“DSDS” juror Leony reveals what fans can expect from their debut album “Somewhere in Between” and how they deal with haters.
Singer, songwriter and “DSDS” juror Leony (25) will release her debut album “Somewhere in Between” on March 24th. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the 25-year-old talks about her big milestone and what fans can expect from the record. She also reveals how her life has changed with “DSDS” so far and how she deals with hate comments.
You release your debut album “Somewhere in Between”. What can your fans look forward to?
Leony: I will show a different side of myself with my album. Of course, there will also be new songs on it, which tie in with “Remedy” in style, for example, as well as ballads and acoustic songs. More specifically, the entire B-side of the album will consist of acoustic versions of songs that I have contributed to as a singer, songwriter or artist. Up until seven years ago, I only sang ballads and played every song as an acoustic version on piano or guitar and really wanted to reflect this part of me on the album.
How did your album come about?
Leony: The album was created just like almost all of my other songs: with my team in our studio in Berlin. The team consists of three people, Vitali Zestovskih, Mark Becker and myself. We locked ourselves in the studio for a few weeks and just started writing, trying different approaches and just doing what we felt. The title ”Somewhere In Between” was decided for a long time and the album should summarize all facets and stories of my life.
You write your own songs and are also active as songwriters for other artists. What inspires you when writing songs?
Leony: Life, daily stories, the world, my friends and family, feelings. The beauty of writing is that you can immerse yourself in another world, like an author writing a book.
What does it mean to you to release your debut album?
Leony: My debut album is a big step in my career. Even though albums probably don’t mean the same as they did a while back, it’s a milestone for me that I’m very proud of!
You have previously worked musically with both Katja Krasavice and Dieter Bohlen – how was and is it for you to sit next to them on the “DSDS” jury?
Leony: It was nice to sit next to familiar faces. I got on well with both Katja and Dieter beforehand and I also knew Pietro a little. We had a lot of fun together.
Which artist would you still like to work with?
Leony: I love collaborating with other artists and basically I’m always open to everything. But my absolute dream collaboration would be with Coldplay! I love the band, their songs, their live shows and I know it’s a huge goal, but one should dream big (laughs).
Before the “DSDS” premiere, you said that “probably everything” would change in your life. What has happened so far?
Leony: People’s perceptions have definitely changed. A lot of people used to know my music, but hardly anyone knew my face or the person behind it, and I’m noticing how that’s changing. I get a lot of lovely messages from people who listen to my music or watch “DSDS” and I’m happy about every single one.
You also had fears that you might not like these changes. Are you comfortable with everything that has come your way so far?
Leony: I feel very comfortable with it. My life has of course become a lot more stressful and my private life is of course falling by the wayside a bit, but if you’ve been dreaming about everything that’s happening since childhood, then that’s a price you’re happy to pay.
There was also criticism that you were “too unknown” for the post. You have already responded to this with a funny reel on Instagram. How do you personally deal with negative comments?
Leony: I’ve always had opposition to what I do, so I developed a thick skin relatively early on. Basically, it’s always the same people who make negative comments on the internet and it’s almost never constructive criticism, but always hate, which you could easily save yourself. I try to take this kind of news with humor. I know what I can do and who I am, but I also know what I can’t do and who I’m not, and once you’ve internalized that, then such news can’t actually hit you anymore.
They go on tour in May. What are you expecting?
Leony: My first own tour is just as much a milestone for me as my first album. I want the show to be a great experience for people. But the most important thing to me is that my band, the people who are paying to see me and I have fun doing it. I love being on stage and feeling the energy of the people.
You started singing on TV when you were 17 and won the show “Rising Star” with your band. What did you take with you and learn from this time?
Leony: For me it was the first time that I had contact with the professional music business, what it’s like to stand in front of a camera, in front of an audience of millions. It’s always been clear to me that music is my passion and that I don’t want to do anything else in life and after “Rising Star” I knew that this is the only thing that will make me happy.
In addition to your voice, you are also known for your flair for fashion. What does fashion mean to you?
Leony: For me, fashion is another way of expressing my personality and I love slipping into different roles. Even if you don’t feel so confident on some days, a good outfit helps you with that. I also love walking around in sweatpants and no make-up, but I enjoy exploring and trying new things.