Scythia

Formed in the latter half of 2008, Scythia is a five piece band that combines haunting folk melodies (emphasized by keyboards and oboe) with the driving force of modern progressive metal to form a raw and powerful sound that is their own. Scythia is not your older brother’s metal band. Unless that band had an oboe of death, echoes of thunder, and a knack for writing folk metal tunes.

So what is Scythia? Taking its name from vocalist/guitarist Dave Khan’s infatuation with a painting of Nordic/Russian warriors riding bears while brandishing swords, Scythia not only “gives the painting musical significance,” but it is also “the name of an ancient empire spanning from the Caucasus through Russia, and even into eastern Scandinavia. The melodies used in our music have a very ancient, sometimes medieval sound, so I wanted to attribute them to an ancient civilization,” says Khan. In 2010, Scythia released its debut, “…Of War” (originally with violin) which was produced by Shaun Thingvold who has engineered on projects with SYL, Fear Factory, Darkest Hour and many more. Now, following some line-up changes, Scythia will be releasing its second album “…Of Exile”, again produced by Shaun Thingvold September 23, 2011. CR: I wanna thank you for taking time out of your schedule to talk with me and Rogue Magazine’s Hearing Aid . How Are You? 

Scythia: As I'm writing this... It's past 1:30 am, I should be tired, but alas, I have some sort of unusual energy keeping me awake

CR:...iiight lets do this!!! Aside from music and what is written in your bio, tell us something about you that your fans don’t know.

Scythia: Most of the time, we are working day jobs and in the world occupying other roles.

CR:What experience do you value more and in turn get more personal satisfaction from as an Scythia: The creative process of making a song from the thoughts, inspirations and feelings to the writing, producing and/or recording of that song OR performing the finished track at one of your live shows and feeling/ seeing the crowds positive reaction and love for your musical genius.

Scythia: That's a loaded question as they are both very important.  Personally, I lean a little more towards the songwriting and producing as those are permanent impressions whereas the excitement of a live show is fickle.

CR: Aside from me (hahaha) who are some indy musicians you would love to have the opportunity to collaborate and work with.

Scythia: It would be damn cool to work with Celtic Legacy out of Ireland.  One of the few Celtic Metal bands ACTUALLY from Ireland.  Check out the Resurrection and you'll know what I mean!  

CR: Talk about the musical environment that you consciously chose to immerse yourself in that helped foster the development of your fundamental musical skills such as the self-examination of your strengths and individuality, creating improvisational music, and writing/performance techniques; shaping your musical competence and helping you discover your unique voice that your fans are blessed with in your musical creations.

Scythia:  I grew up in a fairly small town so I had limited exposure to others.  Fortunately, I had a great jazz guitar teacher who taught me rock with a little bit of a jazz feel.  I don't know how, but I learned a great deal about music theory along the way and it's really helped me in being able to compose more articulate songs.

CR: If I stole your iPod/iPhone/iPad or MP3 player...aside from my songs and Rogue Mag’s The Book Of Angels video podcasts what else would I find.

Scythia:Yoga music, vocal demos, art rock, progressive metal, Alan Parsons

CR: For all of our readers who will hear some of your songs, read the interview and become instant fans; tell them where they can learn more about you, your music, any upcoming projects, events or albums. Tell everyone your website addresses?

Scythia:www.scythiafolkmetal.com  http://scythia.bandcamp.com, www.scythiafolkmetal.com, www.facebook.com/scythiametal Latest project is called Nerdfest: A night of medieval fantasy.  Set to debut in Vancouver on November 19th, 2011 at the Rickshaw theater.  It will be a variety show featuring LARPing, Magic the Gathering, three medieval rock/metal bands, costume prizes, swordfighting, etc.  Part of this is to showcase Scythia as a theatrical metal band.

CR: Cool, on behalf of the Rogue Mag I wanna personally thank you for taking the time out to chit-chat with me. Keep on pushing and we will work together again!!!

Scythia:  Rock on!