Giuliano Modarelli, a virtuosic guitarist, composer, producer, and educator from Italy, embarks on a profound musical journey that transcends genres, embracing cultural exchange and collaboration. Drawing from his experiences as an immigrant in London, an international hub where he deeply connects with people from various diasporas and nationalities, Giuliano’s sound is shaped by this rich amalgamation of experiences. His musical and ideological development has been profoundly influenced by this environment. Drawing from the city's diverse international community, he integrates influences from new jazz, electronic music, dub, Indian Classical Music, and London’s vibrant cultural landscape. His collaborative approach spans borders while maintaining a deep connection to musical roots, informed by an understanding and respect for their cultural, historical, and social contexts.
Giuliano is the co-founder of Kefaya, an award-winning collective that (together with Hazara singer Elaha Soroor) fuses Afghan folk traditions with jazz, electronic music, and psychedelic rock. Together, they weave a nuanced tapestry of cultures, voices, and rhythms. Described by The Guardian as “one of the most intriguing new bands of the year,” Kefaya’s music defies boundaries, offering a powerful testament to unity, resilience, and the beauty of diversity.
Giuliano’s music reflects an internationalist mindset and a commitment to addressing social issues through artistic expression. His work with the Kefaya exemplifies this ethos, addressing themes such as immigration, gender equality, and challenges to patriarchal and capitalist ideology in their albums.
Giuliano’s artistic journey is marked by a deep respect for tradition alongside an adventurous, experimental outlook. After earning a degree in Jazz Performance and Composition from Leeds College of Music in 2004, he immersed himself in Indian culture, studying Hindustani classical music under renowned masters such as Pandit Buddhadev Dasgupta and Pandit Prattyush Banerjee. This transformative experience has profoundly shaped his creative voice. While honouring the rich legacies of jazz, Indian classical music, and folk traditions from the Indian subcontinent and Afghanistan, he continues to push boundaries, crafting innovative and contemporary musical expressions
Giuliano’s collaborations include artists such as Shankar Mahadevan, Bill Laurance, Talvin Singh, Nitin Sawhney, Sarathy Korwar, Elaha Soroor, Kadialy Kouyate, Yazz Ahmed, Mohsen Namjoo, Sura Susso, Olcay Bayir, Pete Locket, BC Manjunath, Soumik Datta, Garry Husband, Mysore Manjunath and many others. He is a prolific composer, collaborating across disciplines with choreographers such as Gregory Maqoma, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Alleyne Dance, DV8, Jose Agudo to mention a few. These experiences have profoundly influenced Giuliano’s work, shaping his innovative approach and expanding his artistic horizons.