// Dlugokecki, plus very special guests, this Friday 9th July!

It's been 10 Years. And we're dead excited....

This Friday the band are playing an EPIC 2.5 hour show at CoCo Rio, Southampton - playing all of our best songs and we have special guests. We are very happy to welcome back Marie on Cello and some other special secret guests. The meal and main part of the show is sold out, however, at 9.45pm you can see the band play the closing of their set for free. They will be playing until 11pm. There is an aftershow party at 'Room Service' at Orange Rooms. The event is smart dress. Here is the information for the 90 people who have confirmed their place for the 10 Years Celebration.

You need to arrive for 7.30pm where there will be a champagne cocktail reception. It is a smart dress event - dresses, shirts, ties etc. If you have reserved a ticket, you just pay on the door (£25). If you could bring the exact money that will make getting in quicker innit (There are over 100 people coming!). If you are a vedgie or have any dietary requirements, please let me know ASAP. Once you are in, there are designated tables - all named after Dlugokecki classic songs. At 8pm the starter will be served - a collection of breads, meats, cheeses and picky food. The band will also open the night with a short set.

There will then be the main meal which is AMAZING. It is CoCo Rio's chili and rice - it is simply delicious. The pudding is then served - a chocolate fudge cake alongside lots of schmoozing and drinks. There is a lovely bar and waiting staff to take drinks orders. After the puddings are served, Dlugokecki will then play a big set that will close the evening. We will conclude our set at around 11pm.

At 11pm until 2am there is an aftershow party at Orange Rooms, Bedford place in the exclusive room called 'Room Service'. This posh, elegant and private room has been hired by us for us to get seriously on it! At 2am, I will be passing out! I simply can't wait!! If there are any more questions about the 9th of July, please get in contact via email (dlugokecki@mac.com) or facebook.

The address of CoCo Rio (It is just by The Pensioners Arms, Vodka Revs and Reflex in Bedford Place)

18A Upper Banister Street
Southampton, Hampshire SO15 2EF
023 8022 7700

// The day after, Come see us play the main stage at The Eastleigh Festival for FREE
(With Badly Drawn Boy!)
I'm sure the band and I will be exhausted, but some of us will be playing the main stage of the Eastleigh Festival on the 10th July at 12.30pm. It's free entry during the day. You can buy tickets for the evening part of the festival online, but please pop down and see us on the main stage. It will be super super fun!!

// And then, On Friday 16th July - I return home to Guildford!!!
On Friday the 16th July the band will be playing the newly refurbished 'The Star' in Guildford. Entry is £4.50 with a flyer and support comes from 11th Street and Ben Lovejoy. It would be great to see you there. We'll be onstage about 9pm.

You can buy the CD on i-tunes (link below) or on our online store - http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/

Love Benny

LONDON & BRISTOL ALL IN ONE DAY THIS SATURDAY! BOTH FREE SHOWS!

SATURDAY 29TH MAY - >>

BRISTOL - The Bristol Eco Fayre (1pm)
LONDON - The Distillers, The Regal Rooms, Hammersmith, London (8pm+)

The gigs so far have been AMAZING / FANTASTIC / CASHBACK. Southampton (Soul Cellar, The Hobbit & The Brook) were amazing, Oxford (The Port Mahon) was hilarious, The midlands (Nottingham, Brant Broughton, Derby) was incredible, Bournemouth (The Winchester) was a great gig, Reading (UKIP) & Brighton (The Providence) were perfect days out..... but we're only just getting started! I was ill this weekend due to tiredness so spent the day in bed on Saturday. I'm fully charged now and ready to get back on it all.....

This weekend we're playing TWO gigs in one day. At 1pm we're playing The Bristol Eco Fayre and at 8pm we're playing the amazing Regal Rooms in Hammersmith. The Regal rooms is one of our favourite venues. We'll be playing 2 15 minute sets throughout the night, so arrive for 8pm, drink some wine and watch some ace live music in this intimate and amazing venue.

// "10 YEARS OF DLUGOKECKI" ANNIVERSARY SHOW
On the 9th of July Dlugokecki celebrate their 10 years Anniversary. To celebrate this the band are playing a 2 hour set at Coco Rio in Southampton. This Smart dress event includes a 3 course sit down meal with schmoozing, dancing and a night out to remember. We will be playing most of the songs off of our new CD and will be carrying on the party into the wee hours. This truly is going to be an amazing night. Tickets are onsale now - the easiest way to buy a ticket is from our online shop - http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/.

// RAILWAY, WINCHESTER DATE - POSTPONED!
Unfortunately this Wednesdays planned gig at The Railway in Winchester has been postponed due to support acts pulling out & me still feeling a bit poorly. We will be rebooking a replacement show so watch this space.

// FIRST REVIEW OF "10 YEARS OF DLUGOKECKI" CD - 5 OUT OF 5

We haven't sent the CD out for review yet (waiting for the Anniversary show!) but 'The Mag' got hold of a copy and reviewed it for us!

THE MAG SAID.....

"10 Years Of Dlugokecki is a collection that reminds us just how many ace songs this band have gifted to us over the past decade. To be precise, there are 17 songs on the a-side of this record and a further 17 songs on the collection of rarities. It doesn't take long to find all my favourites on this record, the pop brilliance of 'Save My Soul', the acoustic guitar hooks of 'Belted In Safely', the anthemic 'Let This Be Right', the fast pace of 'Go Go Go' and the unspeakably excellent 'Clog Up The System'.
Most of these songs deserve special note, but you will no doubt already know which songs have a special meaning for you, for example if you had 'Set In Stone' played at your wedding. There is plenty going on with the second record too. This may be rarities, but it isn't a list of discarded demos, it even has 'Perfectionisitical', which is always a hit live.

This really is a brilliant record from an ace band."

You can buy the CD on i-tunes (link below) or on our online store - http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/

Love Benny
x

http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/
http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/
http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/
http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/
http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com/

Hi dudes,

Tomorrow, my band 'Dlugokecki' are releasing '10 Years of Dlugokecki'. This 34-Track collection is available on a double-disc CD or download from i-tunes/Amazon/HMV. Please have a look at our online store, and hopefully we'll see you at one of the shows!

http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com
http://www.myspace.com/dlugokecki

THERE MAYBE A ONE WEEK DELAY ON THE CD AS THE SUPPLIERS FORGOT ABOUT THE EASTER BREAK - BUT YOU CAN ORDER THE CD, T-SHIRTS & OTHER STUFF FROM THE NEW ONLINE STORE NOW!!! HERE'S A FEW THINGS THAT ARE GOING ON.....

> DLUGOKECKI ARE PLAYING 2 SONGS ON 'WAVE 105FM' TONIGHT AT 9PM.

> ON BBC RADIO SOLENT ARE PLAYING 2 DLUGOKECKI SONGS ON 'PHIL J
JACKSONS' SHOW TO COMMEMORATE THE LAUNCH OF THE CD.

> I WILL BE BEING INTERVIEWED FOR DEMON FM TOMORROW. I'LL POST THE LINK
WHEN I GET IT.

> AND TO TOP THAT OFF, WE'LL BE APPEARING LIVE ON SALLY TAYLOR'S BBC
BREAKFAST SHOW THIS SATURDAY (10TH APRIL).

> NEXT GIG..... FRI 9TH APRIL 2010, THE BROOK, SOUTHAMPTON.

We are pleased to be supporting our good friends 'The Rebs' at their album launch. The Brook is the best venue in Southampton, and this is the first of 22 gigs we will be playing across the UK. Come along, have a dance and pick up a free badge! Woo! If you want cheaper entry, let me know you're coming, I'll add you to our list!!!

'10 Years of Dlugokecki'
34 digitally re-mastered tracks available as a limited edition 2-disc CD and download.

CD ONE

1. Set In Stone
2. Save My Soul
3. Too Many Borders
4. Strobe Light
5. Arrive Like The Tide
6. Let this be Right
7. Belted In Safely
8. Calm Before the Storm
9. Go Go Go
10. Barricades
11. A Heaven to Believe in
12. Hope Song
13. Upon Landing
14. Year by Year
15. Right time / Wrong Time
16. Clog Up the System
17. Guide

CD - TWO (RARITIES)

1. I wish I
2. Shine On
3. Sold Out
4. Perfectionistical
5. Stolen
6. Ocean
7. Super Human
8. Watching the boats pass
9. Mary Mary
10. Drive
11. Left Unsaid
12. Howitzer
13. Afraid of Ghosts
14. Distance over time
15. I can’t wait to tell you how I feel
16. We are the losers
17. Piano Girl Plays

// '10 YEARS OF DLUGOKECKI' - WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT!

