Billie Eilish and Finneas know what they were made for

As I delve deeper into Billie Eilish’s journey, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of admiration for this young artist who carries the weight of the world on her shoulders at such a tender age. Her struggle to navigate adulthood while being frozen in time by fame is truly heart-wrenching, yet she manages to maintain an air of resilience and grace that is nothing short of inspiring.

In a dressing room in Glendale, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas are applying lotion, reminiscing humorously about when their father once asked a younger Finneas to step onto a chair and take a photo of his bald patch.

In a quick instance, Finneas mentioned that he was experimenting with a special scalp cream for his hair, to which he replied, ‘Could we make this a daily routine?’

Eilish notes, “He had a goal to monitor his improvement, just like hair transplant clinics who show before and after photos, six days apart.

Finneas clarified, “He didn’t have hair transplants, just to make things clear.” However, since he was quite young at the time, capturing pictures of his head felt like a significant duty.

For these two musical prodigies, their work and family life have always been closely connected. Raised as homeschooled siblings, they honed their talents in the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, with Eilish recalling the choir’s artistic director as someone who may not have liked her personally but was proficient at her job. This duo received an Oscar for original song at the 96th Academy Awards. They began creating their own music when Eilish was only 13 years old, and at 17, she skyrocketed to global fame with the release of her quadruple-platinum debut album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” which they produced together in their parents’ home in Highland Park. Two years later, they released “Happier Than Ever,” which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart.

They’ve crafted a unique sound together, a mix of squirm-inducing electro-goth tones, classic torch ballads, hip-hop beats, and folk melodies. This fusion has catapulted them to fame, making them a consistent duo at various award ceremonies, often giggling over shared private jokes. Prior to this year’s Oscar for their emotional ballad “What Was I Made For?” they had already won an Academy Award for the Bond theme “No Time to Die” and a total of nine Grammys, including one for ‘Album of the Year’, two for ‘Record of the Year’, and two for ‘Song of the Year’. Interestingly, no artist in Grammy history has ever won ‘Song of the Year’ three times.

As stated by Bernie Taupin, who has insight into lasting musical pairings: “They’re a heaven-born duo.” The celebrated lyricist, famed for his extended collaboration with Elton John, appreciates the siblings’ “remarkable blend of innovation and timeless songwriting” and affirms they have indelibly marked their era with their distinct imprint.

Currently, they are contenders for numerous nominations at the 67th Grammys in February, with their third album titled “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” which was released in May to widespread acclaim and record-breaking first-week sales for their career. As usual, the album was written by the sibling duo and produced by Finneas. This 10-track LP explores the isolating aspects of fame, particularly the intrusive comments about her body, while also chronicling a newfound awareness of queer sexuality that she expresses with sharp humor and openness, as demonstrated in the song “Lunch”: “I could devour that girl for lunch / Yes, she dances on my tongue / Tastes like she might be the one.

According to Charli XCX, Billie Eilish is unique because she genuinely understands herself, which isn’t common. This observation was made after inviting Eilish to collaborate on the remix of her song “Guess,” which quickly became popular during the Brat summer, a period linked to Eilish’s latest album. Charli notes that while their music styles differ, they share a similar approach to songwriting. They both prioritize honesty and directness in their work, ensuring they only create something when they genuinely feel it. This sincerity, according to Charli, is a valuable quality that can be difficult to maintain amidst numerous distractions.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d express it like this: “On ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft,’ Eilish and Finneas, both aged 27, channel their determination into experimenting with fresh ideas. The song ‘Birds of a Feather’ might be the first tune they’ve crafted that perfectly encapsulates a carefree summer vibe – a delightful, sun-kissed rhythm we can all groove to.

At times, she admitted feeling doubtful, ‘Gosh, I thought ‘Birds of a Feather’ was our least favorite track,'” Eilish confesses, casually sitting with her legs tucked under her on a couch in the dressing room. She dons an over-sized salmon-colored shirt and baggy jeans, while Finneas lounges on a coffee table with his feet elevated, wearing a two-toned polo. “I believed it was too pop-oriented and that people would dislike it,” she continues. However, in actuality, the song gained immense popularity, amassing over 1.1 billion streams on Spotify and claiming the top spot on Billboard’s pop radio chart.

