LINA: Charting her own course

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: FELIX AARON

Catapulted into the limelight as Bibi Blocksberg – Germany’s much-loved film witch – Lina Larissa Strahl, known as LINA, has since carved out her own path, emerging as a fiercely independent musician. With a new album on the horizon that marks a fresh chapter of creative autonomy, LINA recently sat down with us to chat about the lessons she has picked up along the way, what it really means to grow up under the public gaze, and how taking charge of her own story has been nothing short of transformative.

LINA’s journey in showbiz began by chance, landing the role of Bibi Blocksberg – a part that would shape her formative years and thrust her into the national spotlight. “Looking back, I think it was more the whole process than just the role itself that changed me,” the 27-year-old recalls. The huge success of the first film and its sequel brought a mix of excitement and pressure. “It was an experience like no other; something only a handful of people ever go through,” LINA reflects, aware of just how unique her early rise to fame was. But fame was not without its challenges. LINA found herself maturing at a pace most teenagers never have to, navigating the expectations of fans and the media. “I suppose I had to grow up a bit faster,” she admits, recognising how much those early years shaped her.

Being in the public eye, as LINA openly shares, is a double-edged sword. The attention was thrilling but also came with its fair share of scrutiny. “You quickly realise just how many people have opinions about you once you’re in the public eye,” she says, describing the mix of surprise and discomfort that came with that realisation. Learning how to cope with this attention – especially as a young girl – was anything but easy. “Dealing with the public is something I’m still figuring out,” she adds, suggesting that no one is truly prepared for that kind of exposure at such a young age.

Those early experiences taught LINA the value of setting boundaries and protecting her privacy. Reflecting now, she admits that she might have approached things differently; perhaps keeping a little more of herself back during interviews. These days, she is much more intentional about what she shares, particularly through her podcast and other media. “Now, I only share what I’m comfortable with, and always on my own terms,” she says, a far cry from her younger self who felt the need to say yes to everything. The essence of this growth and new-found independence can now be heard in her latest album Melodrama which will be released on 23 January 2026.

LINA: Charting her own course

The evolution of LINA’s sound

What many do not know is that LINA’s career started in the music realm with her winning the Dein Song (Your Song) music contest in 2013 before she focused on acting. Throughout the past years, three of her albums made it into the German Top 10, while she received two Echo nominations and sold out her tours. Behind the success, however, she reveals that she suffered from burnout symptoms. “For almost two years, I couldn’t even bring myself to touch my keyboard or piano at home. The entire subject of music became overwhelming and stressful, plunging me into a deeply negative headspace. Looking back at my last album, I can see how much it took out of me, leaving me almost broken. I genuinely struggled to write; it was as if I was experiencing a creative block.” Over the past years, things then shifted. “I’ve found myself returning to the piano more and more, spending countless hours playing and recording endless voice memos.”

Some of those recordings have ended up on her latest album, Melodrama, which feels deeply personal and blends raw emotion with an unmistakably upbeat pop sensibility. True to its name, it is dramatic, sentimental, and emotional – yet always laced with a sense of humour. The songs explore themes of longing and self-presentation, inner restlessness, and the desire to make life appear a little brighter than it really is. “I’ve never done so much myself as I have with this album,” says LINA. “It’s more personal than my diary – and it shows every side of me: the flirty songs, the loud moments, but also the quiet ones, where there’s nothing to hide.”

LINA says that the sound of the album reminds her of the American girl pop summer which she has fallen in love with. “In terms of themes, the album is definitely about love. I think it’s really a drama centred around love – unfulfilled love, longing, love that has broken down, a lack of love for oneself, the search for self-love, or even love that can be unhealthy,” she says. “When I started writing the album, I had just separated from my ex-boyfriend. We were together for seven, eight years, and you could have assumed that it would be a break-up album. There are those sentimental and deeply sad moments, but overall, it’s a cheerful and optimistic sound; dramatic and a little bit yearning but never weighed down.”

Crafted from honest experience, tracks like Bis wir fallen and the intimate Morgen ist auch noch ein Tag stand out for their vulnerability. “Morgen ist auch noch ein Tag is just a sketch – me and a ukulele, recorded on my phone. It’s so pure, so me, that I want to put it forward,” LINA shares. Even as the album explores themes of heartbreak and longing, it refuses to settle into melancholy, instead oscillating between reflection and exuberance. “I love Tagebuch and the new single Vanille, which is poppy and polished. I listen to a colourful mix at home, from pop girls to sombre tracks, and I don’t think you have to stick to just one thing.”

