Billie Eilish Breaks Down Her Career, from 'Ocean Eyes' to 'Barbie' | Vanity Fair

Billie Eilish Breaks Down Her Career, from 'Ocean Eyes' to 'Barbie' | Vanity Fair

Brief Summary

This video is a timeline of Billie Eilish's career, highlighting key moments and projects. It covers her early beginnings with "Ocean Eyes," her struggles with a dance injury, the release of her debut EP "Don't Smile at Me," her first studio album "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?," her experience writing the theme song for the James Bond film "No Time to Die," her acting debut in Donald Glover's "Atlanta," and her latest album "Happier Than Ever." Eilish reflects on her journey, the challenges she faced, and the importance of staying true to herself.

  • Eilish's career began with the viral success of "Ocean Eyes" at age 13.
  • She faced a major dance injury that shifted her focus to music.
  • Eilish's music has often been described as "sad," but she emphasizes the intensity of emotions during childhood and adolescence.
  • She has evolved as an artist, embracing different styles and pushing creative boundaries.
  • Eilish emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and trusting one's gut.

Early Beginnings: Ocean Eyes and the Dance Injury

Eilish's career began with the release of "Ocean Eyes" at age 13. The song quickly gained popularity, reaching a thousand streams within a week. Eilish was overwhelmed by the sudden success and felt a sense of pressure. Her parents were cautious and supportive, ensuring she felt comfortable with every step. She also experienced a severe dance injury that took her out of dancing, which was her passion. This injury shifted her focus to music, which became a source of comfort and support during a difficult time.

Don't Smile at Me: The Debut EP

Eilish's debut EP, "Don't Smile at Me," was released in 2017. The songs were written during a period of intense touring and small shows. Eilish remembers the excitement of receiving her first encore and the feeling of playing all her songs for the first time. The EP was recorded in a studio, a decision made to create a more professional environment. Eilish was nervous about her image and how she was being perceived, but she ultimately felt proud of the work she created.

When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?: The First Studio Album

Eilish's first studio album, "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?," was released in 2019. The album was recorded in various locations, including hotel rooms and airplanes. Eilish reflects on the intense emotions she experienced during this period, particularly the recurring question of why her songs were so sad. She explains that as a child and teenager, emotions are amplified, and everything feels like the end or the beginning. Eilish also began directing her own music videos during this time, proving her creative vision and talent.

Bad Guy: A Life-Changing Song

The song "Bad Guy" from "When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?" had a significant impact on Eilish's career. She describes it as a life-changing experience, leading to numerous awards, including a Grammy. The album holds a special place in her heart, representing a period of significant growth and transformation.

No Time to Die: The James Bond Theme Song

Eilish's collaboration with the James Bond franchise began with the theme song for "No Time to Die." Eilish and her brother Phineas had always joked about writing a James Bond theme song, and when the opportunity arose, they jumped at the chance. They wrote the song in a couple of days while on tour, recording it in the bunk of their tour bus. Eilish describes the experience as surreal and a dream come true.

Atlanta: Acting Debut

Eilish made her acting debut in Donald Glover's "Atlanta." She describes the experience as a dream come true, as Glover has been one of her idols since she was young. Eilish's role involved playing the leader of a sex cult, a challenging and rewarding experience. She credits her mother for her acting coaching and expresses a desire to do more acting in the future.

Happier Than Ever: A Period of Self-Discovery

Eilish's latest album, "Happier Than Ever," was written during a period of self-discovery and reflection. The album was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced Eilish to pause and process her experiences. She describes the album as a journey of self-acceptance and embracing her true self. Eilish also discusses her decision to go blonde and her desire to break free from the image she had been associated with for years.

Hit Me Hard and Soft: A Collaborative Effort

Eilish's latest album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," was a collaborative effort with her brother Phineas. The album was a challenging experience, as Eilish and Phineas were not always on the same creative wavelength. Eilish reflects on the importance of vulnerability and being seen, and how this album represents a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

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