Ebba Åsman Makes Bid For Crossover With Third LP 'When You Know'

Swedish jazz trombonist and singer-songwriter Ebba Åsman is back, and she’s redefining the genre once again. On March 21st, she unveils When You Know, her long-awaited third studio album via Dorado Records—a smoky fusion of jazz, alternative R&B, indie, hip-hop, and ambient soundscapes. Pushing past tradition, Åsman blends rich instrumentation with electronic textures, all while flexing both her singular trombone skills and soulful vocals. Fresh off a Swedish Grammy nomination and performances at North Sea Jazz and Ronnie Scott’s, she’s solidifying her place as one of jazz’s most exciting boundary-breakers. We sat down with her to dive into the album, her influences, and where she’s headed next.

1. ‘When You Know’ blends jazz with alternative R&B, indie, and hip-hop influences. What inspired this genre-blurring approach, and how did you balance these different sounds while keeping jazz at the core.

I’ve always had a very broad taste in music. I kind of envision it as my own soup with flavours that has left a mark on me in one way or another in my life. The thing that ties it together for me is that I like music which has some sort of

melancholic feeling. Going into the creation of this album I felt free to create whatever felt closest to my heart. Also embracing that I like so much more beyond jazz. I don’t really think about it too much, I just create what feels

natural for me.

2. Your latest single ‘Lately’ showcases both your vocal abilities and trombone skills. Can you talk about how this track sets the tone for the album and what it represents for you personally?

I would say that ‘Lately’ opens the door to my journey, both musically and lyrically. It’s the beginning of the thought process, where I’m vocalising lot of questions and doubts. Laying it all out there in order for me to sort out what

I’m feeling, which unfolds in different ways as the album continues. Some questions get answered and the others I come to peace with never getting the answers to.

3. You've been praised for pushing jazz beyond its traditional boundaries. What draws you to experimenting with the genre, and do you ever feel pressure to stay within its “rules”?

In the beginning of my career, I felt the need to prove myself for different reasons. Mostly on my instrument but I think it affected my writing too. I broke those patterns when I wrote my previous album, ‘Be Free’, which was a liberation from that and following the expectations of others on what I should do. Now I feel like I’m in a place where I feel respected both as a trombonist and song-writer, which I think unconsciously opened up space for me to also sing on this album. For me; jazz is freedom, exploring and pushing boundaries. It will always be a huge part of me, and now I’m just following my curiosities and having fun with it.

4. You’ve worked with Berlin-based producer Lucy Liebe to bring electronic elements into the album. How did that collaboration shape theoverall sound and creative direction of ‘When You Know’?

I wrote and recorded the songs, I had a clear vision of what direction I wanted it to go. I reached out to Lucy because I knew she and I where on a similar journey musically. We met in her studio in Berlin to work on it and I immediately thought, she really gets where I want to go. I don’t know if it was because we’re both queer, but it really felt like a creative safe space to work with her, and when you feel seen and heard you can also think outside the

box. So, I’m very grateful for her!

5. With a Swedish Grammy nomination, major festival performances, and a growing international audience, what has been the most defining moment of your career so far?

Trusting myself and my ideas into releasing this album has been the most defining part. It really represents who I want to be as an artist.