LINA’s creative process is as varied as the album’s sound. “When I write at home, it’s almost always sad, melancholic songs. Sometimes I go to the studio and decide, ‘No, today I want something lighter.’ What you hear now is exactly what I felt at the time.” She draws inspiration from her own experiences, books, and influential women, both real and fictional, like Peggy Guggenheim and Betty Draper, the latter inspiring her single Sie weiß (Betty Draper). Ultimately, Melodrama is a testament to LINA’s growth, independence, and willingness to bare her soul, offering listeners both intimate ballads and sparkling pop anthems, all delivered in her own unmistakable style.

As anticipation builds for her upcoming tour, set to kick off in February, LINA offers a glimpse into the meticulous preparation that goes on behind the scenes. “We’re deep into planning – everything from the stage design and the overarching concept to the setlist and even what I’ll be wearing,” she reveals.

For LINA, the thrill of touring lies in the unique energy that only a live audience can provide. “Performing live allows me to bring my studio work to life in a completely different way. There’s something magical about connecting with the crowd and feeling their immediate reactions.”

Asked if there are particular songs she is especially excited to perform, LINA does not hesitate. “Für Immer is a special song for me, and I can’t wait to share it on stage,” she says. She is also looking forward to performing one of her standout singles, Liebst mich, which she believes will resonate powerfully in a live setting. “I want the live experience to reflect the theatrical and dramatic essence of the album. The whole concept is almost like staging a piece of theatre, with each song offering its own heightened sense of drama.”

LINA: Charting her own course

A focus on mental health

Just as her music deals with her experiences, love and loss, LINA’s interest in mental health has become a defining aspect of her creative journey, most notably through her podcast Fühl ich which delves into topics surrounding mental well-being and the challenges of growing up. She explains: “I’ve been engaging deeply with the topic of mental health for a number of years now. This is because I’ve been in therapy myself for five years, attending sessions regularly. I reflect not only on my own issues, but also on those that affect others, or at least I try to.” The inspiration for the podcast arose during the COVID-19 pandemic, when LINA, not previously a podcast enthusiast, found solace and understanding in listening to psychology podcasts. This sparked the idea to start a show aimed at a younger audience – her own generation – offering relatable insights from someone living through similar experiences.

The concept lingered as a note on her phone for over three years, unable to gain traction until she changed management in early 2023. With fresh support and encouragement, LINA finally brought her vision to life, launching the first season in early 2024. The podcast quickly became a passion project, featuring 12 episodes that tackle topics close to her heart, all approached with scientific grounding and psychological depth. Looking ahead, LINA confirms that new episodes are in the works, though the format and partnerships may evolve.

LINA: Charting her own course

International ambitions

When it comes to LINA’s music, the choice to write in German has always been a point of reflection – and sometimes, frustration. “The idea of singing in English has always been there, and it still comes up from time to time,” LINA admits. “There are moments when we think, ‘Oh, if only we did everything in English.’ It’s this massive dream, you know?” LINA is open about her international ambitions. “Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong country. Why am I not American?” she says with a laugh. “I’d love to take to the world’s stage and be international – those dreams are definitely there.” Yet, she is quick to acknowledge the importance of grounding oneself: “In a way, you need to focus on where you are. When I was younger, my old team and I decided to do everything in German. That’s fine, and I really do love the German language.”

Still, she does not shy away from the challenges. “German is a beautiful language, but it’s also very difficult. Translating that pop-girl sound into German can be enough to make you want to pull your hair out – sometimes you want to cry, sometimes you just have to laugh at how much better it would sound in English.” She is unflinchingly honest: “In German, sometimes it just sounds… well, a bit awkward. But these are the things that make you grow.”

Looking ahead, LINA is optimistic about her career. “At the moment, I’m feeling incredibly positive about what’s to come,” she shares. “Of course, I’m thinking about heading back into the studio and writing new songs,” she admits. “I absolutely love writing and can’t wait to get started on new texts. But right now, my focus is on getting this album out and performing a fantastic tour in front of a wonderful audience. That’s my number one priority at the moment.”

Looking forward to the album release early next year, LINA describes the anticipation as deeply personal. “I can’t wait to finally hold the album in my hands,” she reveals. “I spent a long time thinking I couldn’t do this without a lot of help, but now there’s an album I love, with 15 songs I’ve written with friends I’ve only just met over the past two years. I’ve really rediscovered myself as an artist. I’m not worrying about the future right now, except that I definitely want to keep making music. Music is my heart and soul, and that’s where my focus lies.”

LINA: Charting her own course

Melodrama tour 2026

27 February: Berlin – Huxleys

28 February: Hannover – Capitol

1 March: Hamburg – Docks

3 March: Stuttgart – Im Wizemann (Halle)

4 March: Cologne – Carlswerk Viktoria

6 March: Leipzig – Täubchenthal

7 March: Vienna – Flex

9 March: Munich – Muffathalle

10 March: Zurich – Dynamo

11 March: Frankfurt – Batschkapp