Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Cconnell, better known as Billie Eilish, recently began her new “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour.
Eilish is well known for her ability to blend contrasting elements in her music and her latest album, “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is no exception. In the album, Eilish explores topics such as her identity and getting over past relationships.
This tour, following the release of her album, promises to take fans on an emotional rollercoaster, exploring the delicate balance between intense, hard hitting beats and soft, introspective melodies.
At just 22 years old, Eilish has already received many awards including nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, 20 Guinness World Records, seven MTV Video Music Awards, three Brit Awards, two Golden Globe awards and two Academy Awards.
From her first song, “Ocean Eyes,” to one of her latest hits, “Birds of a Feather,” Eilish has gained millions of fans, even reaching first in the world in monthly listeners on Spotify at one point.
“She’s been my favorite artist for a long time, her music just hits me in a way other artists don’t,” Tyler Jhagroo, senior, said. “I think of it [her music] as an escape.”
Eilish is seen as an inspiration to many listeners young and old. From shedding light on mental health to environmental activism, Eilish has used the harsh glare of the spotlight to her advantage.
“I think she can convey what a lot of people our age want to say, but cant say, or dont have the platform to say,” Nora Collazo, senior, said.
Compared to her previous albums, Eilish sees “Hit Me Hard And Soft” as a fresh start.
“This whole process has felt like I’m coming back to the girl I was [in 2019]. I’ve been grieving her.’ Eilish said.
In her song “Skinny”, Eilish opens up about body image, self worth and heartbreak. One of the lyrics in the song says, “People say I look happy, just because I got skinny, but the old me is still me and maybe the real me and I think she’s pretty.”
Body image is not an unfamiliar topic for Eilish, as her song “idontwannabeyouanymore” featured on her 2017 EP “Don’t Smile At Me,” focuses on her low self confidence and insecurity.
Similar to her other songs written about insecurity, Eilish’s Oscar-winning song, “What Was I Made For”, featured in the movie “Barbie”, also talks about self-worth and questioning who she really is.
Through her music, Eilish continues to remind listeners that the path to self discovery and confidence is a powerful, moving experience.
“I think her new album definitely shows her growth into adulthood,” Jhagroo said. “In her songs like “Skinny”, she talks about dealing with the pressure from outside and addresses a situation with her ex, showing that she’s growing and maturing.”
