Billie Eilish Research Portfolio by

The Recording of Ocean Eyes (2015)

201715836 — 2025-10-07 13:18:59 UTC

Billie Eilish kicked off her musical career with the release of Ocean Eyes in November of 2015 later accompanied with the music video in March 2016. It was initially released on music platform Soundcloud. The videos simplicity of a foggy room and soft lighting allows viewers to focus on Billie's expression and movement, evoking a sense of mystery that feels personal and raw. From what began as recording a song originally written for Finneas her older brother, Ocean Eyes quickly gained attraction when infused with 13 year old Billie's vocals.

THE BEGINNING OF BILLIE EILISH

201715836 — 2025-10-07 13:23:43 UTC

Billie Signs to Interscope Records (2016)

201715836 — 2025-10-07 13:49:29 UTC

In August of 2016 following the success of both 'Ocean Eyes' and 'Six Feet Under' she signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records. With the track quickly gaining significant attention a year later in August 2017, 'Ocean Eyes' a 3x certified platinum track and 'Six Feet Under' were commercially released as the lead single from her debut EP, Dont Smile at Me.

The release of dont smile at me - EP (2017)

201715836 — 2025-10-09 16:03:44 UTC

Released in 2017 and ultimately introduced the world to her creative, genre-blending sound and introspective lyricism. The dont smile at me EP by Billie features standout tracks such as 'Bellyache' and 'idontwannabeyouanymore'. This EP encapsulates the themes of heartbreak, self-reflection and her emotional vulnerability as a new and upcoming artists. This set the tone for her distinctive artistic style and her meteoric rise in pop music.

Global Success (2018)

201715836 — 2025-10-09 16:20:32 UTC

Billie Eilish's first EP is deemed vulnerable where she is 'putting her own boldness on our idea of pop' with it also charting in the top 5 in US, UK, Canada and Australia she solidified her status as a breakthrough artist. Around this time Billie became the youngest artists ever to top 1 billion Spotify streams.

First headline tour (2017)

201715836 — 2025-10-09 16:32:09 UTC

Shortly after the release of her EP, Billie embarked on a 17-day tour across North America to promote the record.

WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP WHERE DO WE GO (2019)

201715836 — 2025-10-09 16:48:58 UTC

Billie's public persona further develops with the release of the first single from her new album 'WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?' The release of this comes at the same time of her hugely successful single 'Bad Guy' in which Eilish also displayed her theatrical sensibilities in the riveting videos for those and other tracks. Now used as an early hallmark to her unique style the record reached number 1 in its debut week and Billboards number 1 album of the year.

Fashion

201715836 — 2025-10-10 16:11:17 UTC

Subject to sexualisation (2019)

201715836 — 2025-10-10 16:18:17 UTC

At the age of just 17 Billie began her fashion journey in which she stated 'I wear what I want to wear' often commented on people would suggest it was a statement against being a 'stereotypical female' and 'saying no to being sexualised'. Billie further shut down these comments and allows her outfits to be an outlet of expression both on and off the stage.

Billie opens up about the creative process (2020)

201715836 — 2025-10-10 16:31:50 UTC

Amidst the chaos of the release of her chart topping album, Billie sits down to discuss the narrative of the record and how she 'metaphorically removes her social armor'. The interview delves into her thoughts on stardom and living in a 'hedonistic' environment.

When We All Fall Asleep World Tour (2019)

201715836 — 2025-10-10 16:37:10 UTC

The world tour initially set to include concerts in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia was set to begin March 9th 2020 and end September 7th 2020. Subsequently it concluded 3 days into tour life with it cancelled due to COVID-19.

Youngest Ever Headliner (2019)

201715836 — 2025-10-10 16:48:34 UTC

Billie became the youngest ever headliner when she headline Lollapalooza in Berlin in 2019, where she drew one of the biggest crowds of the festivals and also performing at Lollapalooza Chicago where despite being the top-billed act drew a crown of thousands just a few months after the release of her debut album.

Bad Guy (2019)

201715836 — 2025-10-11 12:31:14 UTC

Bad Guy is the 5th single from WWAFAWDWG. Billie is constructing her image of a pop star that subverts typical genre functions. With her lyrics and delivery it wins Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2020 Grammy Awards.

Signature hairstyles (2024)

201715836 — 2025-10-11 12:38:23 UTC

Billie's hair becomes a staple in her appearence as a pop star. With the growth of her influence in the industry her hair evolves over time as well. The neon green roots and black ends became a singature of her WWAFAWDWG era.

James Bond Theme Song (2020)

201715836 — 2025-10-12 12:56:13 UTC

'No Time To Die' the slow-burning ballad was written and performed by Billie and Finneas as a part of the James Bond franchise. Billie became the youngest artists ever to do this and solidified her status as a cross-genre talent.

Grammy Awards (2020)

201715836 — 2025-10-12 13:08:27 UTC

Billie was recognised for her James Bond ballad and her record WWAFAWDWG, acclaiming Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album. Cementing her status as a global music icon.

