Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Lener

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My father is a great admirer of Johann Sebastian Bach. As long as I can remember, there has been a grand piano in our living room, which he plays every day. Many of the pieces I can still sing by heart in my head. Since there was very little other music playing in our home, Bach was likely my first and most formative musical connection.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I started playing the guitar in elementary school, initially more at my parents’ request than my own. At the age of twelve, my sister and I wrote our first original songs together. We loved singing in two-part harmony and accompanying ourselves on our instruments — my sister on the piano, me on the guitar. It was in those moments that my passion for music truly began.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

At the moment, I am writing an entire album in my native language, German. It scares me because it is brutally honest, and I don’t yet know whether I will be happy with it in the end. But I love challenges — and without taking this risk, I would probably be bored.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music

before?

My music is raw and honest. It tries to capture the space between people. It sounds like stepping onto a completely overcrowded bus and, for a brief moment, being able to hear everyone’s thoughts — while feeling the responsibility to protect their secrets at the same time.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

At some point, I realized that it’s not about making music that fits in somewhere, but about making music that I genuinely like myself. What helped me most was the realization that in a hundred years we’ll all be dead — and that even in the present, hardly anyone really cares that much. The worst thing that can happen when you release a supposedly bad song is that someone thinks, “This song is really bad.” And if that’s the worst-case scenario, then you’re free to do whatever you want.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

I play several instruments, some better than others, but that’s enough for songwriting and recording. My main instrument is the guitar — that’s the one I actually learned properly. Bass, piano, and other instruments I pick up myself when I need them for recording. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about bringing your ideas to life.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Philine Sonny

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

For a long time, I didn’t release any of my own music or art because I thought I had to be “good enough.” But really, it’s just about starting, loving the process, and feeling something along the way.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope to create, through my music and art, a space that inspires — a space that eases the fear of failure and encourages people to be creative themselves, in whatever form that takes.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Perfectionism sucks.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Appletree Garden, MS Dockville & Glastonbury

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Dr. Dog <3

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

https://www.instagram.com/lenerhslb

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical

journey?

At the moment, I’m working on a full album in my native language, German. Beyond the music, I’m taking a lot of time to focus on the artwork. Since I already do a lot of sketchbook and experimental art, I’ll be handling all of it myself — and I’m really excited about that. It’s going to be a huge project, but anything less would be boring. The first German single will be released in spring 2026, and over the next twelve months we’ll be playing 60 to 70 shows. I’m beyond excited!

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

That my life is a colorful tapestry of different phases.

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