Scythian (band)

Scythian is a Celtic rock/Americana band based in the DC Metro Area that formed in 2002.[1] The band's name, according to the members of Scythian, means "[a] bunch of pre-Mesopotamian barbarians who did not use forks or phonics," which they chose to describe a varying sound that encompasses everything from traditional jigs and reels to contemporary covers.[2] The band was named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythians, due to the Ukrainian ancestry of Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka.

Not to be confused with Scythia (band).
Scythian
Scythian before show in Raleigh, NC
Scythian before show in Raleigh, NC
Background information
OriginWashington, D.C., USA
GenresCeltic, Celtic rock, Americana, folk rock, gypsy Rock
Years active2002–present
MembersAlexander Fedoryka
Danylo Fedoryka
Ethan Dean
Johnny Rees
Past membersFritz McGirr
Nolan Ladewski
Larissa Fedoryka
Josef Crosby
Tim Hepburn
Alexander Kuldell
Michael Ounallah
Andrew Toy
Ben-David Warner
Websitehttp://www.scythianmusic.com/

Since its inception, Scythian developed from a group of street performers in Alexandria, VA,[3] to the 2009 winner of Washington City Paper's Best of DC 'Best Local Band' competition.[4] In 2004 the band scored a brief appearance in the M. Night Shyamalan film The Village.[5] The band has toured extensively on the East Coast.[6] The UB Post describes their sound as a mix of Celtic, Klezmer, Gaelic, Gypsy and Rock.[3]

The band currently comprises brothers Alexander Fedoryka (Violin/Mandolin/Harmonica/Bass/Vocals) and Danylo Fedoryka (Rhythm Guitar/Accordion/Vocals), as well as band members Ethan Dean (Bass/Percussion/Vocals) and Johnny Rees (Percussion/Drums/Vocals).[7]

Band members
Alex Fedoryka of Scythian at the 2010 Dublin (Ohio) Irish Festival
  • Alexander Fedoryka: Vocals, Violin, Mandolin, Harmonica, Bass
  • Danylo Fedoryka: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Accordion
  • Ethan Dean: Vocals, Percussion, Bass
  • Johnny Rees: Drums, Percussion, Vocals

Past band members
  • Fritz McGirr: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • Nolan Ladewski: Whistles, Flute, Vocals, Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Tenor Banjo
  • Larissa Fedoryka: Vocals, Cello, Bass
  • Josef Crosby: Vocals, Violin, Bass
  • Tim Hepburn: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • Alexander Kuldell: Drums, Percussion
  • Michael Ounallah: Vocals, Percussion, Drums, Banjo
  • Danny Schneible: Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Lead Vocals
  • Andrew Toy: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
  • Ben-David Warner: Banjo, Violin, Viola, Mandolin, Vocals, Guitar

Josef Crosby's departure

Josef Crosby stopped appearing with the band in May 2016, and Larissa Fedoryka took over on bass. On December 13, 2016, Josef Crosby posted an explanation of his departure on his own Facebook band page.[8] He stated that he had taken some time away to address his substance abuse issues, and moving forward he would be continuing his musical career separate from Scythian.

Josef Crosby joined forces with Victor Gagnon, formerly of Seven Nations, to create Pigeon Kings in 2017.[9] Their first show was at Celtic Fling in PA June 2017.[10] Former Scythian drummer Andrew Toy later joined Pigeon Kings.[11]

Discography
  • Dance at the Crossroads, 2002
  • Aidan's Orbit, 2004
  • Immigrant Road Show, 2007
  • Scythian Live Vol. 1, 2009
  • Scythian Live Vol. 2, 2010
  • American Shanty, 2011
  • It's Not Too Late, 2012
  • Jump At The Sun, 2014
  • Old Tin Can, 2015
  • Roots and Stones, 2020[12]
  • Quaranstream: The Album, 2021

Appaloosa Music Festival

Appaloosa Music Festival is an annual music festival created by Scythian. The Festival is based at the Skyline Ranch Resort, just a few miles from Front Royal, Virginia. Every year on Labor Day weekend, Appaloosa celebrates the music of the Shenandoah Valley and related genres.[13]

Ultramontane

In 2013, a few members of Scythian formed a new group named 'Ultramontane' in order to perform at the "March for Marriage" The concert component of the March was ultimately cancelled.[14][15]

References
  1. "Immigrant Road Show review". CelticRadio.net. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
  2. "Scythian". Leeway's HomeGrown Music Network. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
  3. "Scythian Delivers Celtic Music with Unique Twist, Contagious Zeal". The UB Post. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
  4. "Washington City Paper's 2009 Best of D.C." Washington City Paper. 18 April 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
  5. Hahn, Fritz (6 August 2004). "Scythian, Gettin' Jiggy With It". The Washington Post. Retrieved 22 September 2010.
  6. "Adrenaline Peddlers: An Interview With the Band Scythian". Washingtonian. 26 February 2008. Retrieved 19 August 2010.
  7. "About Us". ScythianMusic.
  8. https://www.facebook.com/crosbyjosef/posts/1197390003687482
  9. https://pigeonkingsmusic.com/
  10. "Celtic Fling Program" (PDF). PA Renn Faire.
  11. "Josef Crosby of The Pigeon Kings: The Concept of Redemption". Alan Mercer's PROFILE.
  12. "ROOTS & STONES *NEW RELEASE*". ScythianMusic. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
  13. "Little Hill Trio To Release First CD At Appaloosa Fest Over Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-4". HuffPost. 29 August 2016.
  14. "More NOM 'March For Marriage' musical weirdness; why you won't find any Google hits for UltraMontane". Good As You. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  15. "NOM's Anti-Gay March Is Breaking Up The Boys In The Band". ThinkProgress.
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