Ten years ago I recorded my first ever CD. It was mediocre at best.

This was back in the dark ages, when one blank CD cost £4 and the internet was as slow as a snail. Ten years on and ‘Dlugokecki’ is still going strong. With 6 albums made, thousands of albums sold and with adventures ranging from playing in New York’s ‘Harlem’, Strumming in front of Stonehenge as the sun went down, Stealing ‘Snow Patrols’ pizza, ‘The Proclaimers’ disturbing our Marie-Claire interview and 7 Amazing Xmas Xtravganza’s. The whole experience has been and remains very dear to me and one I’m constantly grateful for (and it’s always fun to name drop–Anyone remember Sandi Thom?).

The “10 Years of Dlugokecki” project is running from April until August. The general aim is to celebrate the 10 Years and the many adventures we’ve been on, to perform across the UK and share with you 35 songs we think are ruddy bloody good.

The double CD “10 Years of Dlugokecki” is released on Easter Monday (5th April 2010) by our new record label, Screech Records. The CD features 35 digitally re-mastered ‘Dlugokecki’ tracks, including never before released songs; personal and live favourites, alongside the new single ‘Strobe Light’. You will also be able to buy the double album via i-tunes, HMV and Amazon.

The tour really kicks off on Sat 24th April 2010 at The Soul Cellar Southampton. This is where I had my very first gig ever, way back in 2002. We will be premiering the new video for our single ‘Strobe Light’ and playing an epic set.

There is a special show on the 9th of July at ‘Coco Rio’ in Southampton, an elegant music venue and restaurant. This smart dress event will involve a sit down 3-course meal, drinking, schmoozing, celebratory giveaways and an exclusive 2-hour seated Dlugokecki performance from the whole band and very special guests.

// TOUR DATES.
Friday 9th April – The Brook, Southampton
Friday 16th April – The Port Mahon, Oxford
Saturday 24th April –The Soul Cellar, Southampton (Strobe Light Release Party!)
Friday 30th April – The Robin Hood, Nottingham
Sunday 2nd May – The Brewery Tap, Derby
Monday 3rd May – The Environmental Rock Festival, Southampton
Thursday 6th May – The Winchester, Bournemouth
Saturday 8th May – The Harvard, Reading
Saturday 15th May – The Providence, Brighton (Great Escape Festival)
Tuesday 18th May – The Weir Lounge, Bath
Wednesday 26th May – The Railway, Winchester
Saturday 29th May – Bristol Eco Fayre, Bristol
Saturday 29th May – The Regal Rooms, London
Sunday 30th May – Tonefest, Purbeck Hills
Saturday 19th June – The Purple Turtle, London
Friday 25th June – The Joiners, Southampton
Friday 9th July – CoCo Rio – 10 Years Anniversary Show*
Saturday 10th July - Eastleigh Festival, Eastleigh
Friday 16th July – The Star, Guildford
Friday 6th August – The Cellars, Portsmouth
Friday 13th August – Black Sheep, Isle of Wight
Saturday 14th August – The Talking Heads, Southampton

CLICK HERE (BUY NEW CD, MERCH ETC) - http://dlugokecki.bigcartel.com

34 digitally re-mastered tracks available as a limited edition 2-disc CD and download.

CD ONE

1. Set In Stone
2. Save My Soul
3. Too Many Borders
4. Strobe Light
5. Arrive Like The Tide
6. Let this be Right
7. Belted In Safely
8. Calm Before the Storm
9. Go Go Go
10. Barricades
11. A Heaven to Believe in
12. Hope Song
13. Upon Landing
14. Year by Year
15. Right time / Wrong Time
16. Clog Up the System
17. Guide

CD - TWO (RARITIES)

1. I wish I
2. Shine On
3. Sold Out
4. Perfectionistical
5. Stolen
6. Ocean
7. Super Human
8. Watching the boats pass
9. Mary Mary
10. Drive
11. Left Unsaid
12. Howitzer
13. Afraid of Ghosts
14. Distance over time
15. I can’t wait to tell you how I feel
16. We are the losers
17. Piano Girl Plays

// '10 YEARS OF DLUGOKECKI' - WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT!

Ten years ago I recorded my first ever CD. It was mediocre at best.

This was back in the dark ages, when one blank CD cost £4 and the internet was as slow as a snail. Ten years on and ‘Dlugokecki’ is still going strong. With 6 albums made, thousands of albums sold and with adventures ranging from playing in New York’s ‘Harlem’, Strumming in front of Stonehenge as the sun went down, Stealing ‘Snow Patrols’ pizza, ‘The Proclaimers’ disturbing our Marie-Claire interview and 7 Amazing Xmas Xtravganza’s. The whole experience has been and remains very dear to me and one I’m constantly grateful for (and it’s always fun to name drop – Anyone remember Sandi Thom?).

The “10 Years of Dlugokecki” project is running from April until August. The general aim is to celebrate the 10 Years and the many adventures we’ve been on, to perform across the UK and share with you 35 songs we think are ruddy bloody good.

The double CD “10 Years of Dlugokecki” is released on Easter Monday (5th April 2010) by our new record label, Screech Records. The CD features 35 digitally re-mastered ‘Dlugokecki’ tracks, including never before released songs; personal and live favourites, alongside the new single ‘Strobe Light’. You will also be able to buy the double album via i-tunes, HMV and Amazon.

The tour really kicks off on Sat 24th April 2010 at The Soul Cellar Southampton. This is where I had my very first gig ever, way back in 2002. We will be premiering the new video for our single ‘Strobe Light’ and playing an epic set.

There is a special show on the 9th of July at ‘Coco Rio’ in Southampton, an elegant music venue and restaurant. This smart dress event will involve a sit down 3-course meal, drinking, schmoozing, celebratory giveaways and an exclusive 2-hour seated Dlugokecki performance from the whole band and very special guests.

// TOUR DATES.

Friday 9th April – The Brook, Southampton
Friday 16th April – The Port Mahon, Oxford
Saturday 24th April –The Soul Cellar, Southampton (Strobe Light Release Party!)
Friday 30th April – The Robin Hood, Nottingham
Sunday 2nd May – The Brewery Tap, Derby
Monday 3rd May – The Environmental Rock Festival, Southampton
Thursday 6th May – The Winchester, Bournemouth
Saturday 8th May – The Harvard, Reading
Saturday 15th May – The Providence, Brighton (Great Escape Festival)
Tuesday 18th May – The Weir Lounge, Bath
Wednesday 26th May – The Railway, Winchester
Saturday 29th May – Bristol Eco Fayre, Bristol
Saturday 29th May – The Regal Rooms, London
Sunday 30th May – Tonefest, Purbeck Hills
Saturday 19th June – The Purple Turtle, London
Friday 25th June – The Joiners, Southampton
Friday 9th July – CoCo Rio – 10 Years Anniversary Show*
Saturday 10th July - Eastleigh Festival, Eastleigh
Friday 16th July – The Star, Guildford
Friday 6th August – The Cellars, Portsmouth
Friday 13th August – Black Sheep, Isle of Wight
Saturday 14th August – The Talking Heads, Southampton

‘Dlugokecki’ are absolutely delighted to announce that on the 5th April 2010 they are releasing ’10 Years of Dlugokecki’.

This collection is 34 digitally re-mastered tracks available as a limited edition 2-disc CD and download. The collection Includes ‘Set In Stone’ (As featured on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks & NY/Lon), ‘Save My Soul, ‘Too Many Borders’ and new single ‘Strobe Light’. The CD also features live and personal favourites alongside never before heard song from the Dlugokecki archive.

To celebrate the anniversary, the band are playing a 22 date tour of towns and cities across the UK. Check out the dates on the Dlugokecki Myspace Now!

You will be able to pre-order the CD from next Monday, alongside new merchandise and tickets!

P.s Here is a video of us Supporting British Hero Chesney Hawkes....

We're all buzzing in camp Dlugokecki, and not because we've been hanging around with champion quiz contestants or bees, because at the weekend we signed our first American Publishing deal. What does that mean exactly? This California based team have been working in the music industry for over 20 years and have links with major TV/Film/Radio broadcasters in the US. They've signed a deal with us for the right to use our songs for those purposes. Obviously if something gets played - Kerching. Andy Wild will be driving a sports car and I'll buy a real X-Wing!!!!

C Management announces the recent signing of Dlugokecki to a publishing and licensing representation deal with U.S. based strategic partners, Amado Music, LLC and PCJ/That Other Label.

