“I think live music is becoming more and more important. People need contexts that feel real and physically present these days.”
GRIFT
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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW (2025)
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Blending melancholic acoustic textures with raw and earnest metal, Sweden’s Grift’s poignant and atmospheric compositions exhibit a deeply personal feel, perhaps unsurprising given that they are created more or less single-handedly by one man, Erik Gärdefors. A highly active musician – performing guitar, bass, drums, vocals, piano, organ and more – as well as an artist/photographer and writer, his distinctive songwriting has long necessitated a self-consciously defiant approach to genre boundaries.
Weaving together black metal, rock, folk/neofolk, field recordings and more to create strongly emotional works that evoke their nature and rural inspirations, Grift’s releases have drawn comparisons to artists as diverse as Agalloch, Sólstafir, Winterfylleth, Nechochwen, Gorgoroth and even Nick Cave. We caught up with Erik for a brief catch-up ahead of Grift’s appearance at Fortress Festival.
Cult Never Dies: Let’s begin with a quick recap of the 2023 album Dolt Land. Reviews were very positive, notable since the album was quite a bold statement stylistically. Was that feedback encouraging?
Erik Gärdefors: “I haven’t really noticed this much. The record is a little different because it doesn’t have any electric guitars or any classic rock/metal drums. But it felt very natural for me to write a record like this. Some songs work live, but some songs are really the kind you should listen to alone when you’re travelling through the landscape physically or in your mind. I want the listener to look at what’s around us and show consideration for nature, which depends on how we treat it.”
Given such an aim, it is perhaps notable that your lyrics remain in Swedish. Do you find it surprising that you have many listeners who wouldn’t be able to understand your writing due to the language barrier?
“Both yes and no. It’s generally thrilling that people listen to my music, regardless of whether it is instrumental music or with words to the music. Sometimes you don’t have to understand everything exactly to understand the whole thing. I think that some people just understand the atmosphere that I try to create. I listen to many bands that sing in their native language, and it often opens up new fantasies and wonders within me.”
Next week you will be appearing at Fortress Festival – when did you first become aware of the event, and how did the booking come about?
Erik Gärdefors: “I don’t remember exactly when, but it was probably in 2023 when several bands and familiar artists were booked. I found out about the festival and thought that this would be an interesting festival to be a part of one day.”
This won’t be your first time visiting the UK; do you have any particular thoughts on England from either a musician’s perspective or as a traveller?
Erik: “Last year, I did a tour with Darkher and we played in different types of venues, from regular venues to museums and churches. It was a really great experience to travel around Yorkshire and see more of the English countryside in the north. What I appreciate most is getting the chance to see small, genuine places and meet the locals. As a musician, I get a unique insight and am often very warmly welcomed by people. I try to find time to stroll around alone, go to a local pub, sit and watch the people, and see if any native insects or birds appear.”
England certainly excels when it comes to pubs.
“The times I’ve been to England, I’ve found it very cosy to go into a small pub. Hopefully, it will be possible when we're in Scarborough too.”
Are there any bands on this year’s line-up that you are keen to see?
“I’m especially looking forward to meeting my friends in Darkher, Osi and the Jupiter and Sylvaine. I realise that all of them are playing acoustic, more intimate shows at this festival. That says a lot about the kind of concerts I prefer to go to.”
Grift is obviously a solo project in the studio – does that make the process of playing live more complicated?
“During my ten years as a live artist, I have mostly played solo concerts. I prefer to play in more special, intimate contexts, and this has meant that my solo concerts are becoming more frequent. This year marks ten years since the album Syner was released. My live musicians and I will be doing a few exclusive performances where we play the entire album. It feels very emotional and a little nostalgic to perform these songs together with my close friends. I think live music is becoming more and more important. People need contexts that feel real and physically present these days.”
What are your current plans for new material? Have you begun work on the follow-up to Dolt Land?
“I’m currently rehearsing drums for my next album, and the plan is to record it this year. It’s taken quite a while to write these songs, but it feels really good now. And I’m looking forward to sharing these vibes with the listeners as soon as possible.”
How is the new album shaping up? You mention that you’re currently rehearsing drums, so would you say this album is a continuation of 2020’s Budet? Or did the acoustic work of Dolt’s Land inform the songwriting?
“I would say that the new album is a natural continuation of everything I’ve done so far. It will be a combination of drums, distorted guitars and more calm parts. I will record with three different guitars, hopefully an accordion, and some other folk instruments. Thematically, this record will deal with the small farmer’s connection to nature and animals.”
Interview by Dayal Patterson. Grift will be appearing at Fortress Festival (taking place in England, May 31st and June 1st)
