Lilli Vitagliano known as L.I.L.L.I is a second generation Italian singer and songwriter based in Adelaide. She has been writing original songs since the age of 12 and, over the past two years, has discovered a deep passion for singing and performing. L.I.L.L.I has released a collection of original music, with many more songs awaiting their moment to be shared. She hopes listeners will come to know her as an artist and understand how meaningful her music is to her.
Family is L.I.L.L.I’s greatest inspiration. She recalls her mother filling the house with 80s, 90s, and 2000s classics, creating a lively atmosphere where even chores became dance parties, especially when Beyoncé was playing, and everyone couldn’t help but move, vacuum cleaner in hand. Her father has also played a significant role in shaping her musical journey. After immigrating to Australia from Italy with only his family by his side, music became the unifying force in his household. The family motto, “Napoli canta e ride” (“Naples sings and laughs”), reflects their joyful spirit and resilience, a spirit that Lilli carries in her DNA.
In 2025, L.I.L.L.I had the honour of performing on The Voice Australia – a milestone that broadened her perspective on the music industry and encouraged her to embrace her individuality. The experience led to new opportunities and strengthened her gratitude for the support she has received. L.I.L.L.I looks forward to future ventures and hopes to continue sharing her journey with audiences.
Jump into my interview with L.I.L.L.I and discover how music is her love letter to the world.
When did you realise music was something you wanted to pursue, and what lit that spark for you?
Since I was a young girl, there has never been a moment of “discovering music” because it has always surrounded me and carried me through every stage of my life.
However, I believe for most of us, there is always a spark that goes off when you realise you are so passionate about something, all you can do is think about it all day long and pursue it! Incredibly shy and quiet most of the time, music is the reason I was able to come out of my shell and express myself. It is my voice to the world and the therapy to my unspoken thoughts and feelings.
I may be a quiet italian (we are rare but many), but the pages of my songwriting notebook are loud! The spark was always there, but it wasn’t until 2 years ago that I realised “this is my career, my life and my heartbeat – I have to put these words to music. I want to spend the rest of my life celebrating and honouring the gift within me”.
Before I knew it, the words in the notebook were accompanied with drums and strings and music! I went from performing silently in my room to performing to a live audience on television. Behind the scenes you could possibly imagine the gratitude and natural shock on my face “I’m doing this for real”.
I want to be the woman little Lilli would be proud of and I think I’m doing just that.
If someone pressed play on your music right now, what would they hear and feel?
If someone pressed play on my music right now they would feel an instant boost of dopamine! My music has something for everyone which is what makes me so happy to share it in live shows especially! Do you like Brazilian funk? Listen to ‘BOUQUET’ or ‘POP’. Do you enjoy the feeling of sunshine? Listen to ‘OOH LA LA’. Italo disco, to regaetton and a sprinkling of rap and of course pop! – my music is made with love, carrying unity and bringing people together.
It will make you instantly feel magnetic and like the sparkling diva you are! Speaking of sparkles, I love the sound of them in my music. I’m not quite sure what the actual term for the sound is but I like to call them sparkles haha! I also love beautiful strings and an orchestral moment so you can expect a bit of that too! Let the music completely move you with a dramatic string!
It wasn’t until recently that I completely embraced my voice type too. There is a warmth to my tone, which hopefully feels like a big hug to my listeners. Tracks like ‘Do I Love Too Hard’ and ‘O Sole Mio’ display the richness in my voice and timbre of each melody sung. As a constantly transforming artist, I love testing the limits of my vocal range, which is why my music is so versatile and no two songs really sound alike.
I love a sickening pop melody – there’s no doubt! But I hope the soulfulness of my sound can connect to my listeners and maybe even inspire with my lyricism. I am so grateful to have people who support watching me grow and develop my sound, so be on the look out for more Lilli! I always have something new up my sleeve!
How do your songs usually come together? Do you start with words, a beat, a melody, or something else?
My creative process is not really a top secret recipe or routine! For me, the creative process is initiated by a strong feeling that I could have at any moment, usually based on a personal experience – that feeling must be written down and it becomes my lyrics.
