Pulterkammer Progressiv Musikkfestival: a window for the Scandinavian Progressive Rock – Interview with organizer Eivind Strømstad

Pulterkammer Progressiv Musikkfestival is a young festival dedicated to highlight the wide variety of the Scandinavian Progressive rock and metal scene. Organized by the acclaimed musicians of Norwegian Prog darlings MEER and Hamar Teater, the festival held its first edition last year with MEER alongside Madder Mortem, Solstice and Ebony Buckle. This year the festival expanded and will be held during 2 days of progressive goodness at Hamar Teater, in Norway. The excellent line-up is as follows:

Friday September 20
18:00 MEER (special acoustic show)
19:15 Mildfire
20:30 Aiming For Enrike
22:00 Seven Impale

Saturday September 21 
15:00 Åsa Ree
16:00 Actionfredag
17:30 Uncanny
19:00 Kristoffer Gildenlöw
20:30 Vulkan
22:00 MEER (performing Wheels Within Wheels)

The Progspace is proud to present this novel festival and to celebrate it, we had a quick chat with Pulterkammer Festival’s mastermind and MEER’s long-haired shredder, Eivind Strømstad.

Ebony Buckle live at Pulterkammer Festival 2023

What does the German word Pulterkammer mean to you and why did you choose it?

At Hamar Teater we use it as an expression for the room where we put all the stuff we can’t fit in any other places. So we thought it was fitting for a festival with all the music that doesn’t fit in more mainstream festivals.

What inspired the lineup for this year’s Pulterkammer Festival?

As with last year’s line-up, this year’s is composed of friends of ours and bands that we’ve met at other festivals throughout Europe. It’s very much about bringing the awesome vibe from “out there” back home with us.

MEER live at Pulterkammer Festival 2023

Can you share hints of what attendees can look forward to in this year’s edition?

Well, ten awesome concerts in two days. Not much more to it. We in MEER are doing a very low key unplugged show with some oldies and oddities on the first night. I have no idea if it will be good, but it will for sure be something unique.

What do you think about the current trends within the Scandinavian progressive rock scene?

It’s crazy to think that this tiny region of Northern Europe suddenly has become one of the biggest exporters of progressive music in the world, and we love being a part of it.

Solstice – Live at Pulterkammer Festival 2023.

What are some highlights or standout moments from past Pulterkammer Festivals that have become memorable?

It was really great bringing “Solstice” over to Norway for the first time ever. It’s really moments like that the whole festival is about. As a little bonus one of their singers, Ebony Buckle, did a duo gig with her husband in our lounge area, which was really magical. And of course Madder Mortem delivered a stage show so hot that the fire alarm went off, and everyone had to evacuate when there was ten minutes left of the festival.

Are there any local collaborations or community initiatives associated with the festival that attendees should be aware of?

Across the street from us there’s a used record shop with a pretty wild selection, and the guy who runs it is a living “Zappa encyclopaedia“. Definitely worth a visit!

If you’re in Norway (or book your flight!) this weekend, 20th and 21st of September, don’t miss this festival in a cozy environment at the Hamar Teater. Check the links below for more information and where to buy your tickets!

Tickets: https://www.hamarteater.no/pulterkammer-progressiv-musikkfestival-x6l3ze/

Facebook Even: https://www.facebook.com/events/960010719085265

Photos by: Jonas Jeremiassen Tomter @Hamar Teater