ABOUT
August Björn (b. 1994) is an award-winning pianist and composer based in Gothenburg, Sweden. He has emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in Nordic jazz, gaining an international audience through his unique touch and emotionally charged performances.
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In his music, August seamlessly weaves improvisation and composition into a unified cinematic landscape that pushes against established jazz structures. Drawing from both jazzz and classical traditions – and through collaborations that stretch across genres – August continues to challenge our perception of how contemporary jazz can sound.
August began classical piano studies at the age of eight and has later studied with several leading Scandinavian pianists. At thirteen, he received the Maj von Rosen Scholarship from the Royal Academy of Music, marking the start of a series of significant Swedish awards and scholarships. By seventeen, he had already been compared to pianists such as Esbjörn Svensson, received STIM's Scholarship for Composers, and won first prize in Sweden's largest jazz competition, Young Jazz Comets. Today, August holds a master's degree in Improvisation and World Music from the Academy of Music & Drama in Gothenburg.
As a composer, August has written works for some of Sweden's most distinguished soloists, including a solo piece for legendary guitarist Göran Söllscher and a euphonium concerto for Johannes Forsberg. These classical collaborations continue to shape the harmonic and structural language that underpins his jazz writing. Most recently, his partnership with vocalist Sara Aldén resulted in a Swedish GRAMMY for their album There Is No Future.
In spring 2026, August releases his debut album, recorded with a newly formed quartet. The first single will be released on February 27.
After three years of searching, I have finally found what can to some extent fill the void left by EST.
/Agata Trzepierczynska, Independent Polska Kultura Niezalezna
GRAMMY winner for best jazz album 2025 - There Is No Future
There Is No Future is the debut album of Sara Aldén, created in collaboration with August Björn and Daniel Andersson. August Björn is credited as pianist, arranger, and producer on the album.
Winner of Young Jazz Comets
Young Jazz Comets is Sweden's largest competition for young jazz musicians.
Two time winner of STIM's
Scholarship for Composers
The scholarship is awarded by the Stim Forward Fund to promote Swedish music of high artistic quality regardless of genre.
Winner of Kultur i Väst's Jazz Award
The Kultur i Väst Jazz Award is awarded annually to an exceptionally talented artist or group in jazz.
Recipient of Tranemo's Cultural Award
The Tranemo Cultural Award is awarded annually to a person or group who has made significant efforts in the cultural field.
Recipient of Bertil Bengtson's Youth Scholarship
"...combines beauty, humanistic belief, empathy and
commitment with tremendous musical skill and innovation."
Recipient of Roger Sjöholm's Scholarship for Young Musicians
"..has reached a remarkable musical maturiy connected to a high level of ambition..."
Recipient of The Bengt Claesson's Memorial Scholarship
Recipient of The Adlerbertska Foundation's Scholarship
Three time recipient of Maj Von Rósens Youth Scholarship
The Maj Von Rosen Youth Scholarship is awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music.
Two Time Recipient of Tore G. Wärenstam's Scholarship for Cultural Projects
Recipient of The Swedish Arts Council's Funding for Music Publishing