Xani Kolac is a violinist, composer, and improviser with a seemingly endless list of ideas and directions for her work. With a focus on contemporary compositions, Xani is prolific and dynamic in her output.
2025 is proving to be a milestone year for Xani. She will be releasing 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 which was released today, inspired by Krautrock, jazz, and rock that delves into themes of grief, death, family violence, and love.
Xani has just returned from Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, where she played a number of shows. In May, she will be touring in Australia with an AU favourite, Elana Stone to celebrate the release of Keep Moving. Be sure to get along if you can – it will be a very special night from two formidable artists. Support live music! All the dates are below.
Whilst in Estonia at Tallinn Music Week, Xani kept a tour diary, which she is kindly sharing with the AU. Read on.
When I found out in January that I’d been invited to perform as part of this year’s Tallinn Music Week in Estonia, my instincts were that I had to make this happen, no matter how far away, or how much money it would cost. So I reached out to my audience, and through generous donations I was able to chase my dreams.
Tallinn Music Week is a multi-genre music festival and conference in the beating heart of Estonia. Songs and singing are the pillars of Estonian culture, and since independence from Soviet occupation in 1991, singing is as important as ever to unite and strengthen this vibrant and thriving part of the world. So it goes that music is an important part of the fabric of Estonian society, and Tallinn Music Week is a vibrant celebration of this fact.
From my home in Brunswick to the streets of Tallinn, I tallied up 36hrs of travel time. Two flights and a ferry across the Gulf of Finland. But it was worth every hour.
Whenever I’m preparing to visit a new place, I put the word out across my social media channels, and try to make new connections with people I’ve never met. I have found that as artists, we speak a very similar language, even if we might not fully understand each other using words. I was happy to meet up with Estonians I’d worked with and met back in Melbourne in the past, as well as making completely new friends. It makes the world feel a little smaller, and it reminds me that I can find family everywhere and anywhere.
My friend Merlin with her daughter, and Tallinn Music Week performing musician Anett. Anett performed on the first night of the music festival at Paavli Kultuurivabrik – a new cultural hub that turned a magical fish factory and sorting facility into a hub for live music, art and collaborations.
There were plenty of moments to grab some local food and see the beautiful old town. Highlights included the cinnamon rolls from RØST, lots of dill and sour cream dumplings from Palmen, and the medieval architecture.
On the second night of the music festival, I performed my showcase to a full room on the Classical:NEXT stage at Roheline Saal, which is one of many incredible venues within Telliskivi Creative City. This precinct was born out of transforming a factory, concrete walls and industrialism into a democratic, artistic community. Home to Fotografiska (Tallinn), design stores, and eclectic restaurants, this complex is an accessible and lively place for live music.
I got to share the bill with some of my favourite artists including German post-genre pianist Kai Schumacher and Gondwana label artist and Estonian-born Hanakiv. It was such a thrill to perform my new music using live looping and electronic effects to a full room of locals, as well as international delegates. It was one of my favourite live gigs.
On the third night of the music festival I again headed into Telliskivi Creative City with the ambition to cram in as many live music experiences as I could. Highlights included Estonian/Swedish accordion player Tuulikki Bartosik with Sander Mölder performing with synths, Ableton and soundscapes; Tanzanian duo Sisso & Maiko perform for the Africa Now showcase using wireless keyboards and samples; and local vocalist Mari Kalkun who has an impeccable voice that she loops and accompanies with kannel.
I got so much from attending the Tallinn Music Week conference at the Nordic Hotel Forum, too. The panels were enlightening and intriguing. The opening speeches included a moving address by the Ambassador of Ukraine, and the former president of Estonia, both highlighting the importance of music and culture, especially in war time. The threat of war is front of mind for many Estonians, and so it was important to hear this message as we dove into topics of AI, globalisation and climate. Some of the most interesting panels included cultural relationships between Finland and Estonia, music in The Baltics and a beautiful panel sharing projects directly related to nature and
climate. It was also really special to hear from Martyn Ware from The Human League.
Ringing throughout the music festival and conference was pride for Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. A string quartet performed some of his works, I heard a university choral ensemble rehearsing at the Tallinn Academy of Music, and I loved visiting the Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa.
I traveled a very long way to perform my music for a new audience. I wished I could have played more, collaborate with other musicians and stayed immersed in the hubbub of Tallinn Music Week for longer. It was all over too soon. But this is the nature of my life. I am self-managed, I travel solo and in doing so, I have found a new place to call home when I return. But for now, I have to keep moving. And I suppose, in a sense, my new album “Keep Moving” contains a wish to be in the present, to treasure these moments of intercultural connection, and to accept the fleeting nature of a moment.
Aitäh Tallinn Music Week. I hope to see you again soon.
Xani’s new album Keep Moving is out independently today – you can purchase a copy on Bandcamp, including a limited-edition run of vinyl (100 copies).
Xani Tour Dates
Sunday, 11th May – Elana Stone + Xani – The Presynct, Nambour, QLD – Tickets
Friday, 16th May – Xani (album launch) + Elana Stone – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne, VIC – Tickets (with Jess Hitchcock)
Sunday 18th May – Xani + Tiaryn – The Flywheel Bar & Cafe (matinee) – Beaufort – RSVP
Friday 23rd May – Xani + Elana Stone – Low 302, Gadigal/Sydney – Tickets
Saturday 24th May – Elana Stone + Xani – Franks Wild Years, Thirroul – Tickets
You can keep up to date with Xani via her Website, Instagram and Spotify
