Since Christopher Cross in 1981, Billie Eilish made history at the 2020 GRAMMY AWARDS stage. She is the youngest person and first female to win the five main Grammy categories, Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Vocal, and Album of the Year in the same year with her debut studio album. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019), debuted atop the Billboard 200 and became the best-performing album of 2019 in the US. It also reached number one in the UK. The album contain several chart topping tracks including “Bad Guy“, which became her first number one single in the US. She has also won two American Music Awards, two Guinness World Records, three MTV Video Music Awards and many more.
Eilish didn’t just win the awards unmeritedly through bribes or knowing the ogas at the top but through hardwork, tenacity and other characteristics that can help any artiste achieve notable recognition in an industry full of creative and innovative artistes. there are six (6) possible characteristics STARTHRONE noted that could have heled her achieve this landmark at the the young age of 18. EXCERPT.
1. SHE LEARNT MUSIC
Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell was born in Los Angeles, California, on December 18, 2001. She was homeschooled and her parents taught her and her elder brother Finneas O’Connell basics of songwriting. Eilish wrote her first song at age four, Their parents encouraged the siblings to express themselves and explore whatever they wanted, including art classes and acting. She performed at talent shows and joined the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus at age eight.
2. SHE DID NOT START SOLO
In October 2015, Eilish recorded the song “Ocean Eyes“, written and produced by Finneas originally for his band. They released the song on SoundCloud. The record and Eilish received praise and promotion from various media outlets and marketers, including radio stations and music supervisors. Finneas’ manager had reached out to him after he made “Ocean Eyes” to discuss Eilish’s potential. In a deal arranged by Finneas, Apple Music signed Eilish to A&R company Platoon, which helps package artists before they get a major label deal. Eilish then got a publicist, who connected her to the fashion company Chanel, and a stylist, both of whom helped shape her image.
3. SHE MAINTAINED STRONG IDENTITY AND LOYALTY TO HER MENTOR
The 18 year old celebrity style has been described by music experts as “ethereal”, “whispery”. and “husky”. Her music incorporates alternative pop, dark pop, electropop, indie pop, and pop. Eilish and her brother Finneas collaborate on songwriting. He writes for her albums, produces her music and also performs with her on live shows. They try to write “really interesting and conversational” lyrics: “We try to say stuff that doesn’t have to be that deep…but you say something way deeper in a certain way that makes sense, but you haven’t really thought about.” Finneas has stated when he writes songs for his sister, he aims to “write [songs] that I think she’ll relate to and enjoy singing and empathise with the lyrics and make her own”. When he writes with Eilish, he tries “to help her tell whatever story she’s trying to tell, bounce ideas off of her, listen to her ideas”, and use a language that fits her voice telling the story. Eilish and her brother maintain strong relationship even after she was signed under Artiste managements and music label despite all powerful names she was introduced to. They have a goal to be the best and they achieved it.
4. SHE LOOKED UP TO SOME ROLE MODELS THAT INSPIRED HER TYPE OF MUSIC
The multi award winner has been compared in the media to Avril Lavigne, Lorde and Del Rey, the latter of whom she says she does not want to be compared to, stating, “That woman [Lana] has made her brand so perfect for her whole career and she shouldn’t have to hear that.” She has also named Rihanna as an inspiration for her style choices, after she called her fashion “defense mechanism” during an acceptance speech. In 2019, Eilish said she admired Ariana Grande for her vocal ability and felt she identified with her, adding that Grande’s album Thank U, Next inspired her to continue making music.
5. SHE IS AMBITIOUS BUT NOT DESPERATE
Eilish had wanted to direct her own music videos since she was 14. She was initially not given the opportunity, due to lack of experience. In 2019, she directed the video for her single “Xanny“.
6. HER MUSIC HAS DIRECTION WITHOUT BOUNDARY
She might be young but she gave voice to young people struggling with depression on an album produced in a bedroom low-budget-studio at home with her older brother, this has made her on top of the music world and most talk-about-teen in the early year of 2020. She completely avoids destroying her youthfulness with vulgarity, slangs or sexiness. She and her brother used poetic words creatively puting her lyrics together. Her music systematically goes in-depth to speak the danger people with depression or low self esteem are in.
Based on the six characteristics, we believe it is not until you smoke, drink, drug, or do stupid things before you can be recognised for what you represent. Music doesnt have to depict hooliganism, sexism, or have malian characteristic before you can make it in the industry. “music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart” – says Pablo Casals.
Watch “BAD GUY” – Billie Eilish
