Rotate Talk With Bea Asurmendi – ‘Asteartea” Interview

Singer/songwriter Bea Asurmendi is emerging as a compelling voice, blending her Basque roots with a rich tapestry of jazz, folk, and emotional storytelling. Originally from the Basque Country and now based in London, Bea has just released her debut album, “Asteartea,” a deeply personal and transformative project that invites listeners into her world of self-discovery and empowerment.

Drawing from her own experiences and the collective strength of the women’s circle that inspired her, “Asteartea” navigates themes of grief, self-love, and mental health awareness, all while celebrating the beauty of vulnerability. The title, which means “Tuesday” in Basque, signifies the sacred space where emotional truths were shared and connections were forged.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into Bea’s creative process, her unique sound, and the influences that shape her artistry.

RM: First of all, who is Bea Asurmendi?

Bea: I’m a vocalist and composer, originally from the Basque Country and currently based in London. My debut album Asteartea blends contemporary jazz with Basque and Iberian folk, improvisation, and goddess mythology. I’m deeply drawn to emotional honesty—I see myself as someone who tries to turn feeling into sound. My music explores themes like grief, self-love, women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness.

RM: Congratulations on your debut album, Asteartea! What emotions and experiences did you channel into this project while creating it?

Bea: Thank you so much. Asteartea is a deeply personal album. I always say it’s a therapeutic album I created for myself—and, of course, for anyone who wants to listen. It grew from a place of emotional excavation. I poured my grief, my healing process, and a growing sense of self-love and empowerment into it. It’s a reflection of my personal experiences, but also a collective expression of the stories and emotions shared in the women’s circle that inspired the project. There’s also light in it—a sense of growth, strength, and the freedom that comes with embracing vulnerability, opening up, and letting go.

RM: You’ve explained that Asteartea means “Tuesday” in Basque. Why did you choose this particular day as a focal point for your album, and what does it symbolize for you?

Bea: “Tuesday” was the day our women’s circle met—a weekly gathering that became a sacred space for me. It was a day of connection, raw truth, and emotional release. Naming the album Asteartea felt like honoring the powerful and inspiring women I met, as well as that safe and magical space, and the inner journey it sparked. For me, it symbolizes a gateway into myself, into sisterhood, and into the healing power of allowing ourselves to feel and share.

RM: Your music blends contemporary jazz with Basque and Iberian folk elements. How did you balance these diverse influences when crafting your sound?

Bea: It was a very organic process—I didn’t sit down to blend styles consciously. I simply let the music come out naturally, without thinking in terms of genres or labels. Jazz shaped my approach to harmony and improvisation, while Basque and Iberian folk brought textures, rhythm, and emotional depth. Rather than aiming for a deliberate “fusion,” I focused on honouring the different musical worlds I carry with me.

RM: The album navigates themes like grief, self-love, and women’s empowerment. What inspired you to explore these topics, and how do you hope they resonate with your listeners?

Bea: The women’s circle was a turning point for me. It helped me realise how universal many of our experiences are, how deeply interconnected we are as women, and how much we can learn from each other through sharing and support. Asteartea offers an invitation to find beauty in vulnerability—something society often overlooks or devalues—as well as to feel seen and to honour our emotional journeys.

RM: You mentioned a transformative experience in a women’s circle that influenced your album. Can you elaborate on how that experience informed the music and lyrics of Asteartea?

Bea: That space was life-changing—a place of raw honesty where goddess mythology was a means of exploring inner landscapes and shared stories of womanhood. It helped me connect in new ways with different parts of myself, both wounded and powerful, as well as with the women whose paths I have crossed or will cross throughout my life.

RM: You recorded much of the album live to capture spontaneity. How did this approach impact the overall sound and feel of the album?

Bea: I wanted to record the album live to preserve the rawness and capture the moment. We recorded the rhythm section together while I sang from a separate room, allowing them to respond to my singing in real time. Later, we recorded additional vocals and added percussion and cello, but the heart of the album is that live interaction. It gave the music breath and unpredictability, which I love.

