“Let Yourself Be Inspired” - Billie Eilish Says To Focus On Inspiration Not Imitation

Billie Eilish brushes off concerns about other artists imitating her style, telling Stephen that it’s normal to be inspired by other musicians while getting to know one’s self as a singer. Stick around for more with Billie Eilish including the first televised performance of “Lunch” from her new album, ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft,’ which is available here: billieeilish.lnk.to/HITMEHARD....
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@yeren_egar2551]

The way she realised she dapped him up at the end😭😭😭girl is so used to it , that sht was pure muscle memory💀🙏

[@ElliotThusE]

She looked so embarrassed I feel so bad for her but at the same time i'm dying lmao 😂😂😭😭

[@PhysicsAndtheNature-tt1ln]

I dont get it? :D

[@gaiacpt]

“you know Billie Eilish when you hear her.” so true man, she has such a recognizable style

[@BrandonAyong]

As much as Stephen meant that as the upmost compliment. You can tell billie kinda was thinking "urg you shouldn't though " ... She always hated to be just recognised as this quiet low range vocalist

[@inmydarkesthour2278]

She sounds just like every pop female singer of her generation...music started dying after the late 90s sorry

[@marigolden_mariposa]

​​​@@inmydarkesthour2278😂 this comment is ridiculous. the thing she's known for is singing in a crooning fashion, an old school crooner from the 40's. it's the thing people love AND the thing people hate. people complain about her by saying she "whisper sings". compare that to Arianna who belts and does runs and is compared to Mariah Carrey. These two couldn't BE more different and they're both extremely talented, skilled famous successful modern artists. Billie is so unique amongst other pop vocalists because she started to revive a style that hasn't been seen truly this popular since around the 40-50's!! No one has hit the numbers she's hit doing this old style of singing. Her and Finneas have revitalized music as well with their unique production choices that are more creative and don't follow a formula. I truly wonder if when you comment stuff like that which of her albums you've heard all the way through? which live performances have you seen? you don't have to like any pop music but to say she sounds like everyone else only makes it seem like you literally haven't listened to a single song or you need your ears checked.

[@The_One_In_Black]

Now I'm wondering if I've ever heard one of her songs.

[@UberLummox]

Makes me wonder if the word 'like' as a filler word will continue to the end of time.

[@rhllc8166]

Take a moment to appreciate Steve as a very skilled interviewer

[@jedidiahmarada]

his questions, full of substance, thoughtful... unlike other late night hosts

[@aunamonet]

@@jedidiahmarada i agree! i just thought this

[@seriousbutfunny2]

💯

[@congoliab]

I was thinking the same thing. When he said you're terrified because a character is protected and putting your true self out there requires vulnerabillity - that's a pretty deep insight off the cuff

[@user-km4ro7xp2s]

I agree. He has a good way of reaching clarity by reflecting along with the person he interviews; it's not just "20 questions, and then I'm done."

[@edspace2402]

Billie may be nervous about the album but I've never seen a person so genuine about being themselves at so young an age. It's nice seeing someone so enthusiastic about seeking their own truth, and encouraging others to do the same.

[@edspace2402]

@@Tynes1what I saw was a well articulated young person expressing themselves in a way I never could, at that age. With respect, my comment has nothing to do with gender or any possible issues you may have.

[@monkeyjames8401]

@@Tynes1 Being the gender police is going to be very exhausting. Billie Eilish is just one person. There are a great many more people who will not fit into the stereotype boxes that you have in your mind. Good luck with your war against the world.

[@leanasia]

@@Tynes1stay mad 😂

[@cartersmith817]

@@Tynes1 bro go away you've commented on multiple vids about her don't you have someone else's day to ruin?

[@km7668]

​@@Tynes1Honestly, it just seems like your intent on ruining your own day. Stay mad, bro!

[@IamArloFischer]

"We're lacking vocals" is so true. So many "singers" today are heavily processed in the studio and don't actually have any sophistication or artistry to their singing. And then they are completely lost when they try to sing live. There is some kind of generic sound that producers these days are creating and I hate it. Billie is so refreshing. Thanks to Finneas for his production that honours the richness and nuance of Billie's vocals.

[@WilltheWise3406]

well to a degree, every single artist you know has some kind of processing and correction to their vocals post-production, but I see your point that Billie is extremely naturally gifted

[@dceplay]

I think what the original commenter was referring to was the dreadful “auto tune” that so many singers needlessly use nowadays...

[@IamArloFischer]

@@WilltheWise3406 Yes every studio recording has correction and processing. But can all those singers sing live without the correction and processing? We don't even know what live voices sound like anymore! Our ears are so tuned to the studio processing. And when people do sing live they have all the studio backing tracks playing at the same time and they sing over it - or not - you can tell when someone can't handle singing the whole song live and they cheat by letting backing vocals take over. And yes I know that most singers add processing to their live mic mix too. I just want to hear real voices again. Billie could show up with just guitar or piano backing and sing. I think that's rare in the industry.

[@dstmars1]

She's really good at putting her thoughts and feelings into words. Great interview.

[@gracie1598]

Your kidding. "Truly like I mean you I think dah you know"

[@thecrippledone3325]

These people are braindead.

[@clex2005]

Totally right. That's Billie. Real as it gets.

[@soundgrdnklok-bx8pl]

@@gracie1598she said she was nervous. Let’s see how you’d do up there in that seat with millions of people watching your every word; being judged by people like you

[@gracie1598]

@@soundgrdnklok-bx8pl OH! Shut up. Worship someone worthy

[@PistachioDean]

Her runs and slides are so jazz inspired. I would LOVE a full jazz standards album from Billie.

[@seinfeldfan442]

I like what billie said about new artists finding their way. Let them figure it out.

[@joyisafruit]

what a thoughtful interview! stephen colbert has the best questions that draws out the best from his guests...

[@Valdagast]

What she said about being inspired... it reminded me of what Tolkien wrote about stories. He likens it to a perpetual stew, where things have been added over the milennia, and an author takes out a ladle and tries to serve it in a new and interesting way.

[@meghangerhart643]

I love the fact that you’re referencing Tolkien on a Stephen Colbert video. Stephen is the biggest Tolkien fanboy. 😂😍

[@b-dub6865]

So, why didn’t she mention her bro? Cuz that’s who inspires/motivates her to co-create many of her hits?

[@meghangerhart643]

@@b-dub6865 She mentions Finneas all the time. Most of the interviews, especially the long form ones, about this album, and their previous albums, have been with her AND Finneas. They constantly shout each other out. I’ve actually never seen two collaborators who are more willing to share the credit. Also, they inspire each other. They’ve both been fully transparent about who wrote what part of which song and which are 50/50 efforts (though Billie directs all her own music videos and has been doing so since her first album). Billie can have her own interviews where she gets to respond to the questions. Don’t create drama where there isn’t any.

[@b-dub6865]

@@meghangerhart643 Ok. I don’t follow her all the time, but most interviews I’ve seen, she rarely gives credit to Finneas, especially when she’s by herself like in this interview. She only gives credit when he’s next to her. We wouldn’t have that Barbie song