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For the past 11 years, St. Johns, Nfld based roots band Sochna (pronounced sha kahw naa) have evolved from kitchen party band to one of the top roots bands in the city. They play a mixture of Traditional Newfoundland, bluegrass, Celtic, folk and some old rock and roll music and are known for their tight harmonies and high energy shows on stage.
Darrin Feehan - was born in St. Johns, NL, but he grew up in Outer Cove. His family moved there when he was 11. His favorite music has always been Irish, but he developed a taste for all genres such as country, blues, jazz, rock and roll, classical and bluegrass. Darrin has always loved the music of the 40s and 50s especially the Big Band era. Some of his favorite artists who helped develop his love of music are the Carlton Showband, Sons of Erin & Ryans Fancy. He learned the accordion at age 6 and was heavily influenced by his father Frank Feehan, who was a master accordion player. He also plays a little guitar, mandolin and the bodhran. In 1999, along with Jim Carroll, Darrin formed Sochna.
Wayne James - influenced by country & bluegrass music primarily. Wayne James joined Sochna along with former members Steve Knight and Charlie Shallow in September, 2001. Wayne has many talents, the least of which is his mastery of the guitar and the mandolin. Wayne is also a prolific song writer. He has penned the likes of Beacon, Halls Bay Fisherman, Standing on the Corner and Goin Away. His new song Summertime will soon be released by the band on their upcoming CD, set to be released in February 2008.
Jim Feehan - Jim Feehan joined the band in July, 2004. His musical influences range from Garth Brooks to classic rock and include just about everything in between. Probably the greatest inspiration for Jim would have to be Stan Rogers. Jim's first taste of a performing group would be when he joined the Outer Cove Concert Crowd when he was 16. At 20 Jim began playing in several pubs in and around St. John's until he moved to Alberta and eventually helped create the only Celtic band in central Alberta, St. James Gate. Jim lends his guitar, bodhron and vocals to Sochna.

Steven Rowe - was raised in South River, a small town tucked between Brigus and Bay Roberts. Having become interested in the piano at a young age, he enrolled in the Royal Conservatory programme at a local music school but soon after chose to pursue his own musical direction and gave up taking lessons altogether. A diehard fan of traditional Newfoundland and Irish music from a very young age, when the opportunity presented itself in highschool to become part of a performance celebrating this music, he jumped at the chance. That performance initiated some close friendships and ultimately grew into the formation of a band known as Ocean Skye. Over the years that Ocean Skye enjoyed humble success, the tightly knit group were nominated for two MIA Awards, produced an album which still gets requested on the local airwaves and helped Steven to forge some important friendships in and around St. John's, enabling him to stay involved. Keeping busy with a trio formed some years later known as Kilcullen, Steven took a break when the lead singer of that group headed west, until the offer was made to come along and jam with Siochana. Bringing keys into a predominantly string based group not only changed the sound, but enabled Siochana to broaden their repertoire considerably and reach a greater audience. Steven still resides in South River with his family, his dog, and his three pianos.
Bruce Mesh - is one of the original members of Sochna and the group's bass guitar player. His influences came while listening to his parents' 8-track recordings of "Harry Hibbs", "The Carlton Showband", and "The Irish Rovers" (to name just a few) as well, he was enthusiastic about heavy metal rock. With the emergence of "The Wonderful Grand Band" in the early 80's, this gave Bruce a new appreciation for Irish & Newfoundland traditional music...He's been a lover of the genre ever since.... (he seldom listens to anything else!). "Ryan's Fancy", "The Clancy Brothers" and the late "Luke Kelly (The Dubliners)" rank among his greatest influences. During his high school years Bruce played bass in a garage band "Feedback" with some close buddies. In addition to bass guitar, he also plays acoustic guitar, tin whistles, mandolin and bodhran. He's played in several other bands over the years including pub band "Companion Waye", the RNC/RCMP group "Justice Combined", and "The Outer Cove Concert Crowd".

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