The agreement was forged in an effort to secure placements for the artists' music in TV, advertising and film in the States. Southern California based Amado Music, LLC has been producing and licensing original music for advertising, TV and film, as well as producing CD and EP projects for indie singer-songwriters and bands for the past 20 years.

PCJ and That Other Label, both Southern California based independent record labels, (the two labels are sister companies, both owned by CEO Donna Nichols) have distribution channels in the U.S. and abroad and have been signing independent artists to distribution deals since 2003. Between them, the partners are armed with a wide network of Los Angeles film, TV and advertising contacts, background in A&R, radio promotion, a stint producing national television advertising campaigns and extensive knowledge of licensing contracts.

All parties are delighted with the new alliance, "It's our first serious effort to enter into the world of music licensing in the United States," says Mark Smith, Dlugokecki's manager.

In the year 2000 I constructed my very first CD under the act name 'Dlugokecki'. That was when a blank CD cost £4!

10 Years on, hundreds of songs and adventures later 'Dlugokecki' thunders on. So we aim to celebrate, reflect and enjoy ourselves.

In a couple of weeks more details will be released about '10 Years of Dlugokecki' so keep checking back!

// DLUGOKECKI SUPPORT CHESNEY HAWKES - 12TH FEBRUARY 2010!!

Come along to the Talking Heads on the 12th of February, we are supporting the mighty Hawkes. If you want to come along please send us an email - dlugokecki@mac.com. This will be our first show of 2010!!

// XTRAVAGANZA 7 - IT ALMOST DIDN'T HAPPEN!!

Due to a terrible illness - which actually could have been a strain of Swine Flu - I lost my voice on the day of Xtavaganza 7. All day I took Strepsils, Lockets, Soothers, Paracetamol and Lemsip. I arrived at the soundcheck and could not sing a note! I then downed a whole load of honey, lemon, lemsip and many other remedies. I was the most depressed I have ever been in my life. I was upstairs and I could hear the venue heaving down the stairs and I couldn't even speak, let alone speak. I think it was adrenaline, or maybe the concoction of drugs which got me through, When I managed to get through my first song in the warm-up I was so happy I kissed Rox!
Thankfully she didn't punch me - but I couldn't help it. I was overwhelmed with joy.

The gig ended up not being the most polished performance, but more of a miracle and I have never laughed as much in my life. Andy Wild rapped during 'Fairytale of New York' - donning his newly famous hat which we will be putting on ebay soon. It was simply Christmas filled fun and we can't wait to do it all again next year!

Here was the setlist -

Backstreets Back
Save My Soul
Set In Stone
Firelighter
Lifeboat
Run (With my Dad)
Howitzer
We didn't Start the Fire
A Heaven to believe in
Strobe Light
Too Many Borders
All Stations
----
Merry Christmas Everybody
Santa Baby
Merry Christmas Everyone
Fairytale of New York
Stop the Cavalry
Do they know it's Christmas Time?
----
Call me Al (With Rayguns Look Real Enough)

// SOUND OF THE C HITS THE BROOK

// BUY YOUR DLUGOKECKI XMAS XTRAVAGANZA 7 TICKETS IN ADVANCE!

Good morning everyone! I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd get up and have a brew. I'm turning into Andy Wild! There are very very few tickets left for Xtravaganza Seven - which takes place next Friday! Please please buy yours in advance by easily calling - 02380632601. Send me an email if you can't buy over the phone, and I'll reserve you a ticket.

This will be our 7th Dlugokecki Xtravaganza. It all started in Guildford in 2002 in a bar called Pews and has got bigger and madder as the years have passed. It is our annual end of the year party and the only opportunity we get to play Christmas classics. There are lots of surprises this year in our set, including a few special guests! We're playing a 1.5 hour set which will prob begin at 9.30pm, but the show starts with a bang.....

The gig kicks off at 7pm. 'Summers', one of my favourite bands ever, open the show. Don't miss them, they're awesome! We are supported also by the outstanding 'The Reservoirs', who have played 3 Xtravaganzas now! Also playing is our friends 'The Rebs' - who won the 'Road to V' competition and are headlining the Southampton Guildhall next year! Our best friends and possibly my favourite band in the world, 'The Warm' are main support (they've just released an amazing new EP) and 'Rayguns look Real Enough' are hosting the after show party which will go on until the wee hours!! Expect some awesome unique cover songs from this hilarious and talented pair. If that wasn't enough, 'The Ukulele Orchestra of Southampton' are also providing unique songs in between the acts!! So get your tickets now before they're gone!! We're very excited!

02380 632601!

// SUPPORTING CHESNEY HAWKES & CHUMBAWAMBA IN 2010!

'I am the one and only!'. The god of school discos everywhere and a hit that has resonated in students hearts for decades is coming to Southampton. It sounds too good to be true but yes, we are supporting him. We just had to. It's something to tell your children!! Tickets are onsale now - 02380632601. I'm sure it will be an awesome night and in fact, his other stuff is really good! Check him out on his website - http://www.chesneyhawkes.co.uk

And if that wasn't enough! 'I get knocked down, but I get up again!' - Yes, that's right guys, The 'Tubthumping' indie/folk outfit are coming to Southampton and we will be the support act for that too. Youtube them if you can, there are some bizarre films on there.

CHESNEY HAWKES - FEB 12TH 2009, TALKING HEADS
CHUMBAWAMBA - MARCH 12TH 2009, TALKING HEADS

// HEAR DEMOS OF 'LIFEBOAT' AND 'STROBE LIGHT'
'Lifeboat' and 'Strobe Light' have become our two live favorites this year and we're busy recording them for the new album. You can hear the very rough demos for two weeks only on our myspace - http://www.myspace.com/dlugokecki!

// CHECK OUT OUR YOU TUBE CHANNEL & TWO NEW FILMS!!
That's right folks - We have our own DLUGOKECKI Youtube channel. It has almost all the Dlugokecki films piled together - taken from people mobile phones and filmed with shaky hands, also our music video for Save my Soul is there. I have also added some rehearsal footage and 'Set in Stone' live from The Brook
Check it out: Click Here http://www.youtube.com/user/Dlugokecki2%23p/a/u/0/ca6zW4Tnxtg

See 'Set in Stone' from the Brook HERE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIF7J-9NEjQ
See 'Dlugokecki Rehearsal 2' HERE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kswYFv9b4gs

// BUY THE NEW 'LIVE IN THE USA' ALBUM VIA PAYPAL....
HERE

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8441420

I hope to see you soon - and Merry Christmas!!

Love Benny x x xx

It was a great night and I enjoyed every minute (well apart from when my tuning went mental on my guitar!). We were at The Brook supporting Ben's Brother, one of my favourite bands in the world. Andy got a Chinese with the guys, which I thought was a bad idea as playing on a full stomach makes baby jesus cry! Aidan bought me a nice pack of JLS stickers from the shop which made me smile!

The gig was awesome. Our set was:

SET IN STONE
SAVE MY SOUL
LIFEBOAT
A HEAVEN TO BELIEVE IN
FIRELIGHTER
STROBE LIGHT
HOWITZER
RIGHT TIME / WRONG TIME
TOO MANY BORDERS
ALL STATIONS

Jamie, lead singer of Ben's Brother asked me onstage and I looked a bit like a lemon dancing around but it twas fun. What a wicked night!

On my birthday the boys entered the studio to record the drums. These are the only photos I can show!!! The others have been taken by the FBI!

// New November shows added! Playing Every Wednesday!
We are excited to announce a series of live shows across the South. We're really sorry for those in the States and up north for our lack of commitment to you. We do still love you very much indeedy and will be coming to play near you when the new album is finished. For now, we're road-testing new songs and warming up for the massive TWO Christmas Xtravaganza shows, the highlight of our year!

WEDNESDAY 4TH NOVEMBER - THE BROOK, SOUTHAMPTON (SUPPORTING BEN'S BROTHER!!!!, FULL BAND)
> This gig is going to be amazing. I love Ben's Brother so so much. Last time we played with them it was the best gig we've ever played so we're excited about seeing Jamie again and rocking 'The Brook' stage. Tickets are £14 and we have them. All you need to do is email me and I'll arrange you tickets.....

WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER - THE RAILWAY, WINCHESTER (FULL BAND HEADLINER)
> This gig is a bargain at £4.50 with the flyer that is on our myspace. We're going to be roadtesting the new album material and pretty much rocking out in the legendary Winchester venue. Please come along. We're onstage at 10pm. Simply print off the flyer from our myspace and away you go....

WEDNESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER - THE SOUL CELLAR, SOUTHAMPTON (SOLO - BRAND NEW SONGS SET)
> I will be playing one old song, and the rest will be all new brand spanking new material, live for the first time. I'm onstage at 9.30pm I think so come along and have a coke, frazzles and/or a beer with me.

