Liselotte Östblom

Liselotte Östblom Biography

“LIS delivers a soul-grabbing and sublime performance” — EARMILK

Swedish-born and London-based, Liselotte Östblom is an exceptional jazz singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, whose sound effortlessly blends jazz, soulful RnB, experimental textures, and gospel influences. Renowned for her distinctive voice and powerful stage presence, Liselotte is an internationally touring artist who performs in various dynamic constellations, including the acclaimed Boreal Sun, SPARTACUS with Robert “Sput” Searight, and Gregory Hutchinson’s DA BANG. Whether performing under her own name or as the solo artist behind the project smiling LIS, her work spans a spectrum of genres, from intimate solo performances to large ensemble arrangements.

In 2024, Liselotte graced some of Europe's most prestigious stages, performing at the Aarhus Jazz Festival (Denmark), Stockholm Jazz Festival (Sweden), BIX Jazzclub (Germany), and Ronnie Scott’s (UK). She has also shared the stage with a range of musical legends, including Gregory Hutchinson (Betty Carter, Roy Hargrove), Ray Angry (The Roots), Mark Whitfield, Robert “Sput” Searight (Snarky Puppy, Toto), Casey Benjamin, Bobbi Sparks, Holger Marjamaa, and many prominent UK jazz musicians such as Robert Mitchell, Tom Ford, Lauren Kinsella, Alex Hitchcock, and Harry Baker.

Liselotte's musical journey began at a young age when she was crowned the winner of the Swedish Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, showcasing her early talent and passion for music. Later, she earned a spotlight when Jacob Collier highlighted her in his I-harm-U series, further cementing her reputation as an artist to watch.

Her debut as a songwriter and producer came with her EP A Paintbrush Unfold, which showcased her ability to merge soulful jazz with gospel and groove influences. After years of extensive touring, recording, and composing for other artists, Liselotte is preparing for her highly anticipated follow-up release. In 2025, she will take the stage with Gregory Hutchinson's band, featuring Kurt Rosenwinkel, in Slovenia, perform at Royal Albert Hall with Boreal Sun supporting the Brand New Heavies, and continue her duo collaborations with pianist Harry Baker (Sheku Kanneh-Mason).

Liselotte is also a passionate educator, teaching vocal jazz at the highest level. Her students have been mentored at renowned institutions such as Cambridge University, King’s College London, Riga Conservatory, and other esteemed schools across the world, including China. She is regularly invited to lead vocal jazz workshops, collaborating with industry giants such as Gregory Hutchinson, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Joe Sanders, Ben Wendel, Antonio Sanchez, Theo Croker, and others. Liselotte holds an MA in Jazz Voice and an LRAM Diploma in Jazz Voice Pedagogy from the Royal Academy of Music in London, where she studied with legendary vocalist Norma Winstone. In 2016, she participated in the prestigious Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead programme under the mentorship of Jason Moran, Eric Harland, and Carmen Lundy.

In addition to her jazz career, Liselotte is the creative force behind smiling LIS, an artistic project through which she explores an eclectic fusion of alternative RnB/Hip-Hop, electronic soul, and experimental soundscapes. Her debut single RITUALS was featured in EARMILK, Scandinaviansoul, and Stereofox, with two accompanying music videos. Her mixtape PROPHECY was released in 2023, continuing to build her reputation as a unique voice in the world of contemporary music.

Fun Facts:

Liselotte was featured in Jacob Collier’s IHarmU series in 2017.
She won the Swedish Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2004 with her group Limelights, earning a Gold award.
Liselotte has composed commissioned work performed for the Swedish Prime Minister and the Royal Family.
She participated in the Nobel Museum’s “Nobel Creations” art installation.
She has served as a composer/vocal producer for the renowned gospel choir The Master’s Voice.