An old school bus, two people, a dog – and the search for happiness. In 2016, Frankfurt-born musician Mogli travelled through North America with her partner at the time. The adventure became the cinema documentary ‘Expedition Happiness’, to which she also contributed the music.

Ten years later, her life has changed: Mogli is the mother of two children, is working on new music and is developing a feature film. And instead of a converted school bus, she now drives an Opel Zafira. As an Opel product tester, she also experienced the 281 hp Corsa GSE on the test track in Pachfurth. A conversation about new paths – on the road and in life.

You drove the Corsa GSE with 281 hp on the test track in Pachfurth in the Corsa GSE. What were you thinking after the first lap?

Mogli: Above all, I was surprised at how much power it has. You may underestimate the Corsa a bit at first glance. But as soon as you step on the accelerator, you realise what it’s made of. I was particularly impressed by how immediately it reacts and how much fun it is. This combination of compact format and a lot of power inspired me.

As a musician, you work with sound and emotions every day. The Corsa GSE comes with a specially developed sound. Do you hear a car differently than non-musicians?

Mogli: I do think that I react very strongly to sound. I immediately perceive whether a sound has an emotion or a certain physicality for me. It doesn’t necessarily have to be loud. I’m much more interested in whether something has character and whether sound and feeling fit together. With the GSE, I found it exciting that sound is consciously part of the driving experience and not just a side effect.

Early strides

At the age of eleven, the Frankfurt native read about an audition at the Frankfurt Opera. She jumps on her bike, rides there – and is accepted into the children’s choir. She only tells her mother about it in the evening. She studied music herself and passed on her love for music to her daughter at an early age.

In 2015, Mowgli’s debut album ‘Bird’ was released. She developed her own style with a unique blend of indie folk and pop and her distinctive voice. Two years later, she became internationally known with ‘Expedition Happiness’. For the documentary, which she co-produced, she wrote the music on the road. The album ‘Wanderer’ became the soundtrack of the journey. In 2019, the EP ‘Patience’ followed, with which she toured Europe and North America.

Today, Mogli lives in Berlin with her husband, the actor Eugen Bauder-Taibi, and their two children.

For ‘Expedition Happiness’ you travelled through North America in an old school bus. Today you sit in a 281 hp electric car. What role does being on the road play in your life now?

Mogli: Being on the road means something different to me today than it did back then. ‘Expedition Happiness’ was very much about the outside: new places, freedom, always going further. Today I’m much more interested in how free and at home I can be within myself – no matter where I am. At the same time, I have two children, a dog, live between music, film, family and various projects. Mobility has become much more pragmatic for me as a result. A car has to enable freedom and adapt to my life, not the other way around.

You normally drive an Opel Zafira. What do you want to see in a car? And does it matter to you that Opel comes from your home region?

Mogli: My life is constantly changing, so flexibility is probably the most important thing for me. In everyday family life, I need space and practicality, but at the same time I want to feel comfortable in a car and like good design. And I quickly notice whether something works intuitively. I don’t want to have to study an instruction manual first – good things can be complex, but should feel simple to use. The fact that Opel comes from my home region is of course a nice connection for me – especially now that I’m getting to know the brand from a completely different perspective.

Travel and movement run like a red thread through your work. Do you need to break out in order to be creative – or do you need more conscious peace and quiet in the meantime?

Mogli: I still like to move forward. I like change, growth and the feeling of constantly developing. The difference is that today it’s no longer about fleeing or setting off for the sake of breaking out. I don’t have to leave anymore to feel alive or free. But staying curious and always discovering new sides of myself and the world is still an important part of my creativity.

Art without borders

Mogli goes her own way – as an artist and in life. She lives consciously, as sustainably as possible and also looks for new forms of artistic expression. She writes songs, shoots films, acts and combines different disciplines. In 2022, her most elaborate project to date shows how far she goes: the cinematic album ‘RAVAGE’. Ten songs, a ten-part film – each a music video in its own right, together a continuous film (here). Music and moving images tell a common story.

After the collaboration with the Berlin electronic musician Christian Löffler, the album ‘Paradox’ followed in 2025, in which Mogli explored her identity, her roots and inner contradictions.

She also shows attitude off stage: She is committed to equality, the LGBTQ+ community, mental health and against racism. For her, vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength that connects people with each other.

You became a mother and developed as an artist. What are you particularly concerned with today?

Mogli: I’m currently working on my new album. It’s a lot about no longer having to resolve supposed opposites: strength and vulnerability, light and darkness, control and devotion. But leading a self-determined life will always be the core of my being and my work.

Finally: If we leave the Corsa at the side of the track for a moment – which project moves you the most at the moment?

Mogli: Definitely my new album. It’s much more than just a collection of new songs. I’m developing a whole world around it. I’m also developing a feature film right now, a love story that takes place in Berlin and in which music also plays a central role. I’m going to direct and also act in it myself – and that’s what makes me very excited right now.