SUNDAY 22ND NOVEMBER - THE TALKING HEADS, SOUTHAMPTON
> This is our Xtravaganza warm-up show. I don't know many details about it yet, but we will be playing new songs to choose for our Xmas shows.

WEDNESDAY 25TH NOVEMBER - THE BROOK, SOUTHAMPTON
> This will also be an awesome night. Our management 'C Management' are putting on a massive showcase of talent at 'The Brook' and we've been invited to play.
Tickets are £8, and we're playing alongside great acts including 10p short, The Melodramas and The Queue. If you want a ticket, get in contact.

THURSDAY 26TH NOVEMBER - THE WINCHESTER, BOURNEMOUTH
> Back to Bournemouth for this one off special. The band will be playing new songs and old at this cool venue. Entry price is pretty cheap so pop along, see the sea and buy a stick of rock. Or a Malibu and coke.

// Xmas Xtravaganza Seven News (Yes, Dad will be singing again!)

FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER 2009, THE TALKING HEADS, SOUTHAMPTON

For the 7th Xtravaganza we're pulling out all the stops to make it an amazing show for you guys. Marie will be back for the Southampton show (hopefully with her red shoes) and we're playing some EPIC songs this year handpicked by the band - including classic Christmas covers and some major surprises. This show includes a 1.5 hour show by us which includes special guests (including my Dad!) and amazing handpicked support acts. So a lot of handpicking! We have loads to celebrate this year and it's going to be amazing when all 7 of us take to the stage again! Tickets have already started selling via Ticketmaster, Ticketweb and the Southampton Guildhall. Get yours today by calling 02380 632601 or email us (we'll have tickets by Monday!). Support comes from THE WARM, THE RESERVOIRS, THE REBS, SUMMERS & RAYGUN LOOK REAL ENOUGH. Doors open at 7pm with 'Summers' opening the show at 7.30pm. The venue is 14+

FRIDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2009, THE STAR, GUILDFORD

A return to my hometown (coincidentally where the very first Xmas Xtravaganza originated!). This will be another opportunity to see the set, and in a more intimate surrounding (the venue is half the size of the Talking Heads!). Tickets for this show will be onsale mid-Nov and I'll keep you posted on when they're ready!

// Live from the U.S.A. CD - Buy your copy now!!

The launch night on the 25th of September for our new LIMITED EDITION CD 'Live from the USA' was a massive success and a massive thank you for those who came along. It was def the hottest gig I've been to in all my days. The highlight for me was in 'Strobe Light' when everyone sat on the floor. Everyone looked like midgets. There is some footage of new songs 'Lifeboat' and 'Strobe Light' on you tube. See them HERE & HERE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trFjEIbNHMg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpAfBVkpN7w

The set list was:
FIRELIGHTER
THE WORLD STILL TURNS
LIFEBOAT
SET IN STONE
SAVE MY SOUL
A HEAVEN TO BELIEVE IN
RIGHT TIME / WRONG TIME
LET THIS BE RIGHT
HOWITZER
STROBE LIGHT (SOLO)
TOO MANY BORDERS
ALL STATIONS

You can buy a copy of the CD, which features 6 exclusive bonus live tracks by emailing us. The Paypal is down at the moment for some random reason!

// In the Studio

Boyd and Andy are in the studio today laying down the drums today while I celebrate my birthday. The tracks are sounding so exciting and I can't wait for you all to hear it. Our first proper full on album. Woo!!!!! Andy finished a demo of new song 'Stand in front of the tank', a song which I didn't think he would like - he cracked on with it and it sounds cashback! Madly exciting!

Lots of Love, Ben x x x

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SHOWBIZ PALS 'SALLY TAYLOR' FROM THE BBC NEWS INVITED US ONTO HER SATURDAY MORNING BBC RADIO SHOW FOR THE 5TH TIME

I don't like getting up early on a Saturday morning, but for Sally Taylor it's worth it! Not only do you get muffins, brownies and grapes - you get to play for the majesty of South today! We played 'Howitzer' and 'Right time/Wrong Time'.

DLUGOKECKI PLAY 'THE GIRLS NIGHT OUT TO REMEMBER' IN AID OF NAOMI HOUSE HOSPICE

This was so funny and random. As part of Southampton's fabulous Music in the City Festival 'Dlugokecki' played a 40 minute gig for the 400 women of the Naomi House Fundraising Night Walk - We were their warm-up act! I must admit, it was a pleasure playing in front of an audience of just ladies! We had a jolly time and carried the jolly time all the way to the public house down the road! Naomi House is an outstanding and brave place. Visit the website HERE

To Find out more about 'Music in the City' click HERE

'LIVE FROM THE USA' CD & DOWNLOAD - LAUNCHES FRI 25TH SEPTEMBER

On Friday 25th of September we're releasing our new spanking Live CD at our favourite venue 'The Talking Heads'in Southampton. We will be playing at 9.15pm for over 1 hour, then afterwards we will be partying and signing CDs like massive celebrities until the wee hours. We've invited four Southampton acts who we really rate to support us either side. So it's going to be an awesome night. It will also be the first time we will play as our new line up, as we have a new member - the amazing 'Roxanne Johns'. Cashback. There are also surprises planned which I'm very very excited about!!

You will be able to buy the new CD which is limited to only 300 copies at the gig! You will be able to pre-order the CD on paypal via our websites from next week. We've also made the price a bit of a bargain, as we're only releasing this as a bit of fun! The CD includes some gems I found on my hard drive - including my first BBC session, our David Gray support slot rendition of 'Too Many Borders' and a 4 year old version of 'Drive' recorded in Oxford.

There will be lots more live dates announced soon, we're just all very excited!

1. Let this be Right (Radio Edit)
2. Guide (Live from SXSW 2009)
3. Howitzer (Live from SXSW 2009)
4. Calm Before The Storm (Live from SXSW 2009)
5. Set In Stone (Live From SXSW 2009)
6. Right time / Wrong Time (Live from SXSW 2009)
7. Save My Soul (Live From SXSW 2009)
8. A Heaven to Believe in (Live from SXSW 2009)
9. Too Many Borders (Live from SXSW 2009)
10. Insecure (Live from SXSW 2009)
-------
CD Bonus Tracks:
11. Stolen (Live on BBC Brighton)
12. Drive (Live from the Oxford Carling Academy)
13. Save My Soul (Live on Original 106fm)
14. Why do radio presenters always hate me? (Live on Hampshire Radio)
15. Too Many Borders (Live at the Southampton Guildhall)
16. Strobe Light (Live from St Mary's Stadium)

You can buy cheap tickets for the gig (£4) from Ticketmaster or the Southampton Guildhall (02380) 632601) or you can use the flyer below

Press Release:
DLUGOKECKI ANNOUNCE ‘LIVE FROM THE USA’
& NEW SINGLE ‘LET THIS BE RIGHT’

Southampton based band ‘Dlugokecki’ are releasing their live recordings from the USA and their new single ‘Let this be Right’ on the 25th of September 2009. ‘Live from the USA’ will be released as an extremely limited 300 edition CD and a £2.49 download from i-tunes & Amazon.co.uk.

‘Live from the USA’ are the full live recordings of the bands successful performance in Austin, Texas as part of this years ‘South by Southwest Festival’. The band played an immensely poignant show which was organized and hosted by Tony Moore, the founding member of 80’s band ‘The Cutting Crew’ whose hit ‘(I just) Died in your arms tonight’ was a number one smash. The performance included songs from the 2 Dlugokecki albums ‘Before The Storm’ & ‘Let this be Right’, alongside new songs.

“We were main support to The Proclaimers” lead singer Ben Dlugokecki discussed. “We were backstage getting interviewed for Marie-Clarie and the Proclaimers were warming up making lots of noise. It was surreal. The gig was one of the best we’ve ever played and we got so much out of the experience. We were offered a whole tour of the USA in January 1010 and met loads of industry contacts. We partied hard after the show and met lots of our heroes including Graham Coxon (Blur) and the New York Dolls”.

“It’s great to have the recordings to listen back to” bassist Aidan continues. “We were sleep deprived beyond belief. We played two shows in New York before hand, we had quite a grueling interview schedule too but every step of the USA tour was awesome - apart from sharing a room with Ben!”

The Live CD includes previous singles ‘Set in Stone’ & ‘Save my Soul’, alongside the radio edit of new single ‘Let this be Right’. The CD also features previously unreleased songs including ‘Guide’, ‘Howitzer’, ‘Too Many Borders’ & ‘Insecure’. The CD also includes 6 bonus live tracks taken from various Dlugokecki performances including a BBC Radio Performance, Supporting David Gray, St Mary’s Stadium and other radio sessions.

