Koda

Based in Symington, Lanarkshire, Scotland, KODA is an ongoing, youth accordion orchestra known for their Celtic sound. Formed by musical director Keith Dickson as the Keith Dickson Accordion Orchestra in the village of Closeburn, Dumfriesshire, Scotland in 1987, KODA originally featured young local accordion musicians. Throughout the ’90s, they regularly competed at the NAO U.K. Accordion Championships, where they took home a bevy of yearly awards. In 1999, they released their debut album, Mist in the Glen. Over the years, Dickson continued to usher young accordionists, but expanded the group’s sound, bringing in vocalists, fiddlers, bagpipers, guitarists, and other traditional instruments. In 2000, they changed their name to KODA to better reflect the broadened group approach, a sound showcased on 2002′s Tight Squeeze. Alternative Frequencies followed three years later, and further showcased the ensemble’s ever-evolving style. In 2009, they released their fifth album, Keepin’ It Reel, and performed at the MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. In 2012, they marked their 25th anniversary with a reunion of current and past members. A year later, they garnered yet more attention with a live performance at Scotland’s T in the Park Festival. ~ Matt Collar