Leony
Support: Philipp Dittberner
"About a girl who set out to experience an adventure and do what she loves most." Sounds like the beginning of a fairy tale? Fantastic! And one thing is for sure – it will be exciting, entertaining, passionate, a bit magical here and there, and in many ways adventurous, because it is about nothing less than the adventure and – so much can be revealed – the love of her life: music. When asked by singer-songwriter Leony what music means to her, the answer is simple and concise: Everything! After her celebrated debut album "Somewhere in Between," which propelled Leony to become one of the most popular and sought-after artists in Germany in no time, she is now following up with the impressive second album "Oldschool Love."
Leony's love for music began very early – at the age of six, it was clear for Leonie Burger, as her real name is, that she would be a singer and one day stand on stage. Today, she owes it primarily to her strong will, unshakable self-confidence, and above all, her extraordinary talent that the dream of the little girl from back then has become a reality today. Although the seemingly "direct breakthrough" was by no means easy or straightforward, Leony is aware that the point at which she stands today is the sum of all her decisions and experiences. The good, the not-so-good, and those she might have spared herself. "But often, it became clear after a short time that what I initially thought was a mistake led to something that ultimately moved me one step further," reflects Leony on her remarkable journey thus far. "I think that's why I am very at peace with myself today – with what I am and what I am not, what happens and what does not happen."
In numbers, what the 27-year-old is, among other things, reads as follows: Her debut singles "Faded Love" and "Remedy" topped the German airplay charts for weeks, also conquering Switzerland, France, Austria, Finland, and Romania. Her songs have been streamed more than 1.5 billion times worldwide, and exciting collaborations with national and international stars followed (including Alan Walker, Felix Jaehn, Steve Aoki, Sam Feldt, Vize, Niklas Dee, Kontra K.), precious metal awards, and numerous nominations for the BAMBI, MTV EMAs, 1Live Krone, Radio Regenbogen Award, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award – the latter she even takes home.
With her new album "Oldschool Love" (release: February 28, 2025), the artist from the Upper Palatinate impressively follows up and proves that her debut was by no means just a coincidence but rather a milestone of an artist on her way out of the village of Cham onto the boards that mean the world to her and simultaneously to herself.
The new 15 songs are more mature, profound, sophisticated, and much more aligned with the idea of what Leony wants to convey with her music to the world. "The first album is, of course, special because it was the first album. With the second, we had much more time, and I personally think that the second one was even more fun than the first," muses Leony. "And that is exactly what you should feel when listening to the songs. I hope that people have a good time, maybe a little break from their daily lives – something that gives them a good feeling for a while."
When Leony speaks of "us," she means Vitali Zestovskih (Vize) – mentor, manager, co-writer, and producer – as well as Mark Becker, also a producer and a fixed part of the successful trio. In this constellation, the visions and ideas for the songs and sound of Leony have been developed in a very specific way for five years now. "We always start with the melody – someone picks up the guitar or sits at the piano, plays a few chords, and when the melody is set, I sit down and write the lyrics." Songwriting is Leony's self-chosen way of processing her emotions and experiences and expressing them artistically. And although not all lyrics are autobiographical, there are one or two tracks that hold a special meaning for the charismatic artist.
"Oldschool Love" is an album that reflects that very feeling of life, which Leony also carries within herself as a fundamental mood. She herself says that she had the fortune of growing up in very happy circumstances, surrounded by positive people. For the title track "Oldschool Love," Leony drew inspiration from her parents: "They have a totally respectful and honest relationship, and I find that beautiful. 'Oldschool Love' stands for not giving up right away when there are problems, but solving them together." Values like trust, hope, loyalty, commitment, and gratitude form the foundation on which Leony builds her world – the basis for approaching the world optimistically and focusing on what is present rather than what is missing. This is also the core message of "Your Way" – a kind of homage to her grandfather, who passed away a few years ago and was an important reference person alongside her parents.
Happiness as a decision in every single moment and not as something we have to work hard for? "The world is not exactly a positive place right now. A lot is happening; people are often against each other rather than for or with one another. I simply try to see the positive in life. And that should also be reflected in the album," explains Leony, for whom authenticity holds a high priority. "Of course, I could write about broken hearts or bitter disappointments – thank goodness that hasn’t happened to me so far, so it doesn’t feel right to do so." And yet there are also reflective moments on the new longplayer – like on "By Your Side (In My Mind)," a song dedicated by Leony to her best friends. The lyrics and melody convey the bittersweet message of the track in a congenial manner – for the connection of over 18 years carries the pain of separation that comes with a career. Yet gratitude and hope are the prevailing feelings. "Another Goodbye," on the other hand, declares the final separation as the last resort to escape the recurring pain of farewell. The concept of a long-distance relationship finds no fulfillment but is doomed to fail.
The concept of collaborations with other artists continues on the new album. Noteworthy are the already released tracks "Fire," the official UEFA EURO 2024 song, which Leony sang together with MEDUZA & One Republic, or the single "Rock’n’Roll," in which Leony collaborated with American rapper G-Eazy. The collaboration with VIZE, which has already proven to be a success guarantee in the past, has once again borne fruit for this album, producing the song "I Can Feel" (with Vize & Niklas Dee). With "The Weekend," we find the electrifying result of the collaboration with music producer Imran. A laid-back, light song – almost like a little flirt that ultimately not only figuratively wraps the listener around its finger but definitely ends on the dancefloor.
"Oldschool Love" is multifaceted, inspiring, and above all, musically an extremely versatile album. The captivating positive vibe is created not least by the clever play with seemingly contrasting genres. Folk, pop, and even clearly noticeable country influences harmoniously blend with exciting, pulsating EDM beats and thus heighten each other in an appealing contrast to real earworm pearls.
When Leony embarks on her next big headliner tour through a total of 14 cities starting March 10, 2025, she not only has a set of brand-new songs in tow but also a completely new show: attendees can look forward to a new stage design, new choreography, and new show elements. "It is extremely important to me that the people who come to my concerts have fun. I'm excited to perform the new songs, celebrate with my fans, dance, and simply have a really good time," explains Leony, in whose eyes a sparkle is evident at the mere mention of the upcoming tour. "Standing on stage is the most beautiful thing for me – I can do what I enjoy the most and be with the people who make it all possible." Does that sound too good to be true? That’s how it goes in a real fairy tale.
Support: Philipp Dittberner