- Year of foundation: 2018
- City: Kyiv (Ukraine)
- Language: Ukrainian
- Genre: traditional Ukrainian music
Group composition
- Denys Ivaniv
- Dmytro Kokoshko
- Margarita Kokoshko
- Stepan Andrushchenko
- Sofia Andrushchenko
- Yaryna Sizyk and others
Group history
Pikefish is a Ukrainian folklore group formed at the Ivan Honchar Museum in Kyiv. The group has been going strong since 2018. The founders of the group were immersed in the atmosphere of folk art from childhood. The musicians grew up literally in the courtyard of the Ivan Honchar Museum, where they constantly visited exhibitions, dances and concerts. It was there that their first musical rehearsals took place. And since then, folk culture has become an integral part of the artists' lives. They admit: from the very beginning they were immersed not just in music, but in the world of folklore - real, deep, living.
The basis of the ShchukaRyba group was a group of people with musical and folklore education. All of them already had significant experience in participating in various creative projects. The members of the group were united by a common interest in traditional music. The artists went to events together, spent their leisure time, and exchanged ideas. And finally, they came to the conclusion that it was worth starting cooperation within their own group, where everyone could realize their knowledge and skills.
The name was also chosen collectively and not immediately. They settled on "Pike-Fish". This is a folklore image and a stable phrase that is often found in folk texts. There are no hidden meanings in the name. It's just a good sound and the case when the words arouse curiosity and are easy to remember.
The creative path
At first, the group "Pike-Fish" focused exclusively on singing. However, after about a year and a half, the participants came to the conclusion that there were significantly fewer performers of traditional Ukrainian music than singing groups. In Kyiv, such musical groups could be counted on the fingers of one hand. And there were almost no young people among them. This prompted the expansion of the musical group.
Like-minded people began to gather. Mostly those who already had experience playing or aspired to develop in this direction and at the same time shared the vision of the format of future parties. The musicians played in the open air, performed at various events and even participated in commercial events. Initially, the composition was limited to six participants. However, over time, both the vocal and instrumental parts of the group gradually replenished with new people.
According to the recognition of the group member, folklorist Yaryna Sizyk, real popularity and recognition came after a full-scale invasion, when Ukrainians began to actively take an interest in their own roots. With their activities, ShchukaRyba launched a new wave of young Ukrainian groups. Interestingly, the audience that attends the group's dance parties is mainly young people. The musicians play authentic Ukrainian music, and people dance around them.
Both loyal fans and random passersby who simply pass by, stop, listen and, interested, come closer join in the dance. The atmosphere of the evenings is sincere and relaxed: some come to relax, some to chat or just have fun moving. Thus, the musicians prove that everyone can dance and indulge in a special atmosphere - both stars and ordinary Ukrainians. The most popular venue for the band's live shows is Artists' Alley in Kyiv.
The band's style and development
The band ShchukaRyba doesn't just play music - it revives Ukrainian traditions. At the heart of the band's work are authentic singing and folk melodies that were heard even before the Soviet cultural transformations. The combination of live music, songs and dance recreates the ancient tradition of the Ukrainian village. After all, once compositions were created not for the stage, but for people - for joint leisure, joy and unity. This is a kind of revival and transfer of folk culture to the modern urban space.
The participants of ShchukaRyba are open to creative cooperation. Thus, in collaboration with Yaroslav Tatarchenko, guitarist Yevhen Pugachev and Mykhailo Birchenko from Hyphen Dash, the experimental freckles "All the Chickens" and "Galynonka" were created.
Among the band's other compositions that quickly became popular:
- "It's Not a Swallow" (together with Bunht and Yevhen Puhachov)
- "Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh, There Was a Daughter in Father's House"
- "What's Holy" (together with Bunht and Yevhen Puhachov)
- "Balada" (together with Alina Pash)
In collaboration with electronic musician Bunht and guitarist Yevhen Pugachev ShchukaRyba released the album "What is sacred...". The release is presented by five compositions. The sound of the tracks effectively combines traditional Ukrainian music and modern electronic sound.
Social activity
The members of the ShchukaRyba band not only preserve and popularize traditionstive Ukrainian music, but also actively volunteer in difficult times for the country. From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, the artists joined in weaving camouflage nets in Kyiv. This daily rhythm helped to keep themselves in check, organized their thoughts and allowed them to better overcome the psychological stress.
Despite the war, the musicians continue to develop Ukrainian culture. They organize performances, the announcements of which are published on their social networks. For ShchukaRyba, traditional music is not only art, but also a way to talk to people, support their spirit, and unite around Ukrainian identity.
Interesting facts about the band
- The band members starred in the musical film “Carols on Kudryavtsy”, performing authentic Ukrainian carols.
- In August 2022, the band performed as part of the second joint broadcast of DTF Magazine and the online radio Gasoline, dedicated to the 31st anniversary of Ukraine's Independence.
- A significant part of the article published in The New York Times is dedicated to the work of the ShchukaRyba band.