The band have already had an amazing year. Alongside playing New York and Texas, the band played alongside ‘British Sea Power’ at this years Eastleigh Festival and had played their best performance to date at Southampton’s The Brook supporting ‘Ben’s Brother’.

The band release the 16 track CD on the 25th of September. The band will be playing a headline show at the Talking Heads, Southampton. Support comes from The Queue, The Saracens, The Blooms and Casablancas. Tickets can be bought from the Southampton Guildhall box office on: 02380 632601. Email dlugokecki@mac.com for more details.

// NEW STUDIO ALBUM HAS BEGUN....
On Thursday we began work on the new album. Read our Studio Blog on the myspace - http://www.myspace.com/dlugokecki

// Dlugokecki on Ebay & Amazon!
This made me laugh, there are Dlugokecki CDs onsale on Ebay that I don't even own! Rare CDs that I made years ago, didn't keep copies of, and sent out. I haven't bids on yet, but it made me laugh. I then did a google search on the band and found very random things, I didn't know we were on We7 and Spotify, and I didn't know we were on Amazon!

// Dlugokecki playing the Night Walk in aid of Naomi House for 'Music in the City'.
On Saturday the 12th of September the band will be playing at the launch of the night walk in aid of the amazing 'Naomi House'. The show is part of 'Music in the City' which is a massive Southampton event! Get involved!

PRESS RELEASE

Music in the City - Launches Saturday 12th September

Saturday 12th September sees the launch of “Music in the City” an exciting new project bringing music to the whole of Southampton

From amateur to professional and from ancient vault to modern office, the people will be the performers and the city the stage.

Working within every level of community ‘Music in the City’ will inspire hidden talent to pick up and instrument and encourage people to play in public for the first time.

Music in the City will promote the health benefits of music, such as the positive effects it can have on mental heath, agility and general wellbeing.

From 11am to 3pm, on Saturday 12th an eclectic mix of Southampton artists will perform in these city centre locations.
113 East Street Southampton St
St Michael the Archangel Church, Bugle Street, Southampton (11-2pm)
Quilter’s Vault, High Street, Southampton
Holyrood Church ruins, High Street, Southampton
Southampton Central Railway Station footbridge
Red Funnel Terminal
Naomi House Moonlight walk, Southampton Sports Centre (8pm)

Hosted by Southampton City Council this sample launch will enable the team to plan further events and build towards a much larger ‘Music in the City’ in the autumn of 2010.

For more information visit

www.musicinthecitysouthampton.org

// Date change for the Xmas Xtravaganza 7 - Friday 11th December!!
The Dlugokecki Xmas Xtravaganza 7 (Southampton - 11/12/09) tickets are onsale now.
Support comes from The Warm, The Rebs, The Reservoirs & Summers.
The Aftershow Party this year is hosted by Rayguns Look Real Enough.
Special guests are to be announced soon.

The Dlugokecki Xmas Xtravaganza 7 (Guildford - 18/12/09) - support is being confirmed soon and
tickets will be onsale in November.

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/170042D2E259749B

A whole lot of Soul Cellar

On Saturday 1st August we played the Soul Cellar, Southampton. This was the very first venue I ever played, and I was pretty terrible back then. It was a fantastic night on Saturday, my god it was fun. We played as a three piece (Tim, Andy & I) and we had a little rehearsal before hand. Andy on a little tiny toy keyboard is an amusing thing for anyone to see! I'm gutted I didn't take a photo. It was a grand night and didn't end until gone 4am. The Set List was:

LET THIS BE RIGHT
SAVE MY SOUL
SUPER HUMAN
RIGHT TIME / WRONG TIME
A HEAVEN TO BELIEVE IN
STROBE LIGHT
TOO MANY BORDERS

Upcoming shows!

We have two more shows this August. One this coming Sunday (9th) at the Railway, Winchester where we will be playing an outdoor show if the weather is good. This is free entry. Come along. We're playing around 10ish me thinks.

Also there is the London Invasion. This is at the Purple Turtle in London. If you want tickets (£5) for this, please email us at dlugokecki@mac.com. 6 Southampton acts are traveling from Southampton to London in convoys, coaches and mini-buses. It's going to be a blast!!!

USA TOUR VIDEO - PART TWO

Thank you so much for everyone who voted! You're awesome and we are proud to call you our friends! Have a glass of wine or fanta on us!

Hopefully we'll get to play Guilfest now which would be ace as I know at least 50 people wanted us to anyway! My Mum and Dad, and family, who all live in Guildford, would be so proud to see her little son play his home town again.

Take care, Ben x

BEN’S BROTHER/DLUGOKECKI - THE BROOK, SOUTHAMPTON, 25TH MAY 2009

Following on from the heady heights of receiving an Ivor Novello Award Nomination is a tough ask for any act and that is exactly what is facing London born Jamie Hartman AKA Ben’s Brother right now. Debut album “Beta Male Fairytales” was one of 2007’s runaway success stories and it is likely that the recently released follow up “Battling Giants” will match that success.

Southampton heroes Dlugokecki open tonight’s proceedings and, with this somewhat surprisingly being their first live show at The Brook and frontman Ben Dlugokecki being a self confessed Ben’s Brother fan, the band rise to the occasion. “Sell My Soul”, “Heaven To Believe In” and “Too Many Borders” are tighter than they’ve ever been before whilst tonight’s closer “All Stations” could be their finest, certainly their heaviest, moment to come. Don’t be surprised to see Dlugokecki headlining a night at The Brook in their own right in the not too distant future.

Coming on stage to rapturous applause, Ben’s Brother respond to the adulation with a crisp set. Jack Nicholson lookalike Jamie Hartman struggles to contain his excitement and barely a moment goes by without him flashing what can only be described as a Nicholson type grin. New single “Apologise” (co-written with Natalie Imbruglia) is bright, purposeful and polished, the funky “Questions & Answers” ups the ante and the power balladry of “Let Me Out” raises the roof.

Jamie Hartman knows how to please his audience and is clearly passionate about what he does. He certainly does not lack confidence and belief in his ability and the outpouring of love and adulation sent his way tonight ensures that he’ll be around for a while to come. Paul Lane.

REVIEW: PAUL LANE

// 'UPON LANDING' PLAYED ON CHANNEL 4'S 'NY/LON' LAST WEEK!
Thank you for all those who emailed and phoned when the track 'Upon Landing' from
'Before the Storm' was featured on Channel 4's 'Ny/Lon'. That's another £80 in the bank!

// THE BAND PLAY 'THE JOINERS', SOUTHAMPTON, THIS SUNDAY - COME ON DOWN!
We return to the legendary 'Joiners' this Sunday to play as a full 6 piece for the
2nd time. Our last gig as a 6 piece, at 'The Brook' was our best show to date - we had a ball! This Sunday we will be announcing our next single and will be playing a full set at 9.20pm. We're also supporting one of my favorite acts, 'Passenger', who blow my mind everytime I see them! Watch our USA VIDEO on Youtube below!

CLICK HERE

// WE WERE NUMBER 7 ON THE MYSPACE CHART!
Last week, we reached number 7 on the Myspace Chart. This is due to us gaining more and
more support oversees and in the UK. 60 people are demanding we fly to New York to play
another show. It's so fun! Also, our myspace does feature lots of videos, songs and pictures
of our stupid faces.

CLICK HERE

// SUPPORTING 'BRITISH SEA POWER' AT EASTLEIGH FESTIVAL, 11th JULY 2009
Dubbed as one of the best bands in the world, 'BRITISH SEA POWER' are headlining the Eastleigh
Festival and we are supporting them. The whole band are playing and it's a family festival.
If you want tickets, we have cheaper ones. Email me: dlugokecki@mac.com

// Marylebone Summer Fayre Bedford Bandstand - What a show!
Thanks to those who supported us yesterday in London, It was great, a bit annoying I had
that terrible cold but we loved the vibe, the pimms and the lamb kofte burger!

// Support us on 'Eventful'
Keep supporting us on 'Eventful' as we're really high in that chart too.....

CLICK HERE

Saturday 11th July from 6pm

BRITISH SEA POWER
& KING CREOSOTE

Headling Saturday evening is British Sea Power described by The Sunday Times as "The best band in Britain" British Sea Power will be supported by King Creosote plus Dlugokecki and our friends Broken Links.

We have tickets. They're £15 - a bargain!! Email dlugokecki@mac.com if you would like one or many...

