Artist Biography

Xantha is doing it Grown & Sexy in their own way. Xan Ivey, the lead singer is a truly gifted vocalist with her own unique sound. Kelven Tabbs aka "Blink-85", a talented R&B crooner in his own right, is the super producer for Xantha. Coy McCall, an accomplished dancer, rounds out the trio by adding his flavor to the group through his choreography and backing vocals. Under the skillfully guided musical direction of Lew Dickson aka “Mayhem”, Xantha is ready to take the world by storm!

Xantha has been on the music grind since the early 1990’s. The group was formed in 1992 when Xan Ivey and Kelven Tabbs met in Xan’s home state of North Carolina. At the time Kelven was promoting an event and searching for dancers. The two started a conversation and Xan revealed that she was a singer…not a dancer. Kelven invited her to Washington, DC to audition for a spot in a group he was forming. They loved her voice and the two have been musical partners ever since.

In 1993, while developing their sound, Xan and Kelven decided to return to North Carolina to attend Elizabeth City State University to study music and music business. During summer break in 1995, Xan and Kelvin were involved in a near fatal car accident that left the two in the hospital for a month. This setback only made them stronger and more determined to get their music out there.

During their yearlong recovery, although neither could even walk, Xan and Kelven continued to rehearse and record. It was also during this time that Kelven met Keyboardist Lew Dickson aka “Mayhem” in a local Washington, DC area music store. The two became fast friends, formed a band with Lew as the musical director. Once Xan and Kelven were fully recovered, they began gigging around the Washington, DC area.

For the 3 years they performed around Washington, DC, Xantha was well received and developed a small but loyal following. They also recorded an album entitled Southern Vision, inspired by Xan and Kelven’s southern roots. Although many awaited the album, it was not released due to distribution issues.

Even though Xantha had developed a loyal following in the Washington, DC area, they felt they might be able to increase their following in Kelven’s hometown of Atlanta.

Once settled in Atlanta, Xan and Kelven met Dancer/Choreographer Coy McCall at a local bank where Coy worked as a personal banker. Kelven struck up a conversation with Coy and found out he was a dancer. Kelven asked Coy to help out the group with their stage performance. The three hit if off well and Coy became the choreographer for the group and also lends background vocals, thus completing this musical partnership.

Xantha has been one of the best unknown R&B acts for far too long. After a long break, Xantha is back on the grind with a hot new Grown & Sexy sound that is sure to shake up the Soul/R&B scene. Xantha has just released a new single entitled “Soft Love” that has been getting a great response. Other promo singles like “Unity” and “Like This” from Xantha’s new Grown & Sexy Throwback Mix CD have received airplay on Wayne C. McDonald’s “Funkbase” on Galaxy Radio Digital Broadcast Network and have been garnered much positive feedback.

Xantha is about to embark upon a yearlong promotional campaign beginning May 12, 2007 and is currently in the studio working on a new CD entitled Real Girlfriends Online.com. This CD will mirror a film and website of the same name, all of which will be released in 2008.

Once the world experiences Xantha's amazing talents they surely won't forget it.

Artist Mission

Music Influences