Pioneering DJ-Producer Rebecca Vasmant has announced the release of her second album, Who We Are Becoming – a striking and exciting contemporary jazz record that cements the Glasgow-based artist as one of the country’s finest musical talents. Out 9th May 2025 via a new label partnership between New Soil and artist-champion platform Women In Jazz, this bold 12-track collection builds on the critical success of her debut album, With Love From Glasgow.

Expanding the boundaries of traditional jazz production, Vasmant leads a 25-strong collective of musicians on a sonic journey exploring themes of identity, equality, femininity, and self-growth. As she puts it, “This album is about becoming your true self and accepting that we’re part of something bigger.”

Many of the musicians return from her debut, including vocalists Emilie Boyd and Nadya Albertsson, harpist Amanda Whiting, saxophonist Harry Weir, and drummer Graham Costello. New to the ensemble is flautist GOkU, while Vasmant’s own voice makes its debut in her music, adding a deeply personal touch.

Vasmant’s unique DIY ethos shines throughout the album, with all vocals and instruments—apart from drums—recorded in her Glasgow flat using a single Rode microphone gifted by Soma Records’ Jim Muotune. Rebecca’s process reflects her self-taught, self-funded, and self-made ethos:

I’ve always believed you don’t need a lot to create amazing music. My setup is basic but meaningful; I’ve built it over time and made it work.

The album’s opening track, Rooted, also serves as the first single, out today 23rd January 2025. At its core, the album is a deeply personal exploration, and having been inspired by her ancestors, Rooted provides the perfect introduction to the self-reflective record. ​​Interdisciplinary artist Paix and vocalist Emilie Boyd join her on the track, alongside Amanda Whiting (harp), Joe Rattray (bass), Graham Costello (drums), and Cameron Thomason-Duncan (trumpet).

Vasmant explained:

My grandparents were Holocaust survivors and they were hidden by a family in France. If they weren’t hidden, none of my family bloodline would exist. I exist because of that.

A song of gratitude, with Rooted, Vasmant pays tribute to those who came before her and the ways in which her elders fought to give her a better life.

Vasmant’s impact on Glasgow’s jazz scene is undeniable. Her debut, ‘With Love From Glasgow’, was hailed by Jazzwise, Clash, and The Vinyl Factory, drawing comparisons to Pharoah Sanders and garnering support from tastemakers such as Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, and Bandcamp’s Andrew Jervis. Follow up EP “Dance Yourself Free” (released via Tru Thoughts) received significant support from across BBC 6Music and saw Vasmant celebrate the Record Store Day vinyl release with DJ sets at Monorail Music (Glasgow), Phonica and Rough Trade East (London). More recently, she performed live as part of BBC 6 Music’s Live in Glasgow and has presented ‘Round Midnight on BBC Radio 3. Her label, Rebecca’s Records, has spotlighted artists such as ARI TSUGI, kitti and Azamiah, further showcasing Scotland’s vibrant talent pool.

Born in Paris and raised in the Scottish countryside, Vasmant moved to Glasgow at 22, earning a Ministry of Sound residency before rejecting commercial pressures to champion her jazz-inspired sound. She has become Scotland’s unofficial ambassador for contemporary jazz, with a journey of resilience, vision, and authenticity, peppered with radio shows for Worldwide FM and Rinse FM. She has performed DJ sets and live ensemble performances alike at acclaimed festivals and venues including Glastonbury, We Out Here, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club, supporting the likes of Questlove, Thundercat, BADBADNOTGOOD and Gilles Peterson.

Who We Are Becoming is out 9th May via Women in Jazz x New Soil digitally!

Rebecca Vasmant Tour Dates:

February 16th – Goodcleanfun, Civic House, Glasgow (DJ)
February 22nd – Good Clean Fun Glasgow, Garnethill Arts Centre, Glasgow (DJ)
February 28th – Brighton Dome Corn Exchange (Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble)
March 6th – Ellen, London (Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble)
March 7th – Jazz Cafe, London Madame Jazz (Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble)
March 15th – Small Town Club, Dundee  (DJ)
March 22nd – Shapes Festival, Switzerland (DJ)
April 16th – Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London (Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble)
May 3rd – Queen’s Park Spring Weekender, Glasgow (Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble)