Tired Cossack

About

Tired Cossack is a solo project by Stephen Levko Halas, blending shoegaze, indie rock, and post-punk with songwriting inspired in large part by Ukrainian folklore and tales. Since starting in 2020, he has quickly made a name for himself releasing various singles, 2 EPs and 2 LPs
 

His songwriting can bounce between humour and despair, love and longing, storytelling and self-reflection. His sound takes cues from modern shoegaze and Cold War-era post-punk. Expectations are shattered as hookie pop melodies burst forward with heavy intensity and fuzzy aggression. This emotional versatility combined with his unique sonic influences has made Tired Cossack standout locally and beyond.

Tired Cossack's live shows feature a full band consisting of members previously from touring bands like Yes We Mystic, Zrada, and more. Their live set is full of energy, passion, talent, and humour, with an inviting vibe that compels the crowd to truly engage with their performances. Their ability to swing freely and effortlessly between genres, which presents a paradoxical yet harmonious mix of emotions and sensibilities, combines with catchy rhythms and hooks that make for a captivating show.

Since 2022, the full band has skyrocketed from playing their first show to regularly selling out local performances and playing festivals such as Real Love Summer Fest, Winterruption, and more. After Levko was forced to pause the project to receive treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2024, Tired Cossack embarked on their first Canadian tour no more than two-weeks after his final chemo dose and has not looked back since. Levko's fiery spirit is renewed and continues to blaze in his eyes. With over 20 songs already tracked and even more in the demo folder, Tired Cossack hurtles forward, ironically tireless.