pianist/composer/improvisor based in sydney, australia

novak’s work describes a fascination with contrasts; new and old, acoustic and electronic, diatonic and atonal, abrasive and meditative. in navigating the friction between conflicting aesthetics across the breadth of his output, one can hear his efforts to move traditional composition and performance practice into a contemporary context through sonic manipulation, visual augmentation and harmonic iconoclasm. novak has written, arranged, recorded and performed works which defy easy categorisation for a range of settings from solo piano to orchestra and was recognised in his reception of the freedman fellowship (jazz) in 2019. 

novak’s current active projects are HEKKA, NoMansLand and Colourfields. he has released two albums under the moniker Grown Ocean as well as Places, People (ABC Music) under his own name. he has worked as a musical director, composer, arranger, session musician or collaborator with NGAIIRE, Sampa The Great, Godtet, Bonniesongs, Wallace, The Glider, Believe, Earshift Orchestra, Microfiche, Martha Marlow and more.

contact; novak.manojlovic2010@gmail.com