Rebecca Vasmant ft: Paix & Emilie Boyd - Rooted (Single)
“Rooted feat. Paix & Emilie Boyd” is the new single from Glasgow-based pioneering DJ-Producer Rebecca Vasmant. Alongside the release, Rebecca announces the release of her album ‘Who We Are Becoming’, out 9th May via a new label partnership between New Soil and Women In Jazz. The LP is a standout contemporary jazz record, representing an exciting new chapter in Rebecca’s artistic journey. Staying true to her roots, it boasts powerful collaborations with some of Scotland’s finest musical talents, with the single featuring interdisciplinary artist Paix and vocalist Emilie Boyd, alongside Amanda Whiting (harp), Joe Rattray (bass), Graham Costello (drums), and Cameron Thomason-Duncan (trumpet).
As the opening track, “Rooted” represents the deeply personal exploration of the album, having been inspired by her ancestors. The track provides the perfect introduction to the self-reflective record, as Vasmant explains: “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.
Expanding the boundaries of traditional jazz production, Vasmant leads a 25-strong ensemble 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.” Vasmant’s unique DIY ethos shines throughout “Who We Are Becoming”, with all vocals and instruments - apart from drums - recorded in her Glasgow flat using a single Rode microphone gifted by Soma Records’ Jim Matune. Rebecca’s process reflects her self-taught, self-funded, and self-made ethos: “I’ve always believed you don’t need fancy studios to create amazing music. My setup is basic but meaningful; I’ve built it over time and made it work.”
Rebecca’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 Rebecca 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 6Music’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 and Azamiah, further showcasing Scotland’s vibrant talent pool.