SOLUNE’s Mad Vantage

Performing with her instrumental project Mad Vantage, SOLUNE (Selene Messinis) brings an exciting fusion of nu-jazz and prog-metal to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Over the last 10 years, SOLUNE has become an in-demand collaborator, performing with artists including Thndo, Parvyn, Gordon Koang and NO ZU, and appearing at festivals such as WOMADelaide, RISING, Strawberry Fields and Mona Foma.

This year she is making waves as she boldly launches her solo career with Mad Vantage, and is preparing to release a debut studio album later this year.

This commission marks her second compositional feat, emerging from a transformative period of study and deep engagement with the harmonic language of her ancestral roots—Greek and Middle Eastern modes.

It features her iconic sound: synthesisers, distortion and electronics, and weaves complex rhythmic designs with lush harmonic soundscapes. Drawing comparisons to Tigran Hamasyan, Plini and Hiromi, SOLUNE’s powerful voice carves a path all on its own, whilst paying respects to ancient musical traditions.

Developed through the 2025 MIJF Take Note program, this premiere marks a powerful new chapter for one of Australia’s most compelling emerging voices in jazz and metal.