Iris Mareike Steen (31) is best known for her role in the RTL series "Gute Zeiten, Schlechte Zeiten". But the actress is currently also pursuing her second passion: singing. The 31-year-old will release her debut album "Grau wird bunt" on March 24th. "I'm incredibly excited," admits the GZSZ actress. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, she reveals why Steen's heart beats more for music than for acting and whether she would undress for the third time for "Playboy".

Iris Mareike Steen: I'm incredibly excited. I wouldn't necessarily speak of fear because at the same time I'm very excited. But of course you're nervous when something is so close to your heart.

Steen: Of course. I think everyone knows such moments. You can allow something like that. It's just important not to get lost in it.

Steen: Here, too, it is important and healing to allow negative feelings and give them space. Lovesickness due to a breakup as well as a dispute within the relationship. And I think it's very important to let the other person know about the issues where you're most vulnerable - regardless of whether it's objectively justifiable or not. This is the only way for the other person to have the chance to deal with it sensitively.

Steen: I'm incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to live out both passions. But if I had to choose, my heart probably beats a bit more for the music. I absolutely need them in life so that my soul is happy.

Steen: In particular, my best friend was incredibly happy. When I played the song to her, she knew after a few seconds that it was "her song". I also love writing when you really visualize the person and draw inspiration from memories and feelings towards them. You can often say a lot more with music than with many spoken words. It's much easier for me to express myself publicly on new topics and emotions now that I'm using the mouthpiece of music.

Steen: Of course there is a lot happening in the world that is sad and sometimes frightening. And I have a huge fear of loss and am often worried about my loved ones. You have to be careful not to get bogged down in that.

Steen: It's not always easy for me, despite my very positive attitude towards life. It's also okay not to be consistently positive. But I have what my mum used to call a sunshine gene and it helps immensely, especially in difficult situations.

Steen: The song "Traumpaar" in particular isn't exactly a feel-good song. It's about domestic violence. It's important for me to say that the song doesn't reflect my situation. But I think it's important to also address such topics and not just to sing about lightness and bright spots.

Steen: Of course I've got a lot on my plate right now, especially since I want to do everything justice. But the love for both passions, acting and music, and the euphoria about being able to live out both now gives me a lot of additional energy.

Steen: I could definitely imagine it. However, it is very important to me where the shooting takes place and what I associate with the city. If everything fits together, then I would definitely like to have this experience again.

Steen: Especially in times of social media, it is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for young people, to maintain a healthy relationship with their bodies. The constant comparison, possibly hurtful comments and the possibility of extreme editing of images and videos with filters. All of this means that you may question far too much instead of seeing for yourself whether you feel well and healthy.

Steen: It's not always easy for me myself. But I think it's important not to compare yourself too much, to place more value on the opinions of people around you, instead of allowing yourself to be influenced from outside and listening to what's important to you and what's important to you feels right.