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

// Ben's Brother Gig

I just wanted to say that was the best gig I've ever played in my life last night. I've been writing and playing for almost 10 years now, and without a doubt that was my favourite gig ever! Ben's Brother are one of the best bands around and the 400+ people there were the most amazing crowd ever. Saints Aid was also fantastic and the crowd were equally awesome. It's just been a great weekend and I'm off to write more songs...

// We're in the top ten of 'eventful'

We are shooting up the charts on the 'Eventful' website - this is getting us lots of attention so if you could help by clicking on the link below,
that would be perfectamondo!

CLICK HERE

// A Return to the Joiners - Sunday 21st June!

You won't want to miss this! Dlugokecki return to the Joiners for the 'Sounds of the C' event, playing with their friends 'Passenger' and 'Blackcouch'. This is a really important gig for us as we have some publishers coming to see us so support would be awesome. We do have advanced tickets for this so email me!

// Dlugokecki confirmed for the 'Marylebone Summer Fayre Bedford Bandstand' - 14th June!

Just giving everyone the date at the moment! But we will be telling you more about this soon!

// SEVEN

The Dlugokecki Xmas Xtravaganza 7 will be held in two venues - The Talking Heads (12th December, Southampton) & The Star (18th December, Guildford). Put it in your diaries now!

// USA Tour Highlights PART ONE - On Youtube now!

Andy Wild as King Kong, Drumming Taxi driver, dancing on broadway, gig in Harlem,
Times Square Toys R Us, Empire State and the Limo!

// Dlugokecki return to the 'Eastleigh Festival' - Supporting British Sea Power - 11th July!

Last year we played the small acoustic stage, now we're playing the main stage with the massive 'British Sea Power'. More details to come!

“Stadium-sized melodies and exquisite songwriting,” said MOJO of BSP’s debut. The NME was in accord: “Out of this world… a dazzling debut.” The Sunday Times simply stated that BSP were, “The best band in Britain.”

If you haven't already, please purchase our new album 'Let this be Right'. Click below:

CLICK HERE

Lots of love,

Ben x x x x x x

Preface:

Our band Dlugokecki were selected to play the prestigious and monumentus 'South by Southwest' music festival in Austin, Texas. So, we planned a 4 date USA tour - which included 2 nights in New York and 2 nights in Austin, Texas. Marie couldn't come due to family commitments (3 young kids, a beautiful new husband!). Aidan, Boyd, Andy Wild and I were the musical force. Mark and Athena were the managerial force. Rob and Malc were security (Boyd & I's Dads!). Sarah and Rudi were the eye candy! (Groupies!). Words can't really express how fun and mental this trip was for us, we have over 1000 photos, 9 hours of footage to edit, but for now please read what we got up to. I know I speak for all of us when I say the trip has been unreal and surreal every step of the way!

DAY ONE - Wednesday 18th March

--- The Drive ---
We left Andy Wilds home at the gorgeous time of 4.30am. Not good. Bad skills. Waking up at 4.00am is not on my life agenda, but something we got used to on this trip! Aidan, looking sexy and fit at this stupid time of the morning had prepared an outrageous compilation CD for the car journey. I think he simply googled the words 'America', 'Texas' and 'New York' and threw the songs together onto a CD. Hits included 'America - f**k yeah!' from Team America and 'Halo' by Texas (A particular piece of genius!). Mark, Athena, Andy, Aidan and I drove up to Heathrow listening to Aidan's special brew of hits whilst I cut up over 1000 stickers. We parked, I was already sleep deprived because of the trip prep so I was singing the 'Purple Parking' song along to Tina Turner. We met up with my Dad who was providing Security for the trip - what with his SAS training and secret service training! Passing through security was fine (We got the guitars on the flight!). Boyd and Sarah were meeting us in New York.

---Guiness at 6.00am ---
As everyone knows, Andy Wild is a legend. The man is a human god. We had a gorgeous english breakfast as Andy Wild consumed a pint of Guiness as if it were 1999! We boarded the Continental flight which turned out to be freaking awesome. The plane was pretty empty and it was a 777. So we had free reign of the seating, and had about three seats each with loads of leg room and over 300 movies to choose from. It was the beginning of a special journey, especially when Andy Wild closed his eyes for the first time to sleep. I saw some beautiful ice glaciers from the window and the cars looked like mentaloid ants. Freaking awesome!

--- Even the Americans know Dr Who! ---
Now, the management and the rest of the band prepped me about how to behave and talk to people on this trip - especially the American immigration. They said "Don't be weird, don't be silly". Well - I really tried for two seconds. I ended up chatting to the officer about who his favourite Dr who is! He was a Joker, he thinks Tom Baker was the best. Whatever mate!

--- We arrived like the tide ---
Seeing New York for the first time doesn't seem real, and I'm sure anyone who has been before would agree. It's magical - how the hell did man create this place? It's bonkers. The flight was brill and we found a cab. Now this cabbie was blatantly illegal . The guy was brilliant - he was a guy who had a stroke but was in a band (he was signed to the Egyptian EMI). He couldn't drum as well anymore so he drove cabs. But he had a habit of playing his drum sticks on the driving wheel whilst driving. Very scary when you've never been to New York before and all the cars are rammed so close together. A bit of advice - don't drive and play drums at the same time.

---- Subway - and not the Meatball Marinara kind! ---
We checked into the hotel which was simple but had a lot of character. 3 bunk beds, brilliant. We took the subway to the central part of New York, scary subway! We came out of the subway right in the centre - OMG - the buildings are like the ones you see in the movies. And the Empire State is so absolutely huge. Unbelievable. Of course we got Andy Wild to act like King Kong and did a little play in the middle of Madison Square Gardens. Mark purchased a pretzel - how very American! We had a beer and read the schedule. Lots of things to pack in so Dad and I went up the Empire State. It's just incredible - it made me recognise how small we all are. We're tiny. After a burger in Jack Demseys, and a beer it was off to our very first American gig!

--- Anyone for a gig in Harlem? ---
Our first American show had to be unique. We arrived at 'The Shrine' which is an amazing venue on the outskirts of Harlem that prides itself on social integration and it's commitment to all genres of music. This place was like something I've never seen before - people from all different countries, religions, colors and star systems. It was a bit like the cantina in Mos Eisley from Star Wars, it was terrific. We played a 45 minute set (with no Boyd, but Andy on a Rhodes!). It was great (We got $30 in tips!). When we finished the crowd asked for one more so we pulled 'Calm Before The Storm' out of the bag. Sounded great, then the crowd asked for 7 more. Boy we did laugh. Seeing as we were in New York, and I'm a massive Paul Simon fan, I did 'The Boxer' and 'Me and Julio'. We had been up for 26 hours and we looked like crap. In fact, on the subway home, we looked like zombies from Shaun of the Dead. We passed out on the squeaky beds.

DAY TWO - Thursday 19th March

--- Pizza for breakfast ---
As everyone knows, Dlugokecki love food and drink. We headed on down to the local deli for a fabtastic breakfast. I didn’t eat much – just a pizza, a chocolate croissant, a yogurt, a banana and some of Dad’s food! Aidan and Andy Wild had a cheese and bacon bagel and looked happy beyond all joy. This was going to be a great day!

--- Kiwibox interview ---
The New York skyscrapers blow my mind every time I see them. We stepped out of the subway and trundled towards the Kiwibox headquarters. Kiwibox is a brilliant social networking and review site visited by millions of American young folk daily. The excellently professional and fun guys filmed an interview with us with some pretty deep and clever questions. Andy Wild was on fire as usual – exaggerating about the amount of hours we had been awake. At one point he said 35 hours, Aidan claims he said 46 days! The interviewer ‘Kylie’ was lovely and looked like Britney Spears, but with hair and not bonkers. Good times.

--- Meeting Jeffery ---
I met some of my all time heroes on this trip, but meeting Jeffery inside the worlds biggest and best Toys R Us was the highlight. Look – the giraffe is a legend – he’s up there with Lennon and Martin Luther King! Seriously, Aidan and I went on a little excursion to the times square Toys R Us where they have a ferris wheel inside the building. Nuts. This place was incredible – Jurassic Park section, Star Wars section and even a robot spider section. Cosmic (Aidan’s word!). We went on the wheel together (we made an adorable couple!) and had our photo taken with Jeffery. However, we went to the photo pick up point and the photo was $20! I swore at the person behind the counter. What cheek! This was by far the darkest part of the trip. It was a low. It was hard to move on from such a farce, but we certainly did.