RM: The album features a stellar ensemble of musicians. How did the collaboration with these artists shape the final outcome of Asteartea?

Bea: I feel incredibly lucky to have worked with such sensitive and talented musicians—and wonderful humans. Each brought their unique voice to the music, and the trust and collaborative spirit made the process truly special. Working with Judit Neddermann and my sister IDOIA made the album feel even more personal and emotionally meaningful.

RM: Who are some of the vocalists and artists that have influenced your style? How do their approaches to music and storytelling inform your own work?

Bea: I draw inspiration from expressive, genre-blending artists rooted in jazz, folk, and European classical traditions—artists known for their emotional depth, improvisation, and poetic storytelling. Key influences include Sílvia Pérez Cruz, whose fusion of Spanish and Latin American folk with contemporary styles really resonates with me. The atmospheric voices of Norma Winstone, Josefine Cronholm, and my former college mentor Brigitte Beraha have shaped my sensitivity to tone, emotional openness, and nuance, while also deepening my connection to vocal improvisation and storytelling. Cyrille Aimée’s playfulness and rhythmic creativity have been another source of inspiration.

RM: With themes of mental health woven into your music, why do you believe it’s essential for artists to address such issues through their work?

Bea: Because music is both a mirror and a bridge—it reflects what we carry inside and helps us connect with others. Even though things are improving, mental health still needs to be talked about more, normalized, and held with care. As artists, we have the ability—and perhaps the responsibility—to create space for those conversations. For me, music has been a tool for healing and understanding parts of myself. If Asteartea can do that for someone else, even in a small way, that’s everything.

RM: As a Basque artist living in London, how do you navigate your cultural identity within your music, and what message do you want to convey through that lens?

Bea: Living in London for over a decade has made me reflect deeply on the idea of belonging. I think that’s natural for anyone who’s been away from their home country for a long time. But then again, I ask—why do we need to belong to one specific place? I’m proud of my Basque heritage, but life in such a multicultural and diverse city like London has broadened both my musical and personal horizons. I see my music as a meeting point between worlds—a reminder that we don’t have to choose just one identity. Through my work, I hope to celebrate cultural hybridity and show that our roots can evolve, expand, and still remain sacred.

RM: After the success of Asteartea, what’s next for you? Are there new themes or collaborations you’re looking forward to exploring in your future work?

Bea: Firstly, I want to enjoy the journey of Asteartea—sharing it with audiences through live performances. At the end of the day, that’s why I put music out there: to be able to perform it live and connect with people in the moment.

RM: What advice would you give to emerging musicians who want to blend different genres and express their cultural backgrounds through their music?

Bea: Stay true to your voice, and above all, remember that genre is just a frame—what matters most is the story you’re telling and how honestly you tell it.

RM: Message to fans and readers

Bea: Thank you for listening and for feeling Asteartea. This album is a piece of my heart, and knowing it resonates with others is incredibly moving. I hope the music brings you comfort, reflection, and maybe even healing. Keep embracing your stories and your voice. Eskerrik asko eta besarkada bat (thank you and a big hug).

It’s clear that her debut album “Asteartea” is much more than just a collection of songs; it’s a heartfelt exploration of identity, healing, and the transformative power of music. By weaving together her Basque heritage with contemporary jazz and folk influences, Bea not only honors her roots but also invites listeners on a journey of emotional honesty and empowerment.

Her reflections on vulnerability and the importance of shared experiences resonate deeply, reminding us of the strength found in community and the courage it takes to express our true selves. As she continues to share her music and connect with audiences, Bea Asurmendi stands poised to inspire many with her commitment to authenticity and her belief in the healing potential of art.

With Asteartea, Bea Asurmendi crafts a soul-stirring debut that turns vulnerability into strength and heritage into harmony. It’s more than music—it’s a healing ritual wrapped in jazz, folk, and fearless honesty.

Conect With Bea Asurmendi on Instagram and Spotify