Dlugokecki

Dlugokecki is a UK live band based in Southampton. It is led by singer and songwriter Ben Dlugokecki and is sometimes a trio, although its line-up includes a wider pool of musicians. The name is pronounced Der-loo-go-ken-ski.

Style and sound

The band draws on a broad set of influences, from Paul Simon and James Taylor to later artists such as Elbow and David Gray. Its songs move between gentle piano-and-guitar ballads and larger, emotional, upbeat material.

Recording and releases

Before attracting outside industry attention, Ben Dlugokecki records four self-produced albums at home. He then signs a production deal with Off The Wharf Productions, a music production company co-owned by Neil Kerr and Mark Hill, who is known for work with Artful Dodger and Craig David. The partnership leads to two singles, mixed at Metropolis in London and released through Cherrywood Records, followed by the studio album Before The Storm, which is mixed in the United States.

In 2007, Dlugokecki completes and releases a debut album through the independent label And Records. In 2010, the band releases a 34-track double album covering ten years of Dlugokecki, and marks it with a tour and a sell-out hometown show. In 2019, it releases five singles: “The Bliss”, “Lightyears”, “Sure”, “You Don’t Even Know Who You Are” and “X10”. In 2023, it returns with “The Optimist” and “The Dreams of a Kamikaze Pilot”. “The Optimist” spends two weeks at number one in the South Coast Chart.

Career highlights

Ben Dlugokecki reaches the final eight of the Sennheiser Best Unsigned Artist competition in 2004 from 2,000 entries. He also plays the 2005 ASCAP showcase at the London Barfly. His music appears in the iTunes Music Store, he is named artist of the month on Sky’s Musician’s Channel, and his debut music video is played daily there.

The band’s music is used on Channel 4’s Ny-Lon, and four tracks are later featured heavily in episodes of Hollyoaks. Dlugokecki also records at Metropolis Studio in London and spends a twelve-day session in Ibiza.

Live performances and collaborations

Dlugokecki performs alongside Corinne Bailey Rae, Paddy Casey, The Bluetones, Nerina Pallot, Battle, John Power of Cast and The La’s, and Sandi Thom. It also plays with Snow Patrol and Lu Lu in shows that draw large audiences, including a 2006 Christmas show in Southampton that sells out.

Members

Current members include Ben Dlugokecki on vocals, keys and acoustic guitar; Boyd on drums; Aidan Hampson on bass guitar; Tim Jackson on lead guitar and production; Stu Brewer on lead guitar; Lottie Cuthbert on vocals and violin; Zan Wilkinson on cajón and harmonica; and Andy Wild on piano. Former members include Kelly Hampson, Marie Kitchen, Loz, Roxanne Johns, Neil Kerr, Garry Wood and Ben Ward.