Jay Matharu

 Jay Matharu is a guitarist, composer, and sonic explorer whose music blends progressive rock, jazz fusion, and global influences into a deeply expressive and genre-fluid sound. Based in Uppsala, Sweden, he has developed a distinctive voice rooted in melodic storytelling, rhythmic complexity, and emotional depth.

 His playing is defined by expressive phrasing, intricate motivic development, and a seamless integration of diverse tonalities. He frequently employs both standard and fretless guitar techniques, allowing for  gliding lines, and a vocal-like expressiveness that sets his sound apart. This approach, shaped by his studies in North Indian music and his immersion in jazz and progressive traditions, gives his music a unique tonal and textural richness.

 Matharu’s work is deeply narrative, each composition unfolds like a journey, with dynamic contrast, modal interplay, and carefully structured harmonic movement. He draws from a wide range of influences, including guitarists like Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, and Pat Metheny, as well as jazz innovators such as John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter. Yet his music remains distinctly personal, prioritising emotional resonance over technical display.

 He has performed and recorded with a range of respected acts, including the Swedish metal band Liv Sin, where he served as lead guitarist and co-songwriter on Kaliyuga (2023) and Close Your Eyes (2025). He co-founded the international trio Dissonant Distance, whose self-titled debut (2018) and Consequences of the Light (2022) were shaped by live improvisation and a shared commitment to musical exploration.

 His live work with The London Sitar Ensemble and the progressive rock band Mahavira further illustrates his ability to bridge genres. With Mahavira, he explored fretless guitar in a rock context, contributing to a sound that blended intensity with melodic sophistication. With the London Sitar Ensemble, he brought the fretless guitar into cross-cultural compositions, enriching the sonic dialogue between Western and Indian traditions.

 His debut solo album, These Clouds Are So Undisciplined! (2017), was celebrated for its songcraft and emotional depth, praised by Pitch Perfect as “an excellent listen for fans of instrumental rock music.” His upcoming second solo album, draws from his master’s research and reflects a period of personal and musical transformation, blending jazz fusion, progressive rock, and improvisational exploration.

 Each piece is a reflection of his artistic journey, shaped by diverse influences, a deep commitment to musical narrative, and a desire to create music that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.

 Currently, Jay is focused on composing and performing new material that reflects his evolving musical identity. He is actively performing with Johan Langquist’s The Castle, the project led by the legendary Candlemass frontman, as well as with the progressive symphonic metal band Hexed. In addition, he continues to develop new collaborative and educational projects, further expanding his artistic expression across genres and platforms.