The cheerful atmosphere of birds stands starkly against a rather somber melody: “I long for you to remain / Until I’ve been laid to rest / Until I decay, lifeless and entombed / Until I lie within the coffin you bear.

“But that’s what makes the sentiment interesting, right?” Finneas asks.

Eilish recalls the evening when we composed it; we then performed it for our parents. They reacted with, “‘Until I decay, buried and lifeless?'” She chuckles. “It’s quite grim.

“And you’re singing it in the most airy, joyous tone,” Finneas adds.

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The song “Birds of a Feather” showcases an exciting, new aspect of Eilish’s voice. Unlike her previous softer and whispery tones, this time, she delves into powerful belting, a technique we haven’t heard from her before. She attributes this change to the fact that she couldn’t physically do it until about two years ago.

When asked about her circle of exceptional vocalists, she responds by mentioning Matt Bellamy from Muse (in the song “Madness”). She also cites Parachute’s “What I Know” and Avril Lavigne featured on Linkin Park’s “I’m With You” bridge. Recently, they had a get-together at Finneas’ place where they watched old music videos of Lavigne, which made Eilish recognize the significant influence Lavigne has had on her work.

She commented, ‘This perfectly represents my style,'” she shared. “One of the earliest females who sported an androgynous look really caught my attention. To me, she’s simply the epitome of coolness.

In the song “The Diner,” Eilish and Finneas create an intriguing dynamic by weaving together themes of light and darkness. This composition seems to echo the unsettling musings of a stalker, yet it is set against a lively tune that carries a hint of Eilish’s fondness for Gorillaz.

“You think it’s jaunty?” Eilish asks in disbelief.

“I think it’s spooky,” Finneas says.

Eilish expresses that it gives her a strange feeling, but upon reflection, there’s a circus-like vibe to it that seems intriguing in an unconventional manner – like a charming clown show. This reminds her of the concept behind “Birds of a Feather,” she explains further. Taking things too seriously can be less engaging for the audience, and while there are albums with deep emotional impact, she doesn’t often listen to them casually.

“For example, ‘What Was I Made For?’ has a somber tone, and honestly, it’s not a song I feel like listening to due to its mood, despite being one of our favorites. I truly appreciate it, but I won’t pop it in the car’s stereo.

“‘What Was I Made For?’ at a bar would be crazy,” Finneas agrees with a laugh.

What made Eilish want to write about a stalker?

She replies, “I’m not sure myself.” She adds, “That track from my album seems open to individual interpretations. To be honest, you might want to decipher it yourself as I prefer not to delve into it.

Over the past five years since 2019, I’ve found myself reflecting on the concept of fame quite differently. It brings me back to that memorable moment at the airport when my brother Finneas recalls a TSA agent snapping pictures of my sister, Billie Eilish. The experience has left an indelible mark on us both, shaping our perspective on what it means to be in the public eye.

“You can’t say, ‘Don’t take a photo of me’ to TSA,” he says. “They’d be like, ‘Come into this room.’ They’re in charge.”

Eilish points out, ‘This situation is so unbalanced,’ she says. Yet, they’re the ones who should be looking after your well-being.

Finneas recollects sharing the TSA incident with singer John Mayer, who attempted to comfort him by stating that Billie Eilish and he had just emerged from a hot furnace, implying the intense spotlight would eventually subside. However, at that moment, Eilish was skeptical, feeling trapped and hopeless: “I thought my life would always be like this. I’d never get to leave home again, and I’d never truly feel human again. Every room I enter will be ‘It’s Billie Eilish!,’ and that constant attention may eventually drive me to take my own life.” She nervously fiddles with one of her necklaces.

Finneas: “Fame feels like a face tattoo.”

Billie: “You might want to apply some makeup to it later, but not just yet as it’s still healing. Avoid activities like taking a shower, going swimming, or working out for now.

