Alex Esser, founder of Backyard Sessions festival talks inspirations

Backyard Sessions is a two-day festival situated in the Swedish city of Malmö, a concept aimed at celebrating music, culture, and sunshine. The ongoing series of outdoor music events have been a vibrant feature of the Scandinavian electronic music scene and this September it’s set to continue with Backyard Sessions Festival 2018 returning to the capital of Sweden.
We spoke to Alex Esser, the leading man behind Deep House Sweden and Backyard Sessions to garner an insight into exactly what goes on behind the scenes of such a big operation.
Hey Alex, thanks for speaking with us today. Could you introduce yourself to the readers please?
Alex Esser, I’m a co-organizer of Backyard Sessions festival in Malmö. I also run the House Music With Love record label.
What kind of music and artists can we expect at this year’s festival?
Backyard Sessions is a cosy electronic festival in Malmös main park. We have house and techno DJs as well as live electronic acts. From global players like Bebetta, Dominik Eulberg and OXIA to local talents like Axel Boman, Per Hammar, Helga Keller, Tim Andresen, Lur & Swim.
What would you say is your biggest influence?
Robin Ebinger who runs Time Warp festival series. A very humble and down to earth guy.
Where’s the best club you’ve ever played?
Culture Box in Copenhagen and Jaeger in Oslo, both have fantastic sound systems and very up-for-it crowds.
And the best festival?
Borderland in Denmark (Burning Man Scandinavian branch)
Where’s the most unique festival you’ve been to and what was so special?
I really love the Borderland / Burning Man concept where the rules of a capitalism get abolished for one week. Where money is of no value, the festival revolves around gifting culture and artists play for free. For one week a year, it’s a great escape into an alternative society.
What was the most difficult festival you ever went to and was it worth it?
Boom festival 2008. The weather was a record-hot and the car queue so long it took us 24 hours to reach the entrance. The whole car caravan become somewhat of a mobile party.
Where’s your hometown?
Malmö Sweden.
What’s your favourite local bar, restaurant, bar or club?
It’s a foodie town (among other things) There are some great restaurants like Saltimporten, Sajva, and Lyran. For budget, this option goes to of Malmö’s 100+ falafel joints. For a good drink head to trendy cocktail bars like Belle, MJs, and Kitchen & Table Skybar.
Where’s your favorite clubbing destination?
Berlin is always a good idea.
Is there something you can’t travel without?
Mobile chargers and power banks. I lose them all the time and always run out of battery 🙈
What travel destination would you recommend our readers add to their bucket list?
Pushkar, a small yoga village in India. Great food and good yoga retreats.
South coast of Costa Rica for great surfing.
Where was the most surprising place you discovered a big musical influence? i.e. saw an amazing DJ set at a rooftop bar in Peru…
I was traveling through India on a motorcycle in 2004 and accidentally took an odd turn in Goa. I discovered a tiny beach with no tourists at all. With just one bar called “Here and Now” with an old British lady playing chill out music on vinyl. She is my hero since then.
You can secure your tickets to Backyard Sessions Festival 2018 will take place in Malmö, Sweden 1-2 September 2018. Tickets: https://www.backyardsessions.se/