Ebba Åsman's "When You Know" Album Release & Interview
Swedish trombonist & singer-songwriter explores self-discovery.
On March 21, 2025, the music landscape is set to welcome a transformative release from Swedish jazz trombonist and singer-songwriter Ebba Åsman. Her third studio album, When You Know, promises a daring 10-track exploration that melds smoky jazz with alternative R&B, indie, hip-hop, and ambient sonics.
This release, coming just two years after her 2023 sophomore effort Be Free, which earned a Swedish Grammi (Grammis) nomination, marks a pivotal moment in her career. At 26, Ebba is already a “jazz rebel,” known for electrifying performances at North Sea Jazz Festival and London’s Ronnie Scott’s, and her role as a Yamaha brand ambassador.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Ebba for a Q&A:
Ebba, you created ‘When You Know’ in complete isolation, disconnecting from modern distractions in a remote Swedish cabin. How did that environment shape the sound and themes of the album, and what personal discoveries did you make during that time?
When I came to the cabin, I had a lot of questions and I didn’t know where I was going. I felt the need to sort out what I was feeling. Since I didn’t have the influences of city life, social media, emails, or television, I created space in my brain for my thoughts. Without the daily distractions, I allowed myself to have honest conversations with myself. Having an ongoing reflection of my emotions led me to understand my thoughts on a deeper level. I ended up in a very honest and accepting place which naturally blended into the music, both lyrically and musically.
This album marks your first time singing on record, after establishing yourself as a trombonist. What led to that decision, and how does using your voice change the way you connect with your music?
The trombone has always been a big part of my identity. I’ve always felt very connected to it and it has been my dream since I was 7 to be a professional trombone player. As a young woman, I faced a lot of men that didn’t take me seriously so I had to prove myself a lot. When I finally felt respected as an instrumentalist, it created room in me to evolve into being more than one thing. I have always sung, and I still practice trying to play as I sing to blend them together and come closer to the melodies in my head. With my upcoming album ‘When You Know’, it felt very natural to incorporate my voice. I didn’t really think about it. It just happened.
Your sound defies traditional jazz, incorporating alternative R&B, indie, hip-hop, and ambient elements. How do you balance innovation with honoring the jazz influences that shaped you?
I’ve always been very curious about the history of jazz and I got interested in improvisation at an early age. Its freedom! But lately, I have also been embracing that I’ve always had a broad taste in music. In the end, I feel like this album is my soup, and there are different flavors blending together. Influences that have stuck in my brain for different reasons. My jazz heroes will always be my heroes but I don’t have to sound like them to honor them.
You’ve described yourself as a "jazz rebel," prioritizing feeling and intuition over rigid jazz structures. How does that mindset influence the way you compose, produce, and perform your music?
I absolutely prioritize feeling and intuition over rigid jazz structures. When I write music I don’t think. I play/create only by what I hear in my head. I never force the music, I just let it flow in the direction it wants to go. And I think I follow the emotion I want to create, and then let it unfold.
Your lyrics on ‘When You Know’ explore themes of uncertainty, longing, and self-discovery. Is there a particular track on the album that feels especially personal to you, and what’s the story behind it?
Mm, good question. They are all part of my journey, but there is one song called ‘Grandma’ which is dedicated to my grandma and her view of life. We sat down and had a beautiful conversation about guidance. “We only got this one life, be brave and follow your light, sit back and trust the ride”. It is about taking control over what is in your hands in life. “Put intention to what you attract, all be alright, your spirit will lead the way”. Those are lyrics I often go back to and remind myself of.
Your collaboration with Berlin-based producer Lucy Liebe brings an electronic edge to your sound. What was the creative dynamic like between you two, and how did it push your music in new directions?
I had a clear vision that I wanted to develop a different sound image for this album. So, I produced sketches of what I had in mind. As the album started to take shape, I immediately thought of Lucy. We have similar backgrounds in jazz, and we both have incorporated electronic, soul and R&B in our music. I had a gut feeling that she would understand where I wanted to go musically, and from the first moment I knew we would be a great team. I think it had a lot to do with that we created a safe space since we’re both queer and understood each other. From that safe space I think we were able to think outside the box.
You've performed everywhere from intimate jazz clubs to major festivals like North Sea Jazz. How does your approach to performing change depending on the setting, and do you have a favorite type of venue to play in?
I believe that I embrace the vibe of the place that I play in. I love every chance I get to play my music live, It’s my happy place. But I love coming to venues that have an audience that like the jazz, soul, R&B crossover. Like the jazz clubs with a standing audience. But nothing beats a good festival and standing on a stage with the vibration of so many music-loving people.
Your trombone playing has been a defining element of your music, but this album introduces a stronger focus on vocals and lyrics. Do you see yourself evolving further in that direction, or do you aim to maintain a balance between the two?
I aim to maintain a blend of the two. I love letting my trombone be an organic element that is more or less improvising through the whole album. I’ve felt very free having that role on the album and letting my voice and trombone dance next to each other.
You’ve mentioned keeping a diary during the writing process for When You Know. How did journaling influence your songwriting, and were there any lyrical moments that came directly from those pages?
It influenced my writing a lot. My thoughts in my diary naturally became lyrics. Every song has been incorporated from my diary in one way or another. There are sentences taken direct from my diary in ‘Lately’. ‘Did I Go?’ and ‘Grandma’.
With ‘When You Know’ set for release on March 21st, what excites you most about sharing this album with the world, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
I’m very excited for the release. I’m excited for people to hear what my most authentic sound is. I hope people take the time to follow the journey of the album, both musically and lyrically. Ultimately, I hope it finds the right audience.
As Ebba Åsman prepares to unveil When You Know to the world, it’s clear that this album represents a bold, transformative step in her journey as an artist. By embracing the freedom of self-reflection and shedding the constraints of genre, she’s crafted a body of work that’s as much about personal discovery as it is about musical innovation. Whether through the unique fusion of jazz, R&B, and ambient sounds, or the intimate vulnerability of her lyrics, When You Know invites listeners to connect with their own stories of uncertainty, growth, and acceptance. As Ebba herself puts it, this album is an expression of her most authentic self—and in that authenticity, it’s bound to resonate with anyone willing to follow the ride.
To stay up to date with Ebba Åsman and experience her latest content, follow her on Instagram and explore her discography below:
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