‘I don’t think I would have made the same album, or even the album at all, if it weren’t for COVID’
We’re two months into 2021 and it seems like things are finally looking up: the government has revealed England’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, Sally Rooney has announced her third novel, and now, Billie Eilish says she’s got a whole new album recorded.
The musician shared the news during her interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert earlier this week (February 23). “I made an album,” she said, “and I don’t think I would have made the same album, or even the album at all, if it weren’t for COVID.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s about COVID at all,” she continued, “it’s just that, when things are different in your life, you’re different. That’s just how it is. So, I have to thank COVID for that, and that’s about it.” Though she didn’t share further details of the album, Eilish explained that there’s “a couple of moments” where she “pulls some tricks out”, adding: “It’s really just about what I feel like sounds good.”
Eilish also spoke of her gratitude to have had some time off in 2020. “Listen, the year has sucked and if I could go back and change it, I would,” she said. “But at the same time, I’ve gotten more time off than I’ve ever, ever, ever, ever had. And of course, I think that goes for everyone, but that was true for me after two weeks of it. Two weeks already at the beginning of quarantine was the most time I’ve had off in like four years.”
The artist then discussed her forthcoming documentary, The World’s A Little Blurry, which offers an in-depth look at the recording of Eilish’s debut album, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?, as well as her subsequent rise to fame.
Eilish said filming the documentary was “very invasive” but also “fun”. She added: “It’s not everything. You’re seeing a sliver of my life at that time. It’s important for people to know that it’s not all that was going on. But it’s pretty much me, and it’s kind of a huge bummer because I was super annoying then. It’s hard for me to watch.”
To mark the film’s release, Eilish has just dropped a sustainable merch collection. Created in collaboration with Daf Orlovsky of LA-based clothing brand Siberia Hills and stylist Bloody Osiris, the anime-inspired black and red range comprises hoodies, t-shirts, tracksuit bottoms, and socks.
See the collection below, and watch Eilish’s full interview on The Late Show above.