STUCKONCEILING (official capitalization) is an experimental hardcore/grindcore band hailing from Wolin, Szczecin, Poland. Established in 1990, the group initially emerged as a crust/punk/hardcore ensemble but transitioned to an experimental improvisational approach starting in 1997.
The band's discography includes several notable releases:
- 1998: ? [EP]
- 1999: Na Horyzoncie Rwert [CD]
- 2000: Multiflakopulo [EP]
- 2001: X-Perwert [EP]
The last known lineup consisted of:
- Robert Piotrowicz – guitar (1990–present), vocals (1990–?)
- Anna Zaradny – saxophone (1997–present), bass (1997–1998)
- Jacek Majewski – drums (2000–present)
Former members include:
- Wojtek – guitar (?-1994)
- Igor – bass (?-1994), guitar (1994–?)
- Krzysiek – drums (?-1994)
- Helena – bass (1994–1997)
- Kacper Jaśkiewicz – drums, percussion (1994–2000)
- Sebastian Krawczuk – bass (1997–1999)
Originating as a hardcore/crust band in Wolin near Szczecin, STUCKONCEILING was formed in 1990 by musicians from the group Bomba W Torcie. The original lineup featured Robert Piotrowicz on guitar and vocals, Wojtek on guitar, Igor on bass, and Krzysiek on drums. The band released its debut material in 1994 through the Enigmatic publishing house on the "Intro-Wersja" cassette. Following a lineup change, the group included Robert, Igor, Helena on bass, and Kacper Jaśkiewicz on drums. They recorded the EP "W Próżni" in April 1995 at Marcin Pawlik's studio in Szczecin, followed by the album "Wahadła Godzin" in 1996. In 1997, the track "Przed Many Years" featured on the compilation "Punx Not Kret!" with Anna Zaradny, who also played in the band Włochaty. Piotrowicz and Zaradny co-founded the Musica Genera publishing house, and together with Kacper Jaśkiewicz, they initiated the project Gastrula. By the end of the 1990s, Zaradny joined the band on saxophone and bass guitar, contributing to the 1998 EP.
From 2000 to 2002, the lineup of Majewski, Piotrowicz, and Zaradny performed extensively, participating in festivals such as Audio Art in Krakow, Jazz in E, and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, along with performances in New York at venues like Knitting Factory, CBGB, and ABC No Rio, as well as the Empty Bottle in Chicago and other locations in Philadelphia.
Throughout its existence since 1990, STUCKONCEILING has undergone significant musical and personnel transformations. The band has consistently engaged with the alternative scene, releasing numerous recordings, primarily tapes, that now hold historical significance, including "Wahadla Godzin" on cassette.
Since 1997, the band's sound has evolved dramatically, embracing experimentation and moving away from traditional genres. In 1998 and 1999, new recording sessions took place, leading to a shift from a quintet to a quartet. In September 1999, they released the CD "Na Horyzoncie Rwert," which marked a departure from their earlier style, showcasing their inclination toward experimental and improvised music. This transition also saw the departure of bassist Sebastian Krawczuk. The band began collaborating with various musicians and ultimately formed a trio (alto sax, guitar, drums), occasionally featuring guest musicians during recording sessions and performances, including collaborations with Hasse Poulsen, Peter Friis Nielsen, Christer Irgens-Moller, and Kumi Wakao.
STUCKONCEILING's music aligns with contemporary European experimental and improvised genres, bolstered by growing connections with numerous European musicians. The trio has played numerous concerts across Poland, including appearances at the AvantgardeAriergrade Festival in Insko, Music of The End of Century in Dierzoniów, Hardcore Festival in Katowice, Jazz Mondays at Theater Kana in Szczecin, and the Muzyka z Mozgu Festival in 2000.
Since the band's inception, Robert Piotrowicz (born in 1973) has been the driving force behind its musical direction and composition. His work often emphasizes dissonance and experiments with diverse articulation techniques, utilizing mechanical preparations and electronics to create unconventional sounds and tones from the electric guitar. He is also a member of the art group OFFicyna and organizes concerts and small tours for improvised and experimental music in Szczecin.
Anna Zaradny (born in 1977) has explored various musical styles, including classical, big band, rock, and jazz, ultimately focusing on extreme saxophone techniques. Her dynamic and expressive playing style has made her a defining presence in the band.
Jacek Majewski, a percussionist associated with Mazzoll & Arhythmic Perfection, has contributed to several recordings and projects, including collaborations with various artists and ensembles, further enriching the band's diverse musical landscape.