Valia Calda

Reflecting on the contemporary yet timeless struggles of physical and ideological displacement, Valia Calda’s music draws inspiration from the themes of migration and exile. The group emerged into the London jazz scene in 2013, led by guitarist Nikos Ziarkas (Theon Cross, Chelsea Carmichael) and Thodoris Ziarkas. Their music is rooted in the folk music of Epirus (Greece) and psychedelic jazz, which also tangles with punk inspired guitar riffs and modal improvisations. Back from the silence of the pandemic the band explores a new sonic universe in their new album Homeland coming out in May 2023, following their acclaimed release Methexis in 2018, voted best Jazz on Bandcamp and UK Vibe for 2018. Their debut EP release in 2013 established the band in the scene for which the LondonJazz News wrote : “It’s wonderful to hear the two worlds of freedom and space; discipline and musical intelligence brought together”. Valia Calda integrates a diverse spectrum of sounds, mixing in their long meditative improvisations, psychedelic aesthetics with elements from folk traditions and explosive drum beats. Always widening their perspectives and maintaining a creative approach, the band explores collectively how to expand the group’s musical boundaries.