"The Ukes" came into existence almost by accident as a response from a "The Ukrainians" fan in Germany who was fond of and remembered my accordion playing when I was still with them. As we had remained in contact, he asked if I could put a show together to do in Germany. A memento of the event was suggested, and our debut CD Rokovyny, is a selection of the songs we played at this event near Hannover in July of 2002, done in a folk/rock/world music style which understandably shares a similar approach in places to the way "The Ukrainians" play their music due to my former association with them and influences we shared with each other when working together. Since then, other interest and occasional concert offers has spurred "The Ukes" on to play when opportunities arise here and abroad. I session with other bands, live and on CD recording sessions, still play in a great Ukrainian Dance "Zabava" Band Zhnyva from Waltham Cross, which I have done since before my time with The Ukrainians.

Solo Ludvig .

I also do accordion and singing performances mainly around the south east UK folk clubs and venues with my unique combination of Ukrainian songs in Ukrainian and English, English language songs in Ukrainian, and other topical self penned material. My solo act has become popular at Green Party events culminiating in headlining at their after annual conference gig in London 2009. Earlier that year, my biggest solo act appearnace was to approximately 30,000 at Trafalgar Square in May 2009 where I performed my adaptation of Chervona Ruta in English amongst others.

I wish "The Ukrainians" well as having been a co-writer as well as accordionist with them, it is in my interests that they do well for obvious reasons. I am proud to have been an integral part of the creative process.

People sometimes ask why I left "The Ukrainians". Simple. How? Reluctantly. It was fun. Why? Well, despite our global popularity, CD releases, and many concert appearances I wasn't earning enough money to keep a roof over my head or to put food on the table, unlike now, where I believe the current line up of band has the luxury, at least for some, of having proper "day jobs" to supplement their income. For the original 1990's line up it was a dedicated attempt at "a full time job" with precious little time for other jobs to bring any money in. If making a career out of music that supports married and family life is your ultimate plan, as was mine, the bubble had to burst sooner or later. So like the The Ukrainians, I am still at it, as I was even before joining them, but in a way that allows me to continue.