Texas).
For PR/interviews, you can reach out to Xani at hello@xanikolac.com or +61 400 883 750
“Keep Moving” East Coast Tour
- May 11th // The Presynct w/ Elana Stone (QLD)
- May 16th // Northcote Social Club w/ Elana Stone + Jess Hitchcock (VIC)
- May 18th // The Flywheel Cafe & Bar w/ Tiaryn (VIC)
- May 23rd // Low302 w/ Elana Stone (NSW)
- May 25th // Cosmopolitan Hotel w/ Charm of Finches (VIC)
In a charismatic pairing, catch enigmatic live performers Elana Stone (NSW) and Xani (VIC) for a special double bill. Elana Stone is a double ARIA Award-winning singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her band “All Our Exes Live In Texas” as well as performing regularly in Missy Higgins’ band. Xani is an electric violinist and vocalist who has performed with the likes of Clare Bowditch, Tim Rogers and Jens Lekman and took out the Best Musician Music Victoria Award in 2022.
