Novak is a composer and improviser whose work describes a restless artist fascinated by contrasts. He has written and performed works which defy easy categorisation for a range of settings from solo piano to orchestral works, receiving acclaim for his subversive piano trio HEKKA, his contemporary string sextet PLACES PEOPLE, and for his cross-genre collaborations with Australian cult jazz quintet GODTET. He has also worked as a musical director, composer, arranger or collaborator with NGAIIRE, Sampa The Great, Bonniesongs, The Glider, Believe, CEREMONY, Earshift Orchestra, Microfiche and more. As a result of his individualistic voice and diverse output, Novak was awarded the prestigious Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2019. Novak has been SIMA’s Artistic Director since 2025.