Despite two Oscars, nine Grammy Awards, sold-out shows worldwide, and the adoration of a generation, Billie Eilish still struggles with anxiety about whether she’ll ever write another song.
In an interview with CBS Mornings’ Anthony Mason at the United Center in Chicago, Eilish, 22, opened up about the intense writer’s block that she and her brother and producer, Finneas, faced last year. She also discussed her thoughts on winning more Grammys—she is nominated for seven awards at next year’s ceremony, including record of the year and song of the year for “Birds of a Feather,” as well as album of the year for Hit Me Hard and Soft.
Letting out a huge laugh, Eilish described the continued accolades from the Recording Academy as “the craziest thing in the world,” adding that the recognition leaves her “blown away and excited and honored and humbled all at the same time.”
However, the process of recording her third album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, was far from smooth. At one point, Eilish said she and Finneas were “pretty stuck,” a feeling she said is never easy to cope with. “It happens, and you’re like, ‘What the hell?! I’m never going to create again,’” she said. The breakthrough came on May 25, 2023, when the siblings stumbled upon the beginnings of the song “Wildflower.”
“And then ‘The Greatest,’ and it started to become clear that we were telling the truth,” Finneas said, describing the creative momentum they found.
Eilish, who admitted she never considered herself a singer until recently, has begun taking vocal lessons—a step she resisted for years due to insecurities about her abilities. “When you’re a girl and you’re bad at something once, then all the boys think you’re bad at that forever,” Eilish explained, reflecting on her past experiences as a female athlete.
During the interview, Eilish gave Mason a tour of the portable recording studio she sets up in her green room at every venue, complete with a piano. She explained that she often jams with friends after shows. Eilish also shared snippets of new songs she’s been working on—one featuring her signature breathy vocals over a subdued beat and another built around a jaunty piano line.
“It’s not even serious; it’s just… we’ve been making music and crocheting,” she said with a smile.
Eilish is set to perform Tuesday night (Dec. 10) at the SAP Center in San Jose, California, as part of her Hit Me Hard and Soft tour.