Interview by Julia Bissessar
Out in the freezing snowscape of her native country, Swedish Grammy-nominated trombonist and songwriter Ebba Åsman was hard at work writing her third album “When You Know”, released with Dorado Records on March 21st 2025.
Åsman has been touring in different parts of the world with a variety of bands and genres, for example jazz, sol, funk and hip-hop, which is reflected in her newest body of work. “I have a broad music taste, so I believe that everything that I like has blended together in one way or another. I’ve always been drawn to melancholy, that’s what tie my music taste together I would say. My biggest hero is Erykah Badu. Her intention in everything she does is so inspiring.”
“When You Know” is an expansive blend of musical styles and textures. With a mix of both traditional instruments, such as the trombone, and electronic music and drum beats, this album takes you on an introspective journey. There is certainly something for everyone on this album.
Åsman wrote this album in a small rented cabin 200 miles west of Stockholm over a bone-chilling winter without any internet connection. “I wanted to be in this musical process by myself to really dive deep into my thoughts, feelings and ideas,” Åsman explained. “And I felt the need to distance myself from everyday life and just be in a creating bubble with no distractions. So I went to my parents cabin and deleted social media, my email, and didn’t have TV or anything during this month and just focused on myself and my music. And that really opened up space in my head and I had very honest conversations with myself that blended into music.”
A musician from age 7 learning trombone and her extensive music training, Åsman’s creative process has changed considerably over the years:
“When I wrote my first songs I was in a totally different space in my head, I believe is the most accurate way to say it. I felt that I needed to prove myself a lot in my playing so I had this ‘I’m gonna show them what I can do’ mindset which eventually blocked my creativity and joy for the music. I believe this affected the music I first wrote as well. Then, I liberated myself through my previous album ”Be Free” where I started playing and writing on my own terms, and started trusting my ideas more. Eventually, when I started working on this album, I just went with what I like and used my music to process and understand myself better.”
You [have to] believe in your music. That it feels honest and true to yourself.”
The title track, “What You Know” begins with Åsman’s soft, melodic voice sending a message to her listeners about “losing grip on what [you] know”. An album pondering life’s questions and lessons, Åsman’s explains that “some questions got answered throughout the process of writing. And in some areas I needed to accept that I will never have all the answers, and try to make peace with that.” Åsman also notes that drawing is another favourite passtime that can result in answers; “it’s fun to be creative in another way sometimes.”
With a sound blended from different genres, Åsman dreams of collaborating with artists such as “Kaytranada, Yussef Dayes or Erykah [Badu]” .
As for our traditional Karma! questions, Åsman would describe her and her music as a “nice burnt orange”, evident in her new album art.
Åsman recommends “add any song from my album ‘When You Know’! And ‘Under Control’ by The Internet” to your playlist.
Listen to Ebba Åsman’s new album “When You Know”, out now. Follow Ebba Åsman on Instagram to keep up with her latest announcements.
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