WALTER HULTMAN: "It's about biting the bullet and doing what's needed"
Walter Hultman is the organizer of Mörkaste Småland, a prominent festival in Sweden dedicated to extreme metal and dark music. Known for bringing together an eclectic lineup of underground and established acts, Hultman has built a reputation for curating an immersive experience that celebrates the darker spectrum of music and culture. Mörkaste Småland has become a must-attend event for fans of extreme metal, attracting audiences from across Europe. The festival also offers a platform for emerging artists, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Sweden's metal scene.
Can you tell us about the origins of Mörkaste Småland and how it evolved into the unique event it is today?
The idea for Mörkaste Småland originated when Lars Broddesson [HILD, ex-Marduk] and I were sitting at my place, absorbed in the sounds of the thrash metal band Mezzrow, who released a fantastic album in 1990 only to fade into obscurity soon after. We found ourselves pondering how incredible it would be if we could reunite them for a show. That’s when the idea for a festival was born.
We bounced the idea off our friend Johan Gustafsson, who had expressed interest in organizing metal gigs. As we delved deeper into discussions, we began jotting down the names of bands we wished to book. Most of these were in the black metal genre, which naturally set the thematic direction for the festival. However, our approach to music has never been confined to a single genre. We've always sought a core of authenticity in the music, something that black metal embodies, and aimed to create an event that stood out from everything else offered in Sweden at the time.
Mörkaste Småland was conceived as a festival with a clear vision, integrating art, music, and related activities into a cohesive concept. Over the years, it has evolved while maintaining this core vision, becoming a unique and highly anticipated event in the metal community.
Mörkaste Småland is known for featuring some of the best bands in Black Metal, Death Metal, and Doom Metal. How do you go about selecting the bands that perform at the festival?
Well.. when we started, we realized that a debut for such a niche concept in a small city as Hultsfred couldn't be small-scale. We needed to make it big right away by featuring established international bands to grab the attention of the extreme metal audience around the world. So, in the beginning we just wrote a note each with bands we wanted to book, and then we compared the lists and started to contact the bands we all had on our respective lists, if it was within budget to book them, we did! As the years went by and bookers realized this event was serious business and due to the good reputation we got, we started to get contacted by bands understanding the value of being presented on our line-up making the booking process much easier. As of today with Slaktmånad, and me organizing all by myself I of course can’t have quite the top-bill bands as before, but I’m damn proud of the lineup I manage to have, with the size of the event and the capacity. International bands in the top-tier mixed with the up n coming. Much being due to the reputation the brand has in the community and artists willing to step down a bit from their usual demands for the benefit of being on the festival line-up.
Can you tell us about your team's passion for extreme music and how it drives the organization of Mörkaste Småland?
The passion for exteme music is the core of Mörkaste Småland, if there wouldn’t be any passion, then it wouldn’t be a reason to put yourself in the situation to organize an event like this on your spare time.
How does Mörkaste Småland help underground and extreme artists in the Metal community gain recognition and grow?
I always want to include some up n coming acts to the bill and the audience expects to be presented with some new and exciting. The artists that have played on Mörkaste Småland tends to do a quite leap forward after they played at the festival, pin pointing how the rest of the scene sees Mörkaste Småland as a point of quality.
Aside from the music, visitors can explore various exhibitors offering different types of art, including records, books, clothing, jewelry, and artworks. How do you curate these exhibitions to complement the festival's atmosphere?
We early said that we wanted the festival to be something more than just “live acts and beer”. Our goal was to encapsulate the essence of dark art in all its forms, creating a comprehensive environment that offers more than just auditory stimulation. To achieve this, we meticulously curate our exhibitions, ensuring that each exhibitor contributes to the festival's atmosphere in a meaningful way.
Our selection process is rigorous, focusing on vendors who not only offer high-quality items like records, books, clothing, jewelry, and artworks but also share our passion for the darker aesthetic. We look for uniqueness, relevance to our theme, and the ability to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity in our attendees. This careful curation ensures that the exhibitions are seamlessly integrated with the music, enhancing the overall experience. This holistic approach to curation ensures that Mörkaste Småland remains a unique and memorable event, providing value that extends well beyond the performances.
Why do you believe that certain aspects of darkness and heaviness in music, art, and culture resonate most strongly with people, compelling them to attend events centered around these themes?
True darkness in music, art, and culture taps into the more complex and often unexplored aspects of the human experience. These elements encourage us to explore beyond the conventional boundaries established by society and religion, where norms often categorize experiences as purely good or evil, limiting our understanding of the full human experience. By stepping out of this binary mindset, individuals can appreciate the beauty and complexity found in darkness.
The location of the event seems to play a significant role in its unique atmosphere. Could you describe the natural surroundings and why they are an integral part of the Mörkaste Småland experience?
