Leonie Jakobi is a storyteller with one foot in the past and the other firmly planted in the present. Her new single “The Life My Parents Had” is a shimmering dose of retro charm, featuring surf rock rhythms, and Springsteen-style storytelling. But behind the sunny sounds, Leonie questions tradition, and wonders whether the path laid out for previous generations still makes sense today. It’s a track that captures that beautifully restless, coming-of-age feeling, delivering equal parts affection, rebellion, and curiosity.
The song offers a snapshot of Leonie’s own internal tug-of-war between freedom and familiarity. Splitting her time between Germany and the UK, her music mirrors this duality. “The Life My Parents Had” might be the most personal song she’s written, but it’s also incredibly relatable to anyone navigating their twenties and trying to figure out if they’re forging a life or just drifting through it.
As she builds toward the release of her debut album What Are The People Gonna Say?, Leonie is carving out a space that doesn’t shy away from emotional honesty, genre fluidity, or big, existential questions. Noctis Magazine caught up with her to talk about writing the new single, living between two cultures, and her upcoming album.
Hi Leonie! You just released a new single, “The Life My Parents Had”. The track feels nostalgic yet questioning. What inspired you to write this song, and how personal is it to your own journey?
This song might be one of the most personal ones I’ve ever written since every word of it is true. Growing up, I always assumed I’d have a similar life to the one I witnessed my parents enjoy every day. My dad lived in the same house and worked for the same company his whole life. I soon realised that’s not for me, but I didn’t realise how much you’re giving up by doing it the complete opposite way. I’m in my late 20s now and that might be the time where you start questioning how you want to live your life in the future.
There’s a real contrast between the shimmering, sunny sound and the deeper existential questions in the lyrics. Was that juxtaposition intentional?
Funnily, when I wrote the song, it was more of a 6/8 ballad. A lot more sentimental. I was very vulnerable and sad at the time because I only saw what I’m missing out on. When we recorded it, my life had already changed so drastically, that it felt more fitting for the song. I can laugh about it more now, because it really isn’t that serious. And I don’t want anyone spending too much time and tears on worrying about this either. I realised that even if I had made the same choices as my parents, my life would still look completely different to theirs. That makes it all feel a lot lighter, which I wanted to convey with the song.
You’ve spoken about the push and pull between freedom and tradition. Do you think you’ve found your own balance between the two? Or is it still something you’re figuring out?
Phew, do we ever figure this out? Can someone tell me please? Jokes aside, I’ve never felt more fulfilled than in the last year of basically living on the road, chasing sunny places and good music. In between all of that, I go back to my hometown and spend time with my family and go for walks in places where I used to play as a kid. So I think I have it pretty much figured out for now. But I’m also very aware that this could change any moment and if my priorities shift at some point, I’ll just have to change something. I’m pretty confident I will figure it out when the time comes.
You’ve crafted a sound that feels like it could’ve come from any number of musical eras, yet it never feels dated. How do you channel those retro sounds while still sounding fresh and forward-looking?
I’ll take that as a compliment, so thank you! That’s exactly what we were going for. Most of the music I listen to is from the 60s, 70s and 80s, but I’m not someone who lives in the past. My experience as an artist, a woman, a human is so tied to living in the 21st century, that especially my lyrics will always give away the generation I grew up in. But I also believe that simple melodies and relatable emotions will always be timeless. After all, humanity only changes so much with every new generation.
You have an upcoming debut album, What Are The People Gonna Say? Can you give us any hints as to what to expect?
Joy, guitars and lessons from your 20s.
There are a couple of sentimental songs about people who disappear from your life. There are rock songs who give you a confidence boost and remind you who you are. And there are songs that show you how light and beautiful life is supposed to be. I hope it will make you smile, laugh and dance!
Sir Paul McCartney, Simon Le Bon, and Steven Van Zandt have all supported your journey. Can you share how that kind of recognition has impacted your career so far? As honoured as I am to have had some amazing opportunities already, I think people overestimate that impact on a career. Of course, it helps to know good and successful people, but they can only support you so much. I always say “you still have to make your own career”. If you get played on a big radio station and someone looks you up afterwards and doesn’t find proof that you’re putting the work into building your own community, it will do nothing for you.
But realising that was actually a huge relief for me, because I’m in control. Of course, I’m grateful for any support that gives me more credibility, but that’s all a bonus. How my career is going is 100% up to me and what I’m working on every single day.
You split your time between the UK and Germany. How does that cross-cultural perspective influence your songwriting and connection with audiences? It’s fascinating, because music has a very different place in both countries and people value it differently. In the UK, music is such a huge part of your everyday life. There are people busking, there’s live music in every pub, and everyone at a random house party can play four chords on a guitar. At least that’s how I experienced it, spending a lot of time in Liverpool and London.
In Germany, there are a lot of music scenes that aren’t intertwined. I think I was one of only a handful of people at my school who played music. Especially most people younger than forty rarely listen to guitar music, let alone play guitar. I occasionally meet people my age who have never heard of The Beatles. But in a way, because there’s less music, it’s valued differently. Hearing live music might be more “special”, because it’s rarer.
I certainly enjoy playing gigs in both places, but I do have to approach it differently.
Looking ahead, as well as your album and summer festival appearances, what else does Leonie Jakobi have in store?
I want to bring my music to you! The plan is to play more full-band shows, since that is what I love the most and how the songs are the most fun to listen to I believe. I have my first co-headline shows with Tom Wright coming up in November. We’re playing at The Green Note in London on 27/11 and the Jacaranda in Liverpool on 29/11. So excited for this!
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Words: Alexander Williams