Billie Eilish-Apple Music Listening Event
I had the rare opportunity to attend an early listening event sponsored by Apple Music and Dolby Atmos, for Billie Eilish’s third album “Hit Me Hard And Soft” at my local AMC theater! This was my first time getting the chance to attend a full album listening party before a release to the rest of the world and I wanted to share my thoughts first with all of you! My readers!
However, now as you read this blog the album is officially out and available on all streaming platforms!
I was intrigued by this unique experience because this was also my first time listening to one of her albums from beginning to end. I have never felt super attracted to her sound but getting the chance to sit through an uninterrupted first listen of each song back to back, may have just changed my mind! Especially hearing it in a Dolby Atmos Cinema, specifically designed for movie goers to experience multi-dimensional sound with incredible clarity. It creates an immersive soundscape that sounds more like real life. I found myself bopping around while fully engulfed in the sounds of every song that much more!
Before the album began, the event started with a brief introduction from Billie herself on screen, sharing just how much this music meant to her and letting her fans know they should celebrate and have fun while listening.
“Hit Me Hard And Soft” features 10 new tracks as listed below.
1. Skinny
2. Lunch
3. Chihiro
4. Birds Of A Feather
5. Wildflowers
6. The Greatest
7. L’amour De Ma Vie
8. The Diner
9. Bittersuite
10. Blue
From past singles and what I have heard from her full length previous works, this was unlike anything she has released before, truly showing off her one of a kind, bold vocals from beyond her whispered tones. In the songs she fully expresses her want for emotional and creative freedom and freedom from judgement. Something which really stood out to me while listening was the way each song ended, with unexpected changes in beats leading immediately into the next song. Which, I haven’t necessarily ever heard an artist do this before. For my readers who are die-hard Billie lovers, this LP once again includes signature techno-punk production by her older brother and well-known music producer Finneas.
The brother sister duo only continue to strike gold literally and figuratively. You can expect this presentation of works will be no different! Between the two siblings, in the form of awards, they have received 17 Grammy’s, 2 Oscar’s, and 2 Golden Globes! I’d say that’s quite the jackpot! With this outstanding third project together, they show no signs of stopping the growth of their trophy collection anytime soon.
Following the end of the album, the event concluded with a brief outro interview featuring both Billie and Finneas speaking with Apple Music podcast host Zane Lowe; discussing the process of making the new songs. Allowing us fans a small glimpse into their work ethic and timeline of creating music together! During the segment Billie mentioned that this is the most authentic she has ever been to herself on an album, truly opening up for the first time, not only about her love life but also about the world’s outside expectations of her.
Prior to the release Billie also posted across her social media platforms a quote about how "Hit Me Hard and Soft" is an album experience, meant to be listened to front-to-back, defying the single-driven trend. Allowing us fans to experience it the way she always imagined it only made the event that much more special!
Thank you to Apple Music, Dolby Atmos, AMC Theaters and Billie Eilish for hosting the incredible nationwide listening party!
I can’t wait for the world to hear “Hit Me Hard and Soft” because let me tell you, that is exactly what each track will do!
-XOXO Rachel