--- Strawberry Fields Forever ---
We met up with the others and headed for central park. We went to the place John Lennon was killed by that idiot Mark Chapman. This was actually quite moving – especially for our manager – and we were all a bit quiet. Lennon was such an awesome poet, such a shame he was shot. We could have been mates.

--- The arrival of Boyd ---
After another beer, a Mcdonalds and a scary incest story involving my Dad we headed for out second gig in the USA – playing the awesome ‘Living Rooms’. This venue was wicked – a gorgeous piano, a lovely bass amp, candles and the sensual Boyd. The guy is a drumming sensation – it was great to see him and have the band semi-complete (We love you Marie!). The gig was great but what really moved us was the people who came to see us because they had heard the music on Myspace. It was so humbling – one guy, Eric, had traveled 45 minutes from Brooklyn to see us. So lovely. The set was fun and the debauchery then began involving a Mexican restaurant, Corona, Mexican hats and Celine Dion singing.

--- Empire and the Limo ---
No longer are we the ‘tea and biscuits’ band! Inebriated and full of beans we grabbed a taxi to the Empire State Building. It was about midnight, the place was deserted so we got a lift to the top and looked out over the New York night. So inspiring, but also scary when you’ve had a couple. We did a photo shoot and then we got in our limo home. I’ve never been in a limo before, and it was a laugh. We were sliding around and having the time of our lives. Great times.

DAY THREE - Friday 20th March

--- Do we have to get up again at 4.30am? ---
Yes. God we were tired. Sleep deprived. Hungry. We got a plane from New York to Houston, Houston to Austin, Texas for the important part of the trip. Andy Wild invented a new genre of music and we’re going to petition i-tunes to get it registered. ‘Rocky Poppy’ is apparently our style of music. Andy Wild has good skills at genre labeling. We got our SXSW 2009 wristbands and descended upon the festival. The place is simply amazing. About 100 music venues rammed with music, bands and musicians everywhere and music coming from every direction. Simply balmy! The sun was shining (26 degrees) so we headed for a bar and ate the best chili burger we’ve all ever eaten in our lives. OMG. We started our SXSW experience by attending a few parties including the Sonic bids party where we saw an awesome band from South Africa called ‘The Parlotones’.

--- Meeting another hero, Ed Harcourt ---
We went back to the hotel and I jumped in the pool which Aidan found amusing. He loves my belly. We got changed and headed back into town to see ‘Ed Harcourt’ play. He is one of my inspirations – I know every song, I know every album and have followed his music for over 5 years. He walked in, told me to look after his guitar and I bought him a drink. He said he was hungover and tired and asked me what songs he should sing in his set. He didn’t like my choices but was well up for a photo and chuffed with my knowledge of his songs. Unfortunately his performance was not great – he burped, swore and broke a string before singing a note. He was out of time, out of tune and out of luck! Bad times. The crowd were generous – but he played the day after which I saw where he was beyond awesome. So he’s still ace in my book.

--- I didn’t know shrimp were prawns ---
We’re playing ‘The Bedford abroad’ tomorrow night. This series of showcases at the festival were organized by the legendary Tony Moore (founding member of Iron Maiden, Cutting Crew and a singer/songwriter in his own write). We checked out the venue and Andy Wild caught up with his friend Nate James. Andy Wild co-wrote a song with Nate that was used on the soundtrack for ‘Run fatboy run’ and ‘How to lose friends and alienate people’. The venue is outstanding, the sound impeccable and the beer $3. We were really looking forward to rocking out. Boyd and Rudi (Boyd’s mate) encouraged us to visit a ‘Hooters’ restaurant. After an 8 mile hike across Austin we arrived. The women were disappointing, but the food was great. I also found out that Shrimp were prawns. Wow! You learn something everyday! Again another long day, but it was just the beginning……

DAY FOUR - Saturday 21st March

--- Doughnuts for breakfast ---
I could never live in America – the food is too good. Got up, had a swim in the pool with the warm sun on my back. We all headed into Austin to the festival very excited about the days events. The group were having such a ball but I don’t think we were ready for the events of the day. To quote Boyd “I feel like I’m in a movie”.

--- Party after party ---
We started at the MPress party where there was food and drink galore, we watched some great American acts and schmoozed. Lots of free badges and CDs. Then we went to the Parish party where we saw a great band from Austin called ‘The White white lights’. They were top notch, but were distracted by a lady in her 50’s who was on drugs dancing like a fool at the front.

--- The Q magazine Party ---
This was great. Very cool. We were on the guest list (mainly because we’re only one of a few British bands playing the festival!) and we walked in straight into the editor of Q magazine. Mark chatted to him for ages, handed him a demo and I went over and mentioned how much of a fan I was of the mag. We hung out with ‘Longview’ and I met my doppelganger. This really excited the group as he was simply a clone of me. Dad and Mum have some explaining to do! While all this was going on Mark was running around meeting publishers and sorting us out!

--- Graham Coxon (Blur), New York Dolls and Flashpoint Studios ---
The Q party was just so cool – Boyd grabbed Coxon for a photo and we chatted about our journey and gave him a CD. We left the party for an interview at the legendary Flashpoint studios. This place was so cool – the studio is years old and so many famous faces were on the wall. We played our best acoustic set we’ve ever played (real piano, Boyd clapping and playing tambourine) and the interview was funny. Boyd was drunk as a skunk and was impersonating ‘Bo Selecta’. He said that he didn’t know what to say so was being the ‘weird one’. The interviewer (Matador) was the nicest guy you’ll ever know. As we left, two members of the punk band ‘the New York dolls’ walked passed. Another photo opportunity we did not miss out on!

--- The Showcase ---
I was nervous, we were all nervous, but we were ready. We had rehearsed, warmed up and really had put everything into this. We were re-writing the setlist in the car though as ‘Calm before the Storm’ sounded so good in New York, it ended up replacing ‘All Stations’. We arrived and it was busy and I believe and so do the others, we played our best gig. It was just a relief. It was busy, the crowd loved it and we made 5 people cry when we played ‘Insecure’. The setlist in the end was:

SET IN STONE
SAVE MY SOUL
A HEAVEN TO BELIEVE IN
GUIDE
HOWITZER
RIGHT TIME/WRONG TIME
CALM BEFORE THE STORM
TOO MANY BORDERS
INSECURE

--- Meeting Proclaimers ---
Tony Moore said lovely things about us when we finished and we went into the crowd and signed CDs and chatted to people about our adventures getting here. There were lovely comments and we were all a bit relieved. It had been just so fun and worthwhile that Andy Wild got emotional! We went backstage for an interview with American Blogger and journalist Annie Router while the Proclaimers loaded in. They were lovely lads, talkative, friendly and were generously interested in us. It was fun. The venue outside got to capacity and we had a great photo with the guys and tried to blag support slots off them! 500 Miles and Letter from America are legendary songs. We partied, chatted and generally were on cloud 9 as the Proclaimers belted out the hits!

--- Bedouin Soundclash and the riotous taxi home ---
With the showcase over we headed to 6th Street where the major venues were. The queues were enormous and the atmosphere amazing. We got into one place to see a band called ‘Bedouin Soundclash’. They had a big hit with ‘Beautiful Day’ and were just incredible. We drank a lot and danced a lot. We wanted to carry on but all the venues shut strictly at 2.00am. The Police pushed us out of the venue when we pilled backstage for another photo – this was funny. We piled into a taxi and Aidan and I were fighting (Andy was filming it!) and singing the whole way home. We got in and passed out. Amazing day.

DAY FIVE - Sunday 22nd March

--- Hanging in the mall ---
Hungover and needing foodage we headed for the mall. I dislike shopping at the best of times, but there was loads of good stuff at the Mall. It did not compare to ‘The Marlands’ in Southampton. Boydy had a massage, we met Wiggles the dog from the dog shelter (Austin puts down 12,000 animals a year!) and Andy Wild and Aidan bought me a special selection of sweets (just wait for the video!). In the taxi back a truck pulled up alongside us. He wound down his window and said “First time out west?”. We replied “Yeah”. He took a toke on his cigar and said “You can tell!”.

--- The great SXSW 2009 Music Quiz ---
I speak for all of us, apart from myself, when I say this was the 2nd lowest point of the trip (after the $20 photo incident). I made a quiz about ‘the Warm’ (Boyd’s band), ‘Caroline’s Capuchin’ (Aidan’s band) and Dlugokecki (Andy Wild’s band!). Andy Wild was called ‘Dave’ for the quiz, and we drank an extreme amount of things. It was sunny, it was funny, and Boyd won the quiz. Malc and my Dad came last because of bad language point deductions.

