W/ Rachel June

Queer Swedish jazz trombonist and singer-songwriter Ebba Åsman‘s voice is nothing but a dream, cascading above chill beats that combine elements of neo-soul, jazz, indie, hip-hop and R&B. Her music is soothing and soul-filled, especially in her recent release ‘When You Know‘ out everywhere now. Ebba’s soft trombone and jazz trickles like honey, alongside her angelic voice. Insightful lyrics deepen her music, whilst the scrumptious sounds of jazz elate and inspire. ASBO asked her about her new release, to find out what inspires the artist – her inspirations, and more.

1. So, who is Ebba Åsman?

Ebba Åsman is a 26-year-old trombonist, composer, singer and producer from Sweden.

2. For someone that is yet to discover you, how would you describe your music? 

I would describe my sound as a jazz and R&B-influenced melancholic cocktail with an electronic sound design. 

3. What inspired you as an artist? 

Thoughts, feelings, relationships, art and human interactions. 

4. What Is Your Pre-Show Routine?

I like to take some time in silence to collect myself and set MY intention for the gig. I then get into the vibe by doing my make-up and getting prepared mentally. After that I like to spend some time with my trombone – oiling my slide and polishing the clock etc. 

5. Where do you feel you fit into the music landscape?

I’m creating from a place of intuition so I don’t really think about where my music fits when I create, I just go for what I like, so I think it’s just a blend of different genres.

6. What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike? 

Jazz is my first love; I love the freedom and openness it brings. I’ve also always loved and listened to soul, R&B, Hip-Hop and pop. The one thing I can’t listen to is a Swedish genre of music called “Dansband”.

7. What would you say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses as an artist? 

I would say my strengths are my intuition, sense of melody language and artistic vision. My weakness is overthinking. 

8. What’s on repeat for you right now?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Joni Mitchell lately.

9. What music artists would you say have influenced your work? 

I would say the biggest two influences on my work are Erykah Badu and Miles Davis.

10. Who would you most like to collaborate with artistically?

Good question! I think a collaboration with KAYTRANADA, Yussef Dayes or Alfa Mist could be eally interesting.

11. Worst performance? 

Probably last year at the Nišville Jazz Festival in Serbia where I was performing with Brooklyn Funk Essentials. I couldn’t hear my trombone or my voice so therefore I lost my presence on stage.

12. Biggest obstacle & how did you overcome it? 

My biggest obstacle has been not being taken seriously as an instrumentalist because I’m a woman. Having to prove myself constantly for people (mostly men) to understand that I’ve practiced since I was 7 years old to be where I am today. That made me lose contact with my heart and core in the music. As a result, I had a hard time believing in my musical ideas. So, for me it’s really empowering that on my latest album ‘When You Know’, I’ve made all the musical decisions myself and was creating from a place of freedom and love.

13. What is your creative process when making music? Do you work with others or is it just you?

It’s usually just me, I love to go into my own bubble and just work at my own pace. Maybe I’ll start with a chord progression or recording a melodic idea, all the while simultaneously taking notes in my diary.

14. This year, what can we expect? 

I’m going on tour in Europe, which I’m so excited about! I love to make the music come alive and play it for people in real life. The stage is my happy place in life. And I’m hoping that my album finds the right people who can really appreciate it. 

Ebba Åsman will be live at The Jazz Cafe London on May 20th, buy tickets here.