Get ready to learn more about the superstar
BY EMILY ALICE MOSS, PHOTOGRAPH VIA DREAMSTIME
Billie Eilish is one of music’s stars of the moment right now. Last year was a big one for her. She received five Grammy nominations for her hit single What Was I Made For?, made her acting debut in the Prime Video’s Swarm, and hinted at having almost finished a new album. As Billie continues to take the world by storm, here are eight things you probably didn’t know about the 22 year old singer-songwriter…
Her full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell (whew!)
Billie’s first name was almost Pirate too. While her mother was pregnant, her then-four-year-old brother Finneas was going through a pirate phase and would call Billie “Pirate” and it nearly stuck.
Billie was homeschooled
Thanks to this, she was able to develop an interest in songwriting. She was influenced by her older brother. Finneas is now also a successful musician in his own right, and Billie’s longtime collaborator.
She used to be a dancer
It seems like Billie took her dancing career quite seriously, but it was unfortunately brought to a premature end in 2016 due to a growth plate injury.
Billie experienced her first success as a musician aged just 13
Her brother wrote the single, Ocean Eyes, for his own band at the time, but ultimately decided it was better suited to Billie’s voice. When the siblings uploaded it to Soundcloud, it went viral, beginning Billie’s meteoric rise to stardom.
She has always been interested in directing her own music videos
The musician fulfilled this wish when she made her directorial debut with the video for her song, xanny.
Let’s talk about her veganism
Billie has followed a vegan diet since around 2014. She is also an outspoken animal rights advocate, and has openly criticised the animal fur industry.
Billie’s favourite TV show is the US version of The Office
She even uses a sample from the sitcom’s dialogue in her song, my strange addiction! She has allegedly watched the show 12 times over.
She has Tourette syndrome
Billie was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome when she was 11 years old, and has since been open about her struggles with the condition.
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