Xani Kolac

Xani Kolac is a violinist, composer, singer and improviser redefining what the electric violin can do in contemporary and improvised music. With a Master’s degree in Music Performance (Improvisation) from the Victorian College of the Arts, Xani has spent over a decade pushing the boundaries of her instrument. Her unique sound is shaped by influences ranging from Jimi Hendrix and Stuff Smith to Kosmiche Musik explorers CAN, to art pop pioneers like Camille and Bjork, alongside her deep roots in jazz and improvisation.

Last year, Xani released two albums: a live improvised recording from The Jazzlab, featuring special guest artists Shannon Bourne (electric guitar) and Angus Radley (electric bass), and Keep Moving an Australian Music Prize-nominated studio album inspired by Krautrock, jazz, and rock that delves into themes of grief, death, family violence, and love. Xani performed at Tallinn Music Week (Estonia), SXSW London, and was Artist in Residence at MONOM Studios in Berlin. She also opened for Hania Rani (Melbourne Recital Centre) and John Cale (City Recital Hall) and brought her highly energetic and acclaimed original show, An Inaccurate History of Electronic Dance Music to the Adelaide Fringe Festival garnering a five-star review.

In 2026, Xani continues to dive into the possibilities of contemporary and amplified string playing. She has just been named the 2026 Melbourne International Jazz Festival’s Take Note Leader – a program addressing under-representation of gender diverse musicians in jazz and improvised music. As part of the program, Xani has been commissioned to compose a new work which will premiere at this year’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Recognised for her relentless passion, motivation and a fearless approach to musicianship, Xani has performed at major festivals including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, RISING, and Classical:NEXT. She was a Finalist in last year’s Australian Art Music Awards for Jazz/Improvised Music Performance of the Year and was awarded Best Musician at the 2022 Music Victoria Awards. Her work continues to uncover new possibilities for the electric violin, offering music that connects, provokes, and inspires.

Xani Kolac seems to have no problem at all using technology to achieve the highest artistic ends, while also delivering the gold standard of music-making, namely the ability to move her listeners, to transport them. She is truly exciting, engaging and inspiring.”
– Paul Grabowsky

Xani Kolac is an expert at melding creative artistry with technology to build captivating sound worlds.
– The Age

Image credit: Michelle Grace Hunder