--- All you can eat - Brazilian meat ---
In hindsight, I wish we went straight to bed. This was by far the best food we’ve all ever eaten – I’m not surprised for $50 a head. You had a coaster with a green side and a red side. If you wanted more meats, you turn the coaster to green and let the juices flow. If you feel you’re about to die/throw up/explode you turn your coaster to red. To quote Andy wild as he sits to my left “That was the best meal I’ve ever eaten”. Meat. Meat in every shape, form, style and amount. Meat. Everywhere. Good quality meats. My vegetarian wife would have been appalled. We all looked life death – so we carried onto another bar…..

DAY SIX – Monday 23rd March

Well, that’s about it, we leave for the plane in an hour so I better go pack. We return to the UK tomorrow and are playing two gigs next week – but the one to go to Is our band gig at the Joiners on Friday! We’re going to rock the venue. Pop down to the Railway in Winchester to see Marie and I play a nice acoustic set.

Goodbye from Austin and we’ll all see you on our return!

Hi everyone,

It's all gone bonkers in the world of Dlugokecki. We're packing our sunglasses, shorts and snorkels(?) for America. Anyway, some awesome news - 'Let this be Right' is now available to download from I-Tunes! You can also buy our previous album 'Before the Storm' which features the singles 'Set In Stone', 'Shine On' and 'Clog Up the System'.

The 14 date ‘Save Our Souls’ Tour will be promoting our new single ‘Save My Soul’ & our new mini-album ‘Let this be Right’. You’ll be able to see/hear the new mini-album played live, have fun and experience our songs how we intended them to be heard. The tour coincides with ‘South by Southwest Festival 2009’ in Austin, Texas where we bagged a support slot with Scottish legends ‘The Proclaimers’. Please see the tour poster or our website for more details and gig dates.

We’re very much excited about playing the songs live, and we’ll also be playing the likes of ‘Set In Stone’ and ‘Too Many Borders’ too. So get your diary, bung the dates in, and help us conquer the world!

"It may be hard to believe, but we've not had a Dlugokecki recording in our post bag since June 2007. That's not to say that Dlugokecki hasn't been busy organising and playing shows and recording songs and - happily - a mini-album has appeared with seven sweet songs and a proper-nice booklet inside with lyrics and pictures.

It all starts in a blaze of pop with 'Save My Soul' and its rich instruments and crisp production. From here on in, there are twists and turns as things become more emotive, then introspective and altogether totally brilliant.

The surprise song for me is 'Let This Be Right', which has a soaring melody and melodramatic guitars as well as some big strings and more than a good knowledge of how to build something up to a crescendo. It certainly deserves to have it's title fill the job of naming the record.

Ideally, you'd hold onto this record for a month or so in order to fully benefit from listening to the songs when the sun is shining down, which is scientifically proven to be the perfect conditions for these awesome tracks - but to have this record is to listen to it"

Read full review here.

Friday 6 Mar 2009 Talking Heads - USA Warm-up Show and Tour Launch!!!!

This is the big one! This night is going to be absolutely awesome! We’re playing as a full-band after months of rehearsal and cups of tea. We’ll be playing a 45 minute set, including the mini-album in full. We’re also raffling off some awesome prizes to raise some extra cash for our USA Tour – including a signed guitar by the band, a pair of Boyd’s drumsticks, A cake baked by Marie, A recording session with Andy Wild and a lock of Aidan’s gorgeous hair!

With the flyer, it’s £6 entry and we’re playing at 9ish. It is not a ticketed event, so get there 8ish to secure entry! See you then!

www.thetalkingheads.co.uk/
320 Portswood Road
Portswood
Southampton
SO17 2TD
023 80678446

Tuesday 10th March Hamptons, Southampton – 2nd USA Warm-up Show! (Not the 12th as it says on the poster!)

We’re playing a rare show at Hamptons as another warm-up show for USA. Last time we played the Hamptons there were moshing kids! Not that I’m complaining, I have never moshed – my hair has always been curiously short! Pop down and join us for a coke!

www.myspace.com/hamptonsbar
Hamptons Bar,
Southampton,
Hampshire,
SO14 7DW

We received two awards from 'The Mag' in 2007 - including Best Solo Male and Best Live Act. We returned to the Mag Awards 2008 to pick up our new award and play a live set. The Mag is an awesome music review website based in the South of England, and I use the website to check out the competition.

On the 26th August 2007, instead of going all inclusive in Spain or row-boating in Venice, Andrew Wild and I decided to do a tour of the UK to showcase new songs off of our forthcoming album ‘How Do You Do?’. With the help of ‘And Records’ and ‘C management’ – and Diet Coke.

Instead of just playing venues and rocking out in stadiums, we decided to conquer some famous UK landmarks and do gigs at them. We also decided to do this traveling in style. Why hire a £20,000 tour bus when you have a ‘Dlugokecki’ themed VW Campervan? - sponsored by The Colour Company, Southampton. Andrew has been a fan of VW Campervans since he came out the womb and nothing compares to traveling in her.

We did a preview of the tour at the ‘Blue Keys’, Southampton. We decided to test some new songs and Andrew, who is usually found behind the keys, played guitar and harpsichord for the first time. The best bit was when Malc Eyers (Rufus Stone Frontman) joined us on stage for ‘Too Many Borders’. Malc is a hero, and it’s his birthday this month! He’s 21 again!

The day after we played Southampton’s Bargate in the morning. It was a tour de force of team work – We blew up a load of balloons and they kept exploding – this only added to the hilarity of playing to the highstreet. It was really great – we released our Environmentally friendly balloons with our postcards attached. One reached France, one landed on the QE2 and another reached Wales.

The tour was sponsored by the wonderful Dragon’s Palace (Opposite Virgin Megastore). We had our launch party in the evening and I played nearly every song I’d ever written. My friend Sophie joined me for the second half alongside a few special guests.

We then drove up north to get the tour going. We headed for Liverpool, playing a set on the famous ‘Ferry Across the Mersey’. It was very strange – we had to play in between the on board commentary! We then went and did a session on BBC Merseyside with the legendary Billy Butler. After that, Andrew and I belted it over to Leeds and played the new music venue ‘Revolution’.

Day after we played Manchester. ‘The Roundhouse’ was the venue – we played a wicked set and then headed down with a bunch of friends and new fans to ‘Old Trafford’. In front of the Campervan, parked outside the stadium, we played a set of songs. The next day we had a brilliant day in Blackpool. We arrived at Blackpool Pleasure Beach early before the park had opened to ride Infusion – the parks newest ride. We had to ride it three times in a row for our tour film – I felt so sick by the end. We then played the most random gig I’ve ever played, outside the haunted house!!

The day after we travelled to London to play the very busy Water Rats and rendevouz with our band. It was refreshing to play with the band and I feel this was our best show of the tour. The day after we played Nottingham a great venue called ‘The Maze’, having to detour to Sherwood Forest.

The next show was back in London to play the Camden Barfly. This gig was painful as it was the hottest day of the year and we thought we might die!! The day after we played outside Tower bridge and the London Eye, we walked across Abbey Road and went to see Big Ben. Came home and passed out – I was knackered.

Then it was my favourite three shows. We played Stonehenge which was very special. The sun was going down, our friends were there, and there was an indescribable feeling of calm. The day after Andrew and I were interviewed for the BBC News by our friend Sally Taylor in Portsmouth. It was fun, then we played at the top of the Spinnaker Tower. Awesome.

My Mum, Dad, Fiance and I travelled to Wales. This was a stupid idea, but I did it anyway, I carried my guitar to the peak of Mount Snowden (3,300ft). I played one song at the top – but there was so much rain, wind and fear that I had to cut it short. The film footage is great.

Our closing two gigs were at my second home, The Talking Heads, supporting ‘Nizlopi’ and ‘Inspiral Carpets’ with the full band. I couldn’t believe the campervan didn’t break down once!!

Dlugokecki supported Snow Patrol at Nottingham's Rock City, arranged by our friend Margi Godfrey, in aid of Cancer Bacup. It was a truly amazing experience! Firstly we had the biggest crowd to see us (some of them below!) and Secondly, I had 7 cans of diet coke! The venue was massive, the size of a football field and every time the bass drum thumps, your bum wobbles.

There was a bunch of other acts playing on the day, including number one selling artist 'Sandi Thom' who we've already played with twice and our friends from Southampton, 'The Warm'. Backstage was nerve racking but playing on the stage was unbelievable. Our Set was:

Too Many Borders
Drive
Set In Stone
Howitzer
Perfectionistical
Insecure

On the way home, PJ and Loz, the worst team of all time, got us lost by going 100s of miles off course and ending up in 'Wales'. God knows how!