My Future (2020)

201715836 — 2025-10-12 13:15:39 UTC

Billie begins the roll-out of her 2nd record with the single 'my future'. A song that explores the tension between identity, control and emotional vulnerability.

Happier Than Ever (2021)

201715836 — 2025-10-12 13:29:08 UTC

Billie's second album focuses on her struggle with fame, the self-reflection she pursues and her vulnerability as an artist.

NDA (2021)

201715836 — 2025-10-12 13:33:15 UTC

The single is about protecting herself as an artist and symbolising her solitiude despite the global attraction towards her. Her privacy as long been a key aspect of her career that she has carried throughout.

Billie speaks on her fame, performances and life.

201715836 — 2025-10-12 13:37:49 UTC

Amidst the release of her second album, Billie gives an interview on the pressures of the industry, making her mark and the future of her success.

Billie switches it up during her 'Happier Than Ever' era (2024)

201715836 — 2025-10-12 13:43:28 UTC

During the release of 'Happier Than Ever' she changed her style to 'prove a point' with a contrast from the oversized gothic style to a typically 'feminine' style.

Collab With Justin Bieber (2019)

201715836 — 2025-10-14 11:14:16 UTC

Just a few shorts months after meeting Justin Bieber in Coachella, Justin featured on Billie's hit song 'Bad Guy' as apart of a remix. Billie previously shared her admiration for Justin Bieber and how he was a figure that she adored since she was little.

Met Gala (2021)

201715836 — 2025-10-14 11:21:08 UTC

Billie's first attendance at the Met Gala saw her appointed as co-chair of the gala. The theme of “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” she stunned in a Oscar De La Renta gown. It was a radical transformation for the 19-year-old to be rarely seen in anything other than oversize tracksuits.

Happier Than Ever World Tour (2022-23)

201715836 — 2025-10-14 11:25:38 UTC

Billie embarked on her first full arena tour, running from February 3, 2022, to April 2, 2023.

The World's A Little Blurry - Documentary (2021)

201715836 — 2025-10-14 11:29:42 UTC

The coming-of-age documentary offers an intimate, behind the scenes look at her rise to fame and the making of her debut album, alongside the pressures and struggles of relationships and the teenage years.

Relationships

201715836 — 2025-10-14 11:43:09 UTC

In her documentary Billie revealed at 17 years old, she started dating the then-22-year-old rapper Brandon Quentin Adams. The relationship received some backlash due to their age gap.

Billie Eilish and Jesse Rutherford

201715836 — 2025-10-14 11:48:53 UTC

Another controversial relationship due to the age gap of 21 and 31. Billie and Jesse Rutherford's relationship amicably came to an end less than a year later in May 2023 where it appears they are still good friends.

Environmental Activism

201715836 — 2025-10-14 12:03:32 UTC

In 2021, Billie joined the REVERB's music climate revolution to make the tour more sustainable, reducing single-use plastics and promoting climate awareness.

Co-founder

201715836 — 2025-10-14 12:09:25 UTC

In 2023 Billie co-founded the 'music decarbonization project' a fast-track innovative climate solution to directly eliminate carbon pollution from the music industry. Working with festivals to bring solar-powered battery systems into the spaces.

Billboard Woman Of The Year (2019)

201715836 — 2025-10-14 12:14:56 UTC

She received the honour of being celebrated as Billboard's Woman of the Year, where she was recognised for her groundbreaking impact on music, culture, and the industry as a whole just 1 album and EP into her career all before the age of 18.

Recognition

201715836 — 2025-10-16 15:04:16 UTC

The opening night of her tour received the recognition it deserved, playing the album in its almost entirety whilst showcasing stripped down versions of songs alongside her brother Finneas. The first night of the worldwide tour was a hit!

Tour style

201715836 — 2025-10-16 15:07:03 UTC

Billie alternated her brand for the Happier Than Ever tour where she was often seen wearing over-sized graphic t-shirts and pigtail buns. A significant contrast to the start of the Happier Than Ever era.

Oscars (2024)

201715836 — 2025-10-16 15:13:53 UTC

Following the release of the 'Barbie' movie, Billie and her brother Finneas attended the Oscars where they were nominated and received the award for 'Best Original Song'.

Glastonbury (2022)

201715836 — 2025-10-16 15:20:02 UTC

Another record-breaking moment for Billie, as she headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury during her Happier Than Ever Europe leg, becoming the youngest ever solo headliner at just 20 years old.

Sexuality (2023)

201715836 — 2025-10-18 11:15:57 UTC

With Variety magazine, a blend of trade journalism and cultural commentary whilst being known for its insider coverage of music, film and television, Billie speaks out on her sexuality and how she 'didn't intend to make a grand gesture of coming out'. She often discusses how she doesn't feel the pressure to label her sexuality. Her openness and vulnerability towards the subject has encouraged others to do the same, however she continues to advocate for her own privacy.