Other times, a song can be birthed in my alone time or even at work! I may be carrying something I need to get off my chest and bam! A new single is born! The more tender songs are created like this, such as ‘Love Again’ and ‘Amore Amore’ off my EP ‘Ti Amo, Per Sempre’.
For example, my track titled “Love Again” was originally written as a letter to my younger self. Feeling very fulfilled and proud of myself and the young woman I have become, I was contemplative in how little Lilli would also be so proud and inspired by the person I am today. One night, I had come home feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for how far I’ve come as an artist and person and I had to get to writing!
“So I write my younger self this vow. Your head and your heart may feel a lot, but a lot is not a lot right now”, leads the chorus, discussing all the big emotions I used to feel as a child. Hoping I follow my dreams and they come true, those dreams are now a reality and I am thankful for every step I took to not give up along the way.
Most of my writing begins with a manifestation, as I believe when I sing, I am speaking those words into existence. Therefore, ‘Love Again’ is a vow, a vow to always practice self love and gratitude and it’s a manifestation of the love I receive. That same evening, I had come across a beautiful piano melody and I thought the lyrics suited perfectly! Soft and tender, the beautiful piano carries the lyrics in to what became one of my favourite songs in my discography. Sometimes the more personal songs are formed so organically – there’s really no method, just a whole lot of heart!
I hope you too can connect to the lyrics and find a safe place in the melodies. ‘Love Again’ can be your love letter too!
This question was quite difficult to answer! Hard to put into words something that you don’t even think twice about – that’s the beauty of it all!
Outside of music, what inspires your creativity?
Outside of music, I’d say fashion influences my creativity most and in some projects, dictates the sound and vibe I wish to release!
When working on a song, there is always a story I wish to convey and the wardrobe is something I immediately envision and what is also important to me!
Walking to work listening to my music or a demo of it, I am playing the music video in my head – I wish to bring these to life so you can enjoy just as much as I do! Fashion is not only inspiring to my creativity but also motivating to create a beautiful piece of art that paints a picture in your head too!!!
For my album ‘Bellissimwah‘, being a complete sonic experience of what an italiana summer is to me, it was also important that the visuals conveyed my love for my Neopolitan and Sicilian roots! The napolitano playing cards, the coffee and the reds, golds and bright colours, all brought the stories in the music to life!
Some people see colours when they hear music – I see a Versace catwalk!
What’s the latest chapter in your music story? What are you working on right now?
The latest chapter in my music story and life I’m titling as “embracing with confidence and self-love”.
A challenge I occasionally face (and I’m sure I’m not alone in saying this), is the fear of disappointing myself. In this chapter of my life, I want to be able to look back and say “I’m so happy I didn’t listen to any inner doubt and instead, just went for it!”. Though easier said than done, I am determined as the author of my life and legacy to enjoy all the wonderful opportunities that come my way with open arms!
I am currently working on the next album and this time, I want to create a visual art piece to go along with it – the Lilli lovers deserve the visuals baby! Expect to see more live shows too! I want to sing and dance with you all soon!
This chapter is showing kindness and more love inwards, as we can often forget that we deserve just as much love as we put out.
A time to no longer be my worst critic and instead, my biggest fan.
What’s on your bucket list musically?
Yes! This one is big for me! Something I have always envisioned for years and definitely on the bucket list, is to perform in Brazil! I can’t get enough of the intense and passionate energy Brazil carries! Sao Paolo lollapalooza would blow my socks off and fill me with so much joy as an independent artist! I am coming Brazil if you will have me!
The bucket list goes on and my visions are grand but go big or go home diva!
What’s one thing about you, as a person or artist, that your listeners might be surprised to learn?
As an artist, maybe people would be surprised to know that I’ve only been singing for 2-3 years professionally. There was always a voice but she hasn’t been unlocked until recently! Super exciting to see how my range has grown!
Hop onto your favourite streaming platform to experience L.I.L.L.I and show your support for her music. For more interviews with Australia’s music scene, stick with TAGG – The Alternative Gig Guide.
