Xani Kolac is a violinist, composer, 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 Krautrock explorers CAN, to art pop pioneers like Camille and Bjork, alongside her deep roots in jazz and improvisation.

In 2025, Xani will release 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 a studio album inspired by Krautrock, jazz, and rock that delves into themes of grief, death, family violence, and love. She will also perform at Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, undertake a residency with 4DSOUND in Berlin, and bring her acclaimed show, An Inaccurate History of Electronic Dance Music to the Adelaide Fringe Festival for a one-night performance.

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 awarded Best Musician at the 2022 Music Victoria Awards and nominated for Outstanding Woman in Music in 2021. Her work continues to uncover new possibilities for the electric violin, offering music that connects, provokes, and inspires.