Samodiva Nestya

Samodiva Nestya (Bulgarian for 'fire-dancing sirens') is a new Edinburgh-based 8-piece contemporary vocal folk music ensemble founded in July 2023. With three harmonising singers and an unusual variety of instruments and sounds, the band is unique in Scotland. The band comprises people from at least 7 countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Iran, Italy, Germany, Greece, Ireland are the ones we at least have passports from); 6 women and 2 men. Samodiva Nestya specialises in the folk music of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, with a unique take on songs and arrangements. Contamination of musical styles is key to this project, that blends together folk music from different traditions and countries, as well as traditional, classical, pop/rock, and contemporary music. The line-up consists of 3x vocals, violin, cello, clarsach, 2 percussionists and a multi-instrumentalists who plays accordion, double bass, mandolin, bozouki etc. The project also includes other performing elements such as dances and the use of traditional costumes. Within only one year of activity, the band has already played in some of the most iconic venues of Edinburgh (Pianodrome, The Cave, La Belle Angele); supported established musicians such as The Langan Band, Lizabett Russo and Blue Giant Orchestra; and played at two National Festivals (Kelburn Garden Party, Edinburgh Fringe). For more info on the musicians’ backgrounds, see individual short bios at the bottom of this document.