Dackefejden (The Dacke Feud) is a concept album that aims to capture the sound of a failed peasant revolt in 16th century Sweden. The rebellion was led by the farmer Nils Dacke, and posed a serious threat to the king Gustav Vasa. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned the rebels stood up against the kings troops for a significant time, but eventually they were defeated and Dacke was captured and killed.

Per Barfot sought to create songs that reflect the captivating, but ultimately tragic nature of this revolt. He wanted the album to be melodic, but not repetitive. Raw and dark. Dreamy and warm. Sounds that inspire imagination.

Using a modular synthesizer and tape processing, Per Barfot experimented intensely during the spring of 2020 to create the foundation of the album. He then periodically revisited the songs and added or edited elements until he felt it was complete.

The song titles, which are in Swedish, are loosely tied to themes related to the revolt. "Bailiff Arvidsson's Misfortune” (3), refers to a bailiff who was murdered by Dacke at the beginning of the revolt, “Während & Möre” (4), were the areas where the uproar began, “The Merchant Pelle From Räntemåla” (5), was a rebel known by name, and "Home Wolves & Forest Malfeasants” (7), were two names the king called the rebels.

Anders Nilsson, aka Per Barfot, is a Swedish musician making experimental ambient music with modular synthesizers and cassette tapes. He has previously released the EP "Metaphysical Badlands" with the Danish artist Songs From Tin Pan Alley, as well as several singles. He regularly shares musical explorations on Instagram.

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Although blaming the algorithm is fashionable, that same algorithm has been crucial in filling a part of my life with connection. Stumbling on the clusters of various music communities, I’ve found so many humans that share the same enthusiasm for any sort of unique way to keep pushing music forward… in short bursts, experimenting, manifesting that small idea in yr brain just to feel something you made, to maybe share on social media, maybe just a few friends… or not. This label was born from a connection of sharing music in short bursts with genuine enthusiasm for the tools that created them.

I believe I found Per Barfot many years ago through his extremely well crafted + curated Instagram, and had admired his approach to modular synthesis for quite some time before we connected. His approach of meticulous modulation always grabbed me - feeling as if every single note was considered in a variety of ways: dynamics, filtering, modulation, effects, etc… if he told me his approach was to VERY SUBTLY adjust 20 different parameters for every note, I might believe him. 'Dackefejden' is laced with modulation galore - much of it very subtle and fun to explore.

The sounds on 'Dackefejden' conjure a unique feeling. Although the concept behind the album is rooted in reality, the raw warbles and subtle dynamics create a world that feels like an alternate dimension of the artists creation - his hazy and disrupted vision of what might have happened in 16th century Sweden, manifested into sound.

David // MC