A new electromagnetic stirring approach using a combination of rotating (RMF) and travelling magnetic fields (TMF) is proposed, where both fields are applied subsequently in form of rectangular pulses. The strategy to utilise time-modulated RMF and TMF is aimed at overcoming the known deficiencies of conventional stirring, in particular flow-induced macrosegregation. This paper considers the directional solidification of Al-Si alloys from a water cooled copper chill. The results demonstrate that melt agitation using modulated magnetic field offers a considerable potential for a well aimed modification of casting properties by an effective control of the flow field, but, this goal requires a well considered optimisation of the magnetic field parameters.