With her debut album, Asteartea, out now, we took some time to hear from Bea Asurmendi. Read below to learn more about Bea Asurmendi, the story behind Asteartea, and what’s to come.

Hi Bea Asurmendi! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?

Hi! My artist name is actually a shortened version of my first name (Beatriz) and my first surname. My music is such a personal expression of who I am—it just made sense to keep my birth name as my artist name. It feels authentic and rooted, which is exactly how I want my music to feel too.

What city are you from and where are you based now?

I’m originally from a little village in the mountains called Aramaio, in the Basque Country, and I’ve been living in London for over a decade now. Both places have played a big part in shaping who I am, both personally and musically. Aramaio gave me a deep connection to nature, tradition, and community, while London opened me up to new sounds, cultures, and creative possibilities.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

I’ve been passionate about music and singing for as long as I can remember. In 2013, I moved to London to fully immerse myself in its vibrant, multicultural music scene. I first completed a Bachelor’s degree in Popular Music Performance, then went on to earn a Master’s in Jazz Performance at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. This training gave me the confidence and connected me with an incredible network of musicians, which helped me find my voice and begin working professionally in the music world.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?

Definitely. Growing up in the Basque Country gave me a deep connection to nature and community—values that still echo in my music. At home, there was always music playing. My dad listened to a lot of rock bands, my mum to folk singer-songwriters, and I was also studying classical singing while being completely obsessed with voices like Whitney Houston’s. So from early on, I was surrounded by very different musical worlds.

When I first started out, I wasn’t connected to jazz yet. That connection came later, after I moved to London. It was there that I immersed myself in the genre—its harmonic richness and its improvisational freedom. Living in such a multicultural city also exposed me to music from all over the world, which has been incredibly inspiring and enriching. Looking back, I feel like Asteartea is the natural result of all those influences—a rich, varied mix that I’ve had the privilege of growing up and evolving with. That’s why the album reflects such a diversity of sounds and textures. I don’t really like putting labels on music. For me, what matters most is being true to your voice. In the end, it’s about the story you’re telling—whether with or without words—and how honestly you choose to tell it.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

It’s an emotionally-driven blend of contemporary jazz, Basque and Iberian folk, and improvisation. There’s a strong narrative thread running through my music—I try to turn feeling into sound. My work is multilingual, with lyrics in Basque, Spanish, and English, and it’s deeply rooted in both personal and collective storytelling. I explore themes like grief, self-love, women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I love reading and spending time in nature—especially hiking. That’s actually one of the reasons that I fly back to the Basque Country every month and a half or so. Being surrounded by nature there helps me reset, reconnect with myself, and find inspiration in the landscape and the quiet. It’s a way of grounding myself, so that I can return to music with fresh energy and perspective.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

I draw inspiration from expressive, genre-blending artists rooted in jazz, folk, and European classical traditions—musicians known for their emotional depth, improvisation, and poetic storytelling. Some of my 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. I also admire Cyrille Aimée for her playfulness and rhythmic creativity.

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

Definitely releasing my debut album, Asteartea, as an independent artist. I managed the entire project on my own, and it makes me incredibly proud to see it out in the world, fully reflecting my vision and effort.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

To trust my own process and honor my pace, rather than getting caught up in the constant rush, pressure, and ‘right’ way of doing things in today’s music industry. Putting the music—my art—first is key for me. I’ve also learned how important it is to surround yourself with people who truly understand your vision and bring genuine heart to the work—it makes all the difference.

Now onto your release, Asteartea. What inspired this album?

Asteartea was inspired by a deeply transformative experience that I had in a women’s circle that met every Tuesday—hence the album’s name, which means ‘Tuesday’ in Basque. In that safe space, goddess mythology became a gateway to exploring inner landscapes and shared stories of womanhood. We shared anger, joy, fears, dreams, sorrow, and desires—anything—expressing everything openly and honestly. It helped me realize 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.

What is the overall theme of Asteartea?

Asteartea is an evocative, multilingual journey through grief, self-forgiveness, self-love, women’s empowerment, and mental health awareness. It’s about embracing the full spectrum of emotions and finding healing through connection—with ourselves, others, and our shared histories. The album invites listeners to find beauty in vulnerability, a quality often overlooked or devalued by society, and to feel seen and honored in their emotional journeys.

What was the creative process like when making Asteartea?

It was deeply intuitive and emotionally driven. I let the songs emerge without forcing them into a specific genre or structure. My guiding principle throughout was to stay true to my voice. Genre is just a frame—what matters most is the story that you’re telling and how honestly you tell it.

Most of the album was recorded live, which was really important to me. There’s a certain energy and honesty that comes from capturing musicians playing together in the moment. I sang from a separate room while the rhythm section played, so we could still feel connected. Later, I re-recorded some vocals and added percussion and cello, but the core feeling was already there. I think that’s what gives the album its raw, intimate character. More than anything, I wanted the music to feel alive—honest, imperfect, and real.

How long did it take to complete Asteartea?

I would say it was a journey of two years. As I’ve mentioned, I wanted to give this piece of work the time and space it needed to grow organically. I didn’t want to rush any part of the process—it all unfolded at its own pace, and I think that’s part of what gives the album its depth and honesty.

Is there a specific song on Asteartea that speaks to you the most? If so, what is it called, and what is it about?

It’s hard to choose, but I’d say ‘OTSEMEAK,’ which means ‘she-wolves’ in Basque. It’s the first track on the album and holds a very special place for me. It feels like an opening mantra and, in many ways, captures the essence of the whole project.

The track begins with the voices of the women in my family. Last year, we all gathered at my grandparents’ house in the mountains. I brought my mic and recording equipment, and while standing together in a circle, I recorded this beautiful moment. That recording became the opening of ‘OTSEMEAK.’ For me, it grounds the album in something deeply personal—my roots, my family, and the power of vulnerability and connection among women.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from Asteartea?

I hope listeners find strength in softness and beauty in vulnerability. This album is an invitation to honor your emotional journey—to feel deeply, embrace your inner process, and express yourself freely. If it sparks conversations or inspires someone to open up, that means the world to me.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

Right now, my main goal is to share Asteartea with people through live performances. At the end of the day, I make music, so I can perform it live and connect directly with the audience. I’m currently in the process of finalizing some dates for this fall, which I’ll be sharing soon on my social media and website.

Where can we follow you on social media?

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/beamusicbea

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!