HIT ME HARD AND SOFT (2024)

201715836 — 2025-10-18 11:33:50 UTC

Billie's third studio album 'HIT ME HARD AND SOFT' is a bold departure from traditional pop music, the record consists of artistic integrity and emotionally raw lyricism that connects Billie with her fans on a more emotional level.

An insight into Billie's vulnerability. (2024)

201715836 — 2025-10-18 11:58:12 UTC

In an interview with Rolling Stones magazine; a prestige, culturally influential and music news outlet, Billie opens up about her mental health and the mastering of the record. The interview also discusses the intensity of the album cover and the logistics that allowed it to become a creative piece of work.

Immediate success

201715836 — 2025-10-18 12:03:44 UTC

Describing the album as a 'coming-of-age trilogy' the out-pour of reviews that 'HMHAS' received completes the arc of her previous releases. The album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 with chart topping hits across the board.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER (2024)

201715836 — 2025-10-18 12:26:55 UTC

'BIRDS OF A FEATHER' is one of the many stand-out songs from the album. It is a hauntingly romantic track and highlights the fear of losing someone you love. The melodic tone and a soft piano blend is what amplify's the song's weight to create a poetic and mature track.

HMHAS Tour (2024-25)

201715836 — 2025-10-20 15:21:05 UTC

The tour spanned from September 2024 and is set to end in November 2025. The round stage setup creates a 360 degree intimacy with her audience. With a total of 106 shows spanning across America, Europe and Asia it was and still continues a tour highly spoken about.

Vogue (2025)

201715836 — 2025-10-20 15:42:57 UTC

During the height of her career, Billie appeared on the April cover of Vogue. A globally influential fashion and lifestyle publication that creates a space for expression and creation. It marked a powerful evolution of her public image mixed with a blending introspection, fashion-forward styling, and a celebration of her artistic maturity.

Brand Collaborations

201715836 — 2025-10-21 14:19:16 UTC

NBA League Collection

201715836 — 2025-10-21 14:25:41 UTC

With the fusion of Billie's fashion identity and NBA nostalgia the collaboration with Mitchell and Ness for the NBA League Collection was produced. The creation of 17 limited edition hats has touches of retro logos to fit Billie's retro style. A major merge of Billie and her style into a creative project.

BILLIE X NIKE (2021)

201715836 — 2025-10-21 14:30:01 UTC

One of the most anticipated brand collaborations of 2021. Billie and Nike established a creative relationship to release and Air Jordan and Air Force 1 collection. What sets this apart from other brand collaboration with celebrity figures is that the materials are made purely from vegan and recycled materials - fitting in with Billie's eco-conscious values.

BILLIE X GUCCI (2023)

201715836 — 2025-10-21 14:37:08 UTC

Billie presents a reinvention of the Horsebit bag 1955 but reimagined through asymetrical designs and sustainable craftsmanship. Again aligning with Billie's economical values the bag persists of vegan, animal free materials.

Vanity Fair (2017-2024)

201715836 — 2025-10-21 14:51:09 UTC

Vanity Fair since 2017 have offered longitudinal interviews of Billie as we see her evolving views on fame, identity, mental health and creativity over the years. Going from a small artist to a global sensation the format allows audiences to track her transformation and also gives Billie a space to reflect on her years as a young woman and the transition that comes along with it.

Happier Than Ever - Documentary (2021)

201715836 — 2025-10-21 15:16:40 UTC

A documentary featuring all 16 of Billie's tracks from Happier Than Ever presented in an intimate performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Billie appears both as herself and as an animated alter ego, in which animated Billie wanders through surreal LA landscapes, symbolizing her emotional detachment and public persona as an artist

Jessica Holmes (2023)

201715836 — 2025-10-21 15:22:31 UTC

Billie has sustained her identity as a person who vulnerably speaks out about mental health, she uses this within her work that follows themes of depression and it becomes a language within its own songwriting along with subdued performance styles. The emotional transparency she gives her supporters is portrayed throughout her performances which then reflects onto a generation that may also suffer with corresponding issues.

Sean Redmond (2014)

201715836 — 2025-10-22 11:15:04 UTC

Billie subverts traditional spectacle embracing what could be considered anti-glamour, the over-sized clothes and muted colours. We are able to see Billie as not just a pop star but as a media construct shaped by emotional and strategic confession. Her met gala and award show appearences give audiences a look inot more symbolic statuses that has visual excess and creates a spectacle that is expected of a celebrity.

Milly Williamson (2010)

201715836 — 2025-10-22 11:25:07 UTC

Billie has transformed her unique styles several type, often entering a new era of her career this can be applied however the backlash reflected from doing so see the gendered expectation that women in the industry must remain consistent in their public image. Billie subverts this entirely and despite the backlash she uses her aesthetic to navigate the ordinary and blur the line of what is and is not acceptable for a female pop star.