In this podcast, Zane Lowe interviews singer-songwriter Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas. They discuss their debut album, leaving room for interpretation in their art, reflections on homeschooling, the impact of smartphones and social media, and the role of empathy in their success.
Billie Eilish's debut album represents a special moment of changing the world with her music.
Performing on stage evokes strong emotions and allows for creativity and control in social situations.
Influential artists like Young Thug, Lil Wayne, Tyler, the Creator, and Odd Future have inspired Billie Eilish's music and style.
Deep dives
The journey of creating the debut album
The podcast episode discusses the process and themes behind the making of Billie Eilish's debut album. The interview highlights the special moment of being on the verge of changing the world with her music. It addresses the anticipation and excitement surrounding the album's release and the feeling of finally achieving the dream of performing on stage. Billie Eilish reflects on the incredible love and support she receives from her fans, and how each show of the tour feels like a significant moment, evoking strong emotions for both the audience and herself.
Discovering passion for performing
Billie Eilish shares a childhood memory of watching a musical and feeling a deep connection to being on stage and receiving the applause and love from the audience. The podcast explores the desire for acceptance and the importance of applause and recognition from strangers. It delves into the contrast between being comfortable on stage but feeling socially awkward in everyday interactions, highlighting the role of performing as a means of channeling creativity and establishing control in social situations.
The influence of Odd Future and other performers
Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas discuss the influential impact of artists like Young Thug, Lil Wayne, Tyler, the Creator, and Odd Future on their music and style. They recognize these performers' ability to break the rules and inspire young artists to embrace their creative vision. The conversation emphasizes the broad influence these artists had in various aspects, including fashion, music, attitude, and style.
Writing with authenticity and creating characters
The podcast focuses on the writing process and the authenticity of Billie Eilish's lyrics. It explores the idea of creating characters within songs, allowing for honest and deeply personal storytelling. The conversation highlights the approach of empathizing with different perspectives and feeling the freedom to lie within songs as a form of self-therapy. It emphasizes the importance of listeners interpreting the lyrics in their own way and finding their own meaning within the songs.
Navigating fame, touring, and isolation
The podcast discusses the challenges and emotions that come with fame, including the isolation and feeling of being constantly on the road. Billie Eilish and Finneas reflect on the ups and downs of tour life, the intense connection with fans, and the feeling of immense love during live performances. They also touch upon the protective and isolating nature of using phones and social media as a shield, the lack of empathy in online interactions, and the need for genuine connection in everyday life.