My Swedish Career: 'By moving here I had more chance of doing what I dreamed of'

Gavin Maycroft’s relocation to Stockholm marked a significant turning point in his career trajectory, evolving from a London-based waiter and aspiring DJ into one of the city’s foremost jazz event bookers. Arriving at 28 to be with his Swedish partner, Maycroft saw in Stockholm an opportunity to pursue his musical ambitions more effectively than in the competitive London scene.

Before his move, Maycroft’s experience was primarily grounded in hospitality, notably working at the St John Restaurant in London, along with dabbling in DJing and band booking within electronic and breakbeat genres. However, Stockholm’s music environment offered him a distinct advantage; compared to London’s saturated market, the Swedish capital’s scene was smaller and more accessible, allowing him to quickly establish connections and secure bookings.

Maycroft’s initial foray into Stockholm’s music landscape involved organizing a small festival at Teater Moment, a venue known for its striking aesthetic, including red curtains and a black-and-white checkered floor. Leveraging a modest lineup of bands familiar to him, he combined live performances with visual art and DJ sets, successfully attracting an audience of around 250 attendees. This event marked the beginning of his active role in Stockholm’s alternative music circuits.

Following this initial success, Maycroft continued to curate events across diverse venues, from intimate bars to unconventional spaces such as art gallery basements. His commitment and vision caught the attention of Stockholm’s cultural authorities, who subsequently provided financial support, enabling him to sustain and expand his programming. Between 2008 and 2015, he estimates having booked over 370 bands, underscoring his significant contribution to the city’s live music offerings.

Just as Maycroft was contemplating a shift away from booking, a pivotal opportunity arose when Eric Birath, appointed head of Fasching—the city’s premier jazz venue—invited him to join the team. This engagement marked Maycroft’s deeper immersion into the jazz domain. Since taking on a full-time role at Fasching nearly a decade ago, he has gradually increased his responsibilities, culminating in a full-time position with the Stockholm Jazz Festival for the past four years.

Maycroft’s role at the festival involves curating performances that reflect both local and international jazz influences. Among the highlights for the current season are a sold-out show by Christian Gabel’s solo project 1900, a performance by British drummer and vocalist Momoko Gill, and a showcase featuring the French-Mongolian singer Céline Dessberg. The festival also spotlights bands like Sweden’s Langendorf United and Leeds-based The Sorcerers, groups known for their incorporation of Ethio Jazz elements.

Reflecting on his journey, Maycroft acknowledges the challenges of integrating into Stockholm’s cultural circles, which are often described as insular and difficult for outsiders to penetrate. His experience underscores the importance of persistence, resilience, and strategic relationship-building. Demonstrating initiative, he recalls securing early gigs by positioning himself as part of the community, effectively shifting from an outsider to a trusted local contributor.

Despite nearly two decades in Sweden, Maycroft remains ambivalent about permanent settlement, a sentiment shaped by his upbringing in a military family with frequent relocations. His move to Stockholm was motivated by personal and professional aspirations rather than a definitive emigration plan. Nevertheless, his sustained presence and influence in the city’s jazz scene signify a deep-rooted connection to Sweden’s cultural fabric.

Maycroft’s story highlights the potential for creative professionals to reinvent themselves by embracing new environments and opportunities. His transition from a waiter with modest DJ experience to a central figure in Stockholm’s jazz festival circuit illustrates how adaptability and determination can shape a successful career in the arts, particularly within the nuanced landscape of Sweden’s cultural institutions.