Interview by: Nkro
Coming out of Canada`s west we have a Folk Metal band making waves. Scythia, who have been reaching top 10 lists throughout
Canada and we finally had the pleasure of talking with frontman Dave Khan, vocalist/guitarist of Scythia.
Hi! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us here at Voices From The Underground. How's everything in the band for the moment?
Of Exile is your second album so far. What would you describe as the major differences between this record and your Of War
recordings?
Almost everything is different. New line up means different style of musicianship. We paid more attention to getting it right, not just
getting it done. Also, the story throughout was a big change on Of Exile.
How would you describe the reactions your latest offering has been getting in the specialized press so far?
Mostly quite positive. Some people don't understand that we are trying to do something quite unconventional and it's funny to see
complaints that the record isn't heavy enough or straightforward enough. This shit makes me chuckle.
Is there a particular song that you prefer that you feel really stands out on the new record?
No. Each and every song has a different appeal to different people. Personally, I like For the King and Spirit of the Quest but that's
just because the mix and the performance turned out well.
What has been your main source or sources of inspiration musically and lyrically over the year?
Our own imaginations. I avoid trying to draw on too many contemporaries for inspiration lest I inadvertently end up sounding like them.
What do you feel you can offer to the worldwide audience with "...Of Exile"?
Medieval story-telling set to a blend of classic rock and progressive metal
You have released both albums "...Of War" and "...Of Exile" independently, has there been any label interest? Or do you prefer having
total control of your release?
Labels don't seem interested in doing more Than retaining their big name bands these days. We will stay indie unless something really
enticing and fair were to show up.
The artwork and lay-out of this latest release looks pretty amazing. Who is the artist who worked on this eye pleasing creation?
A local artist named Astrid Mayora. We just found her through word of mouth and were quite pleased with the results.
It seems that you were all very comfortable in the studio. Do you feel that making this record on your own terms ended up in a
better overall result?
Yes, working together during the recording and not having time constraints allowed us to truly relax and focus on the performance by
getting the nerves out of the way.
What is the songwriting process for Scythia like? Who brings the ideas? Are the songs born during rehearsals? Who is the main
songwriter?
It's an evolving process. I, Dave, used to write most of the material and present it to the band. Now, we write a little more
collectively during rehearsals.
Do you feel that the band's live set can be easily digested by those who have not had the opportunity to hear the band's music
previously?
I think the energy of the live set makes it more digestible than the record. We've never had a problem selling our live performance to
new listeners.
You recently toured Canada in support of your last album "...Of War", how was that?
A learning experience. This is a hell of a big country that requires careful planning to ensure good attendance at shows. We now
know this...
Are there any plans to take Scythia on the road outside of Canada – should the demand arise?
Yes... I shall not say more at present than it is a goal for 2012
How do you find the Metal scene in Canada?
They like extreme metal a lot. We seem to be outsiders that have to prove our value on a regular basis.
What's in the cards for Scythia in the next twelve to eighteen months?
Shooting a video, Nerdfest (a medieval/fantasy variety show), and then a larger tour next year, also releasing an ep of some remixes.
Any last words? It's all yours...
Hit us up on Facebook or Twitter we love talking to people and check out the new album on bandcamp or iTunes.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scythia/254231525306
Twitter: http://twitter.com/scythiametal
Bandcamp: http://scythia.bandcamp.com/
Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/scythia/id356017697
WEB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scythia/254231525306
Canada and we finally had the pleasure of talking with frontman Dave Khan, vocalist/guitarist of Scythia.
Hi! Thanks for taking the time to talk to us here at Voices From The Underground. How's everything in the band for the moment?
Of Exile is your second album so far. What would you describe as the major differences between this record and your Of War
recordings?
Almost everything is different. New line up means different style of musicianship. We paid more attention to getting it right, not just
getting it done. Also, the story throughout was a big change on Of Exile.
How would you describe the reactions your latest offering has been getting in the specialized press so far?
Mostly quite positive. Some people don't understand that we are trying to do something quite unconventional and it's funny to see
complaints that the record isn't heavy enough or straightforward enough. This shit makes me chuckle.
Is there a particular song that you prefer that you feel really stands out on the new record?
No. Each and every song has a different appeal to different people. Personally, I like For the King and Spirit of the Quest but that's
just because the mix and the performance turned out well.
What has been your main source or sources of inspiration musically and lyrically over the year?
Our own imaginations. I avoid trying to draw on too many contemporaries for inspiration lest I inadvertently end up sounding like them.
What do you feel you can offer to the worldwide audience with "...Of Exile"?
Medieval story-telling set to a blend of classic rock and progressive metal
You have released both albums "...Of War" and "...Of Exile" independently, has there been any label interest? Or do you prefer having
total control of your release?
Labels don't seem interested in doing more Than retaining their big name bands these days. We will stay indie unless something really
enticing and fair were to show up.
The artwork and lay-out of this latest release looks pretty amazing. Who is the artist who worked on this eye pleasing creation?
A local artist named Astrid Mayora. We just found her through word of mouth and were quite pleased with the results.
It seems that you were all very comfortable in the studio. Do you feel that making this record on your own terms ended up in a
better overall result?
Yes, working together during the recording and not having time constraints allowed us to truly relax and focus on the performance by
getting the nerves out of the way.
What is the songwriting process for Scythia like? Who brings the ideas? Are the songs born during rehearsals? Who is the main
songwriter?
It's an evolving process. I, Dave, used to write most of the material and present it to the band. Now, we write a little more
collectively during rehearsals.
Do you feel that the band's live set can be easily digested by those who have not had the opportunity to hear the band's music
previously?
I think the energy of the live set makes it more digestible than the record. We've never had a problem selling our live performance to
new listeners.
You recently toured Canada in support of your last album "...Of War", how was that?
A learning experience. This is a hell of a big country that requires careful planning to ensure good attendance at shows. We now
know this...
Are there any plans to take Scythia on the road outside of Canada – should the demand arise?
Yes... I shall not say more at present than it is a goal for 2012
How do you find the Metal scene in Canada?
They like extreme metal a lot. We seem to be outsiders that have to prove our value on a regular basis.
What's in the cards for Scythia in the next twelve to eighteen months?
Shooting a video, Nerdfest (a medieval/fantasy variety show), and then a larger tour next year, also releasing an ep of some remixes.
Any last words? It's all yours...
Hit us up on Facebook or Twitter we love talking to people and check out the new album on bandcamp or iTunes.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scythia/254231525306
Twitter: http://twitter.com/scythiametal
Bandcamp: http://scythia.bandcamp.com/
Itunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/scythia/id356017697
WEB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scythia/254231525306
