Billie Eilish Interview
Interview: Yağız Pekkaya - XOXO The Mag Photography: Ger Ger Fashion Editor: Tiffani Rae Hair: Marley Gonzales/The Rex Agency using R and Co. Make-up: Dina Gregg/Atelier Management Assistant: Liz Abrams, Sean Martin, Karla Pichardo, Emma Donlucas Location: Los Angeles
Billie, do you believe the so-called 'American Dream'?
It would be a mistake to limit dreams. I believe we can do whatever we want and how we want.
Instead of booming with a big hit, we see the popularity growing more organically. Is this something planned?
No, not really. We put Ocean Eyes on SoundCloud so that my dance teacher could choreograph, and the song held in a weird way. Somehow people must have seen something of his own in it, and I think it's pretty cool. Many critics say you will become the next big name in the pop world. Do you have the confidence to accept this situation?
Of course we need to talk about Bellyache. How exactly did songwriting come about from a killer's perspective?
We were working on the chorus of this song in the garage with my brother. While singing Bellyache, I used the phrase 'lay their bodies' in the part where the words carries. The idea came out of here and we went over it. The fact that the song is a bit childish makes this situation a little more creepy.
Many critics say you will become the next big name in the pop world. Do you have the confidence to accept this situation?
I have been myself all my life, I felt neither too much nor less. So I will always continue to be just myself again.
You are probably tired of the comments about your age
...
I don't like it when people judge you because of your age, because you can feel anything at any age. Whether you are 40, 30 or 5 years old, you have a lot of emotion. Adolescence, on the other hand, is one of the most difficult times of man, and a 15-year-old person can be underestimated for his own feelings. But to me, what you go through has nothing to do with your age.
Do you think there is a feature that sets you apart from the new generation of musicians?
Musically, I am influenced by many different styles and this is evident in my music. I hope this situation is specific to me only.
So what do you think of the comparisons between you and Lorde?
This is absolutely flattering because Lorde is a great guy, but I am just myself.
At what point do you position your brother in your
career?
In fact, we almost write all the songs together, he is the producer of all my songs and we perform together. Yes, it is very important in my career but also in my life ...
Do you choose your clothes yourself?
I always dressed what I wanted and never let anyone dress me. I have many different sources of inspiration. But I don't like to wear things that you can see and buy somewhere, and I also like to combine different outfits in an interesting way. To be honest, I don't know where my fashion taste comes from.
So when it comes to music, is your address clear?
Rihanna. I think he is the most powerful name in the music world. Or maybe in every field ...
Can someone who has listened to his album conclude that this recording was made after a breakup?
The songs were inspired by these feelings or separation. So I guess yes.
You have an affinity with SZA and Doja Cat, can we see a collaboration soon?
I've been following them for longer than you can imagine. I was even following them when no one knew them properly. I was there when SZA was making the Z album and Doja Cat is, in my opinion, the coolest person in the world. Collaborating with them would be a gigantic dream come true for me.
