In a recent candid interview at a Los Angeles studio, 21-year-old pop icon Billie Eilish shared her thoughts on fame, artistry, and the emotional struggles faced by young artists in the spotlight. Dressed in black, with striking black and red hair, Eilish paused from her acai bowl to delve into some deep reflections, starting with her reaction to Kurt Cobain’s tragic fate.
Eilish, visibly moved, expressed her profound sorrow for the late Nirvana frontman, mentioning how she related to his feelings of alienation despite his fame. “It’s just not what you think it’s going to be,” she remarked, acknowledging the complex emotions that come with celebrity status.
Despite her rapid ascent to stardom following the quadruple-platinum success of her 2019 debut album, “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?,” and making history at the Grammy Awards, Eilish remains aware of the pitfalls of discussing the downsides of fame from a position of privilege. She navigates this territory cautiously, aiming to express her genuine experiences without coming off as ungrateful.
Her latest single, “What Was I Made For?,” is a testament to her internal struggles. The song’s melancholic tone and introspective lyrics resonate with the loneliness and existential crises Eilish and her brother-producer, Finneas O’Connell, often explore in their music. Cobain’s influence is evident, as she and O’Connell frequently look to him for his deep understanding of the isolation that can accompany success.
“What Was I Made For?” stands out amidst the energetic tracks of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie,” a blockbuster brimming with music from artists like Dua Lipa and Nicki Minaj. Gerwig described the song as “Barbie’s heart song,” a piece that captures the character’s internal awakening. The song, deeply introspective and contrasting the film’s generally vibrant tone, has struck a chord with audiences, securing a top spot on Billboard’s alternative music chart and garnering over half a billion streams.
Beyond her music, Eilish touched upon personal growth and the challenges of navigating fame at a young age. She reflected on her experiences of depression, particularly during her meteoric rise in 2019, and the subsequent struggle to maintain that peak of happiness. The COVID-19 pandemic and the release of her album “Happier Than Ever” marked a period of re-evaluation and introspection for Eilish, leading to a deeper understanding of her sense of self.
Eilish also discussed the visual transformations that accompanied her musical journey, from her iconic green hair to the blonde bombshell look during “Happier Than Ever,” and finally returning to her black hair. Each change, she noted, was an exploration of identity, with some styles feeling more like a costume than an expression of her true self.
In her conversations about maturity and upcoming work, Eilish reveals a thoughtful approach to her art and public image. She expressed a protective sentiment towards younger artists, particularly Olivia Rodrigo, highlighting the unique challenges faced by young women in the industry. Eilish’s empathy extends to her interactions with fellow artists and her awareness of the potential pitfalls of fame and public scrutiny.
As Billie Eilish prepares for the release of her third album, she stands at a pivotal point in her career – no longer the teenage phenomenon but a maturing artist navigating the complexities of fame, creativity, and personal growth. Her journey reflects not just her evolution as a musician but also her deepening insight into the human condition, resonating with fans and critics alike.