Their sound is a fusion of Celtic, World, Funk, Dance, and Eastern European Music. Their on stage performances have been described as "wildly entertaining". They have been compared to the likes of The Dave Matthews Band, with their ability to incorporate classical instruments in a contemporary fashion that appeals to broad audiences, particularly; young music fans. They have also brought to the masses exposure to the music and culture of their Ukrainian heritage.
The band is led by brothers who are classically trained musicians; Alexander Fedoryka and Danylo Fedoryka. Their parents are both Julliard trained classical musicians who emigrated here from Ukraine. Alexander and Fedoryka take great pride in sharing their culture, while inspiring fans to dance to their upbeat positive music.
We caught up with them at the TLA on South Street. After entertaining a wildly enthusiastic audience, they spoke candidly to us about their unique sound.
Please enjoy their biography:
Rousing and raucous, Scythian (sith-ee-yin) plays kicked-up Celtic and world music with hints of Gypsy and Klezmer, all infused with a touch of punk-rock sensibility. Take a pair of classically trained dueling fiddlers, toss in a rhythm guitar and the occasional funky accordion, then power it with the driving rhythm of a jazz percussionist, and you've got the ingredients for a show you won't soon forget. Their high-energy, adrenaline-peddling, interactive brand of music has one goal in mind: to get people on their feet and dancing. Their repertoire ranges from traditional and contemporary Celtic and folk music to the alluring and dramatic strains of Gypsy and Eastern European tunes, and then crosses back over the border to pick up some good old-fashioned bluegrass licks.
Alexander Fedoryka: Violin/Mandolin/Harmonica/Bass/Vocals
Trained classically, Alexander started playing at the age of 3 and has performed in such venues as the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap. Of note, Alexander spent six months in Japan studying under Dr. Suzuki, the renowned founder of the Suzuki School of Music. Alexander also spent four months playing in the streets of Ireland where he picked up the Celtic spirit and combined it with the Gypsy soul of his own Ukrainian ancestry.
Josef Crosby: Violin/Bass/Vocals
Trained classically, Josef studied at Duquesne under Joe Petron and has performed in venues such as the Benedum Center and Soldiers & Sailors memorial hall. Making the switch to Celtic fiddling, Joe forms the second half of Scythian's signature "dueling fiddles" and is known for his jazzy "dirt & grit" style.
Danylo Fedoryka: Rhythm Guitar/Accordion/Vocals
Trained as a classical pianist, Danylo made the switch to rhythm guitar in order to make music with his brother Alexander. Having performed at the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap as a classical musician, Danylo enjoys the free and somewhat loose spirit of Celtic music. Putting his keyboard skills to use, Danylo also picked up the accordion which he sports during the bands Gypsy and Klezmer pieces.
Mike Ounallah: Percussion/Drums
Mike Ounallah, comes from a Jazz background and enriches the sounds of Scythian with a wealth of experience and expertise. Mike recently earned a Masters of Jazz Studies at the University of Maryland. A true student of music, Mike combines his extensive knowledge with his Jordanian heritage, which compliments the Eastern gypsy style of Alexander. Although Mike is respected for his knowledge of music and his musical precision, he is also known as drummer who can flat out "bring it" and who can rock out with the best of them.
Please enjoy the performance video from their show at the TLA on South Street.
You are now Tuned In to Scythian
On the web-
www.scythianmusic.com
www.scythianmusic.com
More on the venue-
www.livenation.com