Scythian is a Celtic rock/Americana band based in the DC Metro Area that formed in 2002. 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. The band was named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythians, due to the Ukrainian ancestry of Alexander and Danylo Fedoryka.
Since its inception, Scythian developed from a group of street performers in Alexandria, Virginia, to the 2009 winner of Washington City Paper's Best of DC 'Best Local Band' competition. In 2004 the band scored a brief appearance in the M. Night Shyamalan film The Village. The band has toured extensively on the East Coast. The UB Post describes their sound as a mix of Celtic, Klezmer, Gaelic, Gypsy and Rock.
The band currently comprises brothers Alexander Fedoryka (Violin/Mandolin/Electric Tenor Guitar/Harmonica/Bass/Vocals) and Danylo Fedoryka (Rhythm Guitar/Accordion/Vocals), as well as band members Ethan Dean (Bass/Upright Bass/Guitar/Mandolin/Sub Synth/Percussion/Vocals) and Alex (Animal) Kuldell (Percussion/Drums/Vocals).
Band members
Current Source: Alexander Fedoryka: Vocals, Violin, Mandolin, Electric Tenor Guitar, Harmonica, Bass Danylo Fedoryka: Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Accordion Ethan Dean: Vocals, Percussion, Bass, Upright Bass, Mandolin, Guitar, Sub Synth Alex (Animal) Kuldell: Vocals, Drums, Percussion
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 Johnny Rees: Drums, Percussion, Vocals
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.https://www.facebook.com/crosbyjosef/posts/1197390003687482 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.https://pigeonkingsmusic.com/ Their first show was at Celtic Fling in PA June 2017. Former Scythian drummer Andrew Toy later joined Pigeon Kings.
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 Quaranstream: The Album, 2021 Christmas Out At Sea, 2023
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.
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.
References
External links Official Scythian Web Page Pittsburgh City Paper Interview The Washington Post 'Immigrant Road Show' album review Andrew Toy Web Page Josef Crosby's post explaining why he is no longer with Scythian