The phrase “becoming an adult” is often associated with stable growth. However, American pop star Billie Eilish, 23, who met with over 600 Korean fans in Seoul on June 18, said, “I experienced confusion in finding musical inspiration upon becoming an adult.” This event was a listening party for her new album “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” released on June 17. She had previously held a preview listening party for this album in London, U.K., in May.
Eilish, who debuted with the song “Ocean Eyes” in 2016, is known as the “youngest Grammy genius in history.” In 2019, her debut studio album featuring the hit “Bad Guy” achieved global success, and the following year, at just 19, she swept four major Grammy Awards. Most of her hit songs, from her debut onwards, were written by her older brother and songwriter, Finneas O’Connell. Together, they have amassed a total of eight Grammy trophies, earning them the title of “genius siblings.”
At the listening party, Eilish confessed, “My brother and I were more confused and uncomfortable than ever during the making of this third album.” She added, “It was different because I was an adult for the first time making music, which was weird, challenging, and scary to work on. I questioned who I am and what I want.” Describing her latest album, she said, “This third album showcases me better than any previous work. The title track ‘Skinny’ is like a very honest diary entry.” Confidently expressing herself, she remarked, “My vocal ability has gotten so much stronger in the years since I started making music as a teenager.”
Eilish’s remarks that day were prompted through a process where K-pop girl group BLACKPINK’s Jennie translated pre-submitted questions from the audience into English. They presented 10 songs from Eilish’s third album using immersive media art on a large screen, followed by revealing themselves to the audience around 7 p.m. for about an hour. Introducing each other as “longtime close friends,” Eilish mentioned that this was her first listening party in South Korea, despite having performed twice before in 2018 and 2022. She greeted the audience, saying, “It’s amazing and remarkable to see people from opposite sides of the world, speaking different languages, connected through music.”
Towards the end of the listening party, when Jennie asked about the “source of musical inspiration,” Eilish responded, “My brother and I find inspiration in the act of ‘creating’ itself.” She explained, “Manipulating musical tools and pressing buttons give us ideas.” When asked about the message she wants to convey through this album, she simply said, “There isn’t one. I don’t want to impose or force any specific message. Music naturally flows. Every moment you hear and feel is the message.”
