Artist Of The Week #306 - Leonie Jakobi
This week's Artist of the Week is singer-songwriter Leonie Jakobi - who has just released her debut album 'What Are People Gonna Say?'.
In a career that’s just taking shape, Leonie Jakobi has already achieved so much, from writing with Paul McCartney to having her talents put in the spotlight by famous names such as Simon Le Bon and Steven Van Zandt. Today brings a new landmark moment for the Germany-born, Liverpool-grown artist - now living life on the road - as she unveils her debut album ‘What Are The People Gonna Say?’.
She took a moment to talk to us about how the album came together.
Hey there Leonie Jakobi, how are you? So your album is out now – how does it feel to have it out there?.
This is the best feeling in the world. It’s not just a whole year of work on this record, but a lifetime of practicing, finding my voice and my sound, learning lessons that need to be shared in songs, and finding the right team to work with. I couldn’t be more excited, relieved and proud.
It is called 'What Are The People Gonna Say?’ – what is the meaning behind that?
Have you ever had a dream – big or small – but you talked yourself out of it because it might not match the image people have of you?
The full lyrics are “What are the people gonna say if they all find out it’s just a game that we play”. It’s about not taking yourself, life, and especially other people too seriously. They might laugh at you for one second and then they’re busy again with their own lives. It’s not worth limiting yourself and your dreams to be the person they think you ought to be.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
I recorded a couple of songs in Liverpool and the rest of the album in Nashville with Arielle. It was a very special experience since Arielle has only just built her new studio in her farmhouse. We used a lot of analogue gear from the 70s, including a tape machine that we recorded drums and bass on. I wanted it to feel very raw and live, so we just jammed through the songs a few times and then went straight in and recorded the band!
What are the key influences behind the album?
I’m the biggest Bruce Springsteen fan, so he will influence everything I do forever. Have you ever watched a Springsteen show – live or online? Did you see how many smiling faces there are in the crowd? This is what I want to achieve with my record.
Apart from him, I also love Suzi Quatro, Pat Benatar, Larkin Poe and Brandi Carlile.
If the album could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
I must admit, I don’t watch a lot of films. But I can certainly imagine it in a romcom, where the main character is finally putting herself, her dreams and her career first. Probably more towards the end of the movie since most of the songs feel very much like a happy end. One without the man though. This romcom ends with self-love!
Do you have a favourite lyric on the album? If so, which one and why?
My favourite line is “My happiness is mine; I deserve to shine”. It feels like words of affirmation to me. Keep telling yourself that you’re allowed to shine as bright as you do!
Now the album is out there – what next for you?
I’m doing a big launch show with my band in the old castle in my hometown of Dreieich, Germany. After that, I’m playing my first little UK tour. A co-headline tour with my friend Tom Wright. We’re doing shows in London, Liverpool and Wrexham at the end of November, and I can’t wait to get those songs on the road!
