Raise a glass with Celtic-Americana fusion band Scythian to kick off the 2023-24 10x10 Arts Series. Somewhere between a barn-dance and a rock concert experience, enjoy roots music from Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian traditions, memorable for its thunderous energy, technical prowess and storytelling through song.
The classically trained Fedoryka brothers, Alexander (vocals, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica) and Danylo (vocals, guitar, accordion) grew up on Ukrainian folk-rock, and Ethan Dean (vocals, upright and electric bass, percussion, guitar) was raised on ‘60s and ‘70s rock hits. Meanwhile, Louisiana-raised Johnny Rees (vocals, drums, percussion) brings a Cajun backbeat to the Celtic-Americana, fusion giving Scythian yet another dimension which keeps audiences entertained and moving.
Ahead of their performance at 7 pm on Sunday, Sept. 10, we asked Danylo Fedoryka questions about the group’s inspiration and performance.
What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?
We grew up playing classical music and though we loved the music, we really missed a personal connection with the audience. This desire to connect is at the root of our show experience, so audiences should come ready to be engaged and be part of the show.
From where do you draw inspiration for your art?
Our mother was a Julliard-trained concert pianist and taught us our instruments. She taught us that beauty will touch hearts and save the world and so we draw inspiration from this encounter with beautiful melodies and harmonies. We also draw inspiration from authentic festivity – performers who really connect with what they're doing and aren't afraid to show their enthusiasm. The Celtic tradition really grabbed our attention since it seems to have all these elements. My brother and I grew up speaking Ukrainian, in a Ukrainian household, so we also got to live the lifestyle of Old-World celebrations. It's part of who we are.
What drew you to this performance field?
My mother taught us our instruments and we performed as a family around the country. Mostly nursing homes, Rotary clubs and the like, but also The Kennedy Center in D.C. and Wolftrap International Children's Festival. We've been performing since we were children, but the power of folk music really drew us since it is so multi-generational and serves a purpose of engaging and drawing people into the festivity.
Is there a story behind how you chose your name?
My brother Alex and I started out as street performers in Old Town Alexandria playing for gas money. We were just students, but the response was tremendous. We would have crowds of over 100 people gathering. We had never thought of being a band, but one day someone asked what our band name was and Alex said "Scythian" (without consulting me). I asked him why that name? He said: "The Scythian's settled in the Black Sea region and were unconquerable until they met the Celts. It reminded me of us – Ukrainians who were conquered by a love of Celtic music." So, it stuck. And over the years it makes sense since the Scythians were a cultural melting pot and we're a musical melting pot.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
We usually like to sing a few a cappella songs just to unite our voices in harmony and lock in that way, and we always start every show with a secret handshake!
Pick 5 words that best describe your work.
Energy. Eclectic. Joyful. Infectious. Captivating. You have to see it to understand it since tabbing us under a genre just doesn't do it.
What is the best advice that you have been given?
My mother taught us: "Each soul will live on forever. If only one person shows up at your show, you owe it to them to give the best performance you can give. Because each soul is infinite, it deserves 100% from you." Some days we'll play for 10,000 people and others 75 – you can struggle with disappointment when the numbers don't show up, but then I remember this advice and always feel better stepping out on the stage.
Do you have a favorite part of your set to perform?
Anything with harmonies! I am a harmony guy and love making music with my friends, so there are a lot of harmonies in our show. There's something so great about feeling all four of our voices going out in a wall of sound.
What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?
Playing for the president on St. Patrick's Day in the U.S. Capitol is a huge highlight. Closing out the main stage at World Youth Day after the Pope in Sydney Australia for 300,000+ people was surreal; meeting legends like Doc Watson, Liam Clancy, Tommy Makem, Levon Helm shortly before they died are among a few of the many, many stories we've gathered.
What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?
We founded our own roots music festival called Appaloosa which takes place every Labor Day Weekend near Washington D.C. and we have a Spotify Playlist of this year's lineup. I've really been enjoying listening to all the young talent. Our hashtag is #WhereYouFindTheNextBigThing and so most of the acts are undiscovered, but hungry and bursting with talent.