Mörkaste Småland is located in a rural, less populated part of southern Sweden, famous for its harsh stony earth and widespread dark forests. This is both a curse and a blessing. It resonates well with the soul of Black Metal and it really takes away any other surrounding buzz that can steal focus for the visitor and really sets a full focus on the event. The drawback is the lack of hotels and transportation alternatives.
What is the significance or inspiration behind the name 'Mörkaste Småland'?
Mörkaste Småland (Darkest Småland) was originally a term from the late 19th century used to criticize the conservative cultural climate and old church traditions in our area. Today, the term is more commonly used to describe the region's nature, characterized by vast forests, rather than its cultural climate. When we first brainstormed names, the term Mörkaste Småland came up almost immediately, but it was quickly dismissed by the rest of the group, who preferred an English name that would work better internationally. However, when the English name didn’t pass company registration, we used my suggestion as a last resort haha.
Are there any special traditions or memorable moments that have become a signature of Mörkaste Småland throughout its history?
The core ideology of Mörkaste Småland has remained consistent over the past ten years, despite changes in size and conditions. One of the festival's most notable traditions is its loyal audience. Many attendees have been with us since the very beginning, creating a strong sense of community. Additionally, it's a highlight to see musicians who have performed at the festival return as visitors. This continuity and loyalty are what make the festival truly special. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the event has become a meaningful part of people's lives, fulfilling a unique purpose for both the audience and the artists.
The concept of inner power and resilience is essential when dealing with the demanding nature of event planning. How do you personally tap into your inner power to tackle challenges and setbacks?
There have been many times when I've doubted myself and questioned the purpose of dedicating so much time and effort to organizing the event, especially since becoming a father. However, the event has become such an integral part of my identity that every time I consider ending it, I feel a strong sense of separation anxiety and sorrow. This emotional connection always leads me back to planning the next event.
I have an intense need for control, which, in a way, makes the process more manageable when I organize everything myself. I know exactly what needs to be done and can execute it at my own fast pace. While this approach might make me challenging to work with due to my high standards and demand for quick results, it also ensures that the event runs smoothly and meets my vision.
Ultimately, it's about biting the bullet and doing what's needed. There is no meditation, magic, or waiting for the right moment. It's purely about prioritizing this work ahead of other activities or interests and doing whatever is necessary to fulfill the vision. This dedication and relentless drive are what help me overcome challenges and setbacks.
As an organizer, you likely encounter moments of doubt and exhaustion. Can you share a memorable experience where your determination and inner strength were tested, and how you persevered through it?
There have been several such moments, but two stand out the most. The first was in 2017 when the original core team of Mörkaste Småland fell apart. This breakdown began even before the event took place. It was a matter of just finishing what we had started, knowing it would be our last event together. Despite the emotional and logistical challenges, we managed to see it through to the end.
The second moment was during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was an incredibly stressful and intense period. I had completed all the necessary preparations, and everything was set for the festival when we had to postpone it due to the pandemic. This meant shifting focus to the next year, keeping the audience engaged, ensuring bands were ready, and maintaining alignment with all contracts and cooperation partners. Time passed without clear answers from authorities, so we had to maintain the mindset that we would eventually be able to proceed. Just weeks before the festival, we had to cancel it. Two years of intense work, stress, and financial strain— as no income was coming in while costs continued to accumulate—took a heavy toll. At that point, I decided to quit. However, almost instinctively, I found myself booking bands and planning for the next festival, almost like an out-of-body experience. This resilience and dedication to the brand are what keep me going, almost as if I can't control it myself, despite the challenges.
In the face of adversity or criticism, what advice would you give to aspiring event organizers and individuals who want to pursue their passion, even if it involves unconventional themes like extreme music and darkness?
There are always people who share your passion, and if you organize the event properly and put your heart into it, these people will come. These are the important ones, and you should draw strength from the collective support of your community and distance yourself from the critics. As long as you are doing it because you are a part of the scene and for the scene, and not just seeking profit, your dedication will resonate with others and help you overcome adversity.
For those who attend Mörkaste Småland, it's more than just a festival; it's an experience. How do you ensure that every year, attendees leave with a sense of empowerment and connection to the event's themes?
It's about being both a part of the audience and the organizer. I have a clear vision of what the event is and should be, allowing me to add and subtract elements without losing the core essence and experiences I want to create for the audience. It's like molding clay without losing the initial shape. Sometimes, I've been on the edge with certain additions to the festival, wondering if they resonate well with the theme. However, I believe I've successfully balanced making the event more exciting for returning visitors while staying true to what people expect. This careful balance ensures that attendees leave feeling empowered and connected to the festival's themes.
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