The story

It all began late one night in Copenhagen in 2009. Nikolaj walked into a bar where Rune and Ale were playing some traditional Nordic tunes together. There happened to be a piano in the corner, so Nikolaj sat down and joined in. None of us knew each other particularly well at the time, but within minutes we felt that something special was happening. The music just seemed to fall into place, and we were having far too much fun to leave it at that.

That evening turned out to be the beginning of Dreamers’ Circus. Since then, we've travelled a long way together, playing concerts throughout Scandinavia and Europe, and as far away as Japan, Australia, and North America. We've spent countless hours on the road, met wonderful people, and shared experiences that have shaped both our friendship and the music we play.

The three of us come from quite different musical backgrounds, but what brought us together, and still keeps us curious, is our shared love of folk and traditional music. Rune grew up surrounded by traditional music and dancing, while also pursuing classical music. He is a member of the Danish String Quartet, and brings that classical background into our musical world. Nikolaj comes from jazz, and his playful, melodic approach to the piano and accordion has a way of taking the music in unexpected directions. Ale grew up in southern Sweden in a family of traditional musicians and teachers. His deep connection to the folk music tradition, along with his pioneering work on the cittern, adds a distinct flavour to our music.

People often ask us what kind of music we play, and after all these years we're still not entirely sure how to answer. Nordic folk music is certainly where it all begins, and we still love playing the old tunes. But we're just as interested in what happens when we let other influences find their way into the music. Classical music, jazz, and all sorts of things we've picked up along the way have become part of our sound. We don't spend much time worrying about which genre it belongs to. If something sounds interesting or moves us, it's usually worth exploring.

There's another thing the three of us have in common: we love good food. We've often thought that making music is a little like cooking a good meal. You start with ingredients you know and love, perhaps something local with a long history, and then you begin experimenting. A little of this, a little of that. Sometimes you follow a recipe, sometimes you throw it out altogether. You listen, taste, adjust, and occasionally stumble upon something you never would have thought of in advance. The best moments often happen when you surprise yourself.

That sense of discovery is something we try to hold on to in our music. We love the idea that a melody can take you somewhere else, bring back a half-forgotten memory, or set your imagination wandering. Perhaps that's also why we chose the name Dreamers’ Circus. Think of the feeling of stepping into a circus tent as a child. Leaving the daylight behind, not quite knowing what awaits you inside. The colours, the sounds, the excitement, and that wonderful sense that almost anything might happen.

We like to think that music can open up a little of that same world. A place to be curious, to play, to get lost for a while, and perhaps to dream a little.

And after all these years, we're still enjoying the journey together.

We hope to see you at a concert somewhere along the way!