Discover Germany, Switzerland & Austria
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Cover Feature
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LINA
LINA CHARTING HER OWN COURSE 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. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
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PHOTOS: FELIX AARON
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.
gesting 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.
THE EVOLUTION OF LINA’S SOUND 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, sug30
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Issue 137
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January 2026
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