Lily Vakili discusses her latest album “Oceans of Kansas” and shares tour anecdotes
On October 24, 2025, Lily Vakili’s performance at The Lilypad in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was anything but subdued. Embodying a vibrant energy and evident passion for her craft, Vakili engaged with a group of trick-or-treating kids during her sound check, displaying a love for intimate venues and spontaneous interactions that define her live shows.
Following the opening set by Berklee’s own Holly Channell and Gabriel Maia, Vakili and her band kicked off the night with “Okoboji,” setting the tone for her latest album, “Oceans of Kansas,” a homage to her personal experiences and the landscapes that have influenced her music. Reflecting on the album’s title, Vakili shared, “I stopped at this museum in East Kansas and learned about how millions of years ago, Kansas was an ocean. That just blew my mind. It was so poetic to me.”
“Okoboji,” serving as the album’s lead track, showcases Vakili’s powerful vocals and storytelling ability, embodying a sultry and jazzy vibe that permeates the entire record. With its reminiscence of her teenage years and the symbolic freedom found near Lake Okoboji, the song encapsulates Vakili’s connection to water and her personal growth.
Transitioning to “Hold On They Say,” a reflective country-infused track, Vakili delves into themes of holding onto dreams and navigating societal expectations. Each performance is marked by her emotive delivery, as seen in the stripped-down rendition of “I’ve Been Hiding,” which challenges conventional notions of travel as a form of escapism.
Tracks like “Maybe It’s All Over” and “One Human Being” further showcase Vakili’s lyrical depth and thematic range, exploring regrets, personal growth, and environmental consciousness. The latter, accompanied by a poignant music video, underscores Vakili’s advocacy against human-induced destruction, urging listeners to reflect on their impact on the planet.
Throughout the album, Vakili’s free-spirited nature shines through in tracks like “April Fools,” “Rocket,” and “Photograph,” each narrating stories of love, loss, and self-discovery. Closing with the dynamic and expressive “Tannersville,” Vakili pays tribute to the cities and experiences that have shaped her musical journey.
As an artist, Vakili’s live performances resonate as her most compelling and transformative moments, capturing the essence of her music and storytelling. Her ability to connect with audiences on a personal level and evoke an array of emotions through her music is a testament to her artistry and passion.
From heartfelt ballads to spirited anthems, “Oceans of Kansas” is a testament to Lily Vakili’s growth as an artist and storyteller, inviting listeners on a poignant journey through her life and imagination. As she continues to captivate audiences with her music and live performances, Vakili’s artistry promises to inspire and resonate with listeners far and wide.