Finneas: “But eventually it fades.”

Eilish questions the ongoing conversation suggesting that fans no longer respect personal boundaries when it comes to pop stars. “It’s apparently been lost,” she expresses.

Finneas observed, “If you consider the Beatles, it’s much the same. The main difference is that everyone has a camera these days.

Eilish: “Bear in mind, when you become everyone’s latest beloved artist, it’s a significant moment for them. It’s comparable to spotting Bigfoot.

Finneas: “And they don’t seem daunting when you first meet. I recall Billie and I at our second Grammy Awards, having our first conversation with Beyoncé in 2021. She had such a remarkable career already that it felt like we were meeting nobility. I couldn’t fathom we were speaking to Beyoncé. However, if I come across someone who is just starting out, before I have a chance to feel intimidated by them, I might be more inclined to approach and say, ‘I recognize you.’

Surely, the siblings have heard Chappell Roan’s much-discussed statements on this topic?

Eilish admits that things can be tough, but she also suggests possible solutions: “Out here, it’s a struggle, man, but there are ways to…” She hesitates and then restarts her thought. “If I could, it would…”, she continues, before eventually saying, “Whatever the case may be.

Last year, when speaking to The Times upon completion of “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” Eilish mentioned it was her first album to be released as an adult. Can you imagine what that experience was like for her?

In my twenties, I’ve been grappling with an unusual, challenging phase. I never anticipated that one day, I wouldn’t be the freshest face in the crowd. Simultaneously, fame has this peculiar knack of keeping you rooted in a moment, making me feel like a perpetual kid at times. It’s as if time has stood still for me, and I find myself saying, ‘Yes, I’ve been stuck in a time loop.’ When I observe other pop stars, they seem to embody an eternal adolescence, which can be a tad disheartening.

Does Finneas see a difference between 16-year-old and 22-year-old Billie?

He replies, “Vast, he contends. However, I find myself at odds with his viewpoint on numerous accounts. To me, Billie appears to be an entirely transformed individual.

As a moviegoer, I’d say, “Truth be told, I’ve undergone some unique transformations, but it doesn’t feel like I’ve fully grown up or matured.” – Billie Eilish

Finneas says, ‘What I observe about you doesn’t match what I sense from within. To me, you act more mature.’

“Well, that’s good,” Eilish says with a shrug.

In “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” I truly belt out tunes that remind one of a seasoned artist. To my friend Alex Wolff, the actor from Nickelodeon’s “The Naked Brothers Band,” my voice in “The Greatest” is unlike anything he’s heard before. He says it sounds as if it could only belong to someone who has lived, experienced life, and weathered its ups and downs – a sentiment I wholeheartedly agree with.

John Janick, head of Eilish’s record label Interscope Capitol Labels Group, describes her as an “old soul,” which is quite intriguing given the abundance of rising pop stars such as Roan, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter. However, contrary to expectations, Eilish at 22 seems more like a seasoned artist amidst this wave of newcomers. Did she ever feel intimidated by these new stars’ success? “Goodness gracious!” she responds. “I couldn’t be happier for them! It’s astounding to witness the heights they’re reaching, and they’re truly excelling. Fans are attracted to them because they’re simply fantastic.

Billie Eilish’s tour, set to run for five nights at the Kia Forum in Inglewood during December, will see her performing without her brother Finneas for the first time. This is because Finneas is currently touring to support his own solo album release this fall. However, he plans to join Billie on stage when his schedule allows. When asked about any implications of this for their relationship, Eilish simply stated, “It’s not the end of anything. You can’t be in two places at once.

As they delved into “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” the siblings pondered if perhaps “this could be the song where we invite a lot of our friends to join us.” According to Finneas, for their third album, questions like “How can we reignite our creativity? How can we innovate and maintain freshness?” arose. However, things didn’t quite go as planned in that aspect.

“Instead,” Eilish says, “we made the most autobiographical album we’ve ever made.”

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2024-10-10 13:32