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play lo-fi play hi-fi  Cheremshyna in Ukrainian
play lo-fi play hi-fi  Cheremshyna in English
play lo-fi play hi-fi  Name on a wing
play lo-fi play hi-fi  Chervona Ruta English adaptation
play lo-fi play hi-fi  We were once united (English mix)
play lo-fi play hi-fi  Ukrainian Carol Ziyshla Zorya : On iTunes 12/12/12
play lo-fi play hi-fi  We all have one address: Planet Earth
play lo-fi play hi-fi  Stepom in English acoustic version
play lo-fi play hi-fi  Ukrainian Carol God Eternal (Boh Predvichniy)
play lo-fi play hi-fi  Tak Chy Ni (Yes or no)
"The Ukes" is a collective of musicians who share a passion for playing Ukrainian music. We normally play as a 3 piece, and sometimes as a duet. I also do solo gigs as Stepan aka "Ludwig", the nick name I am known by in the UK Ukrainian community. Our style is alternative, taking traditional Ukrainian music and performing with what are hopefully unique interpretations. We also perform my English language translations of Ukrainian songs. I was the original accordionist with British indie folk rock band The Ukrainians for taking their first eponymous release on tour, and recording and co-writing for Vorony, Kultura and The Smiths EP. I also do session musician work, info at www.the-ukrainian.co.uk.
I am a qualified gym instructor and swimming teacher www.fitness-programmes.com and www.swimming-teacher.com ,
but the music will never stops, speaking of which, you will find my iTunes releases here http://www.the-ukrainian.co.uk.
You can also book Zhnyva by visiting this link. They are an accomplished function band that I have played with since before my time with The Ukrainians and still play with now. We offer a blend of Ukrainian and non Ukrainian music for whatever occasion, and past clients have included The Houses of Parliament in London!

Why this name?
The word "Ukes" or "Ukies" is an abbreviated term for Ukrainians that many people of Ukrainian decent in the English speaking world use, much like Brits for British or Iti's for Italians. We do not currently use Ukelele's which Ukes is also an abbreviation for.
Do you play live?
Yes I/we play live, everything from Ukrainian traditional dance functions, to world music festivals, to specialised music clubs. So far appearances have ranged from Canada, to Britain, France and Germany.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
I think the internet and MP3 technology serve as a great levelling ground, a way of helping the public choose what they want to listen to rather than letting a select few fashion guru/music moguls decide for them. The whole process of delivering music to listener then becomes more open, and more honest. I think the different ways of delivering music, new and established, can co-exist and offer more choice to the public.
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
Possibly, but not if it was at the expense of being allowed to be who we really are just to please some PR image maker somewhere. Already having been in a signed band, I'm not as easily dazzled by the prospect. The advent of the Internet and just getting out there and doing our stuff has been just fine! To be tempted, it would have to be a good deal for the bands long term development, which requires a belief in a bands artistic, and not just profit making potential.
Band History:
"The Ukes" came into existence almost by accident, as a response to a request by Carsten, a friend of mine from Germany who was a fan of my accordion playing during my time as accordionist and co-songwriter with "The Ukrainians". He asked if I could put a show together for a festival, which I did. This event, near Hanover, Germany, in Summer 2002, done in a folk/rock/world music style, was our debut live appearance. It was also the subject matter for our debut CD "Rokovyny" (Anniversaries), available by visiting our website www.theukes.com. Since then, other interest and concert offers has spurred "The Ukes" on to play when opportunities arise.
Equipment used:
Accordions, bass guitars, drums, mandolins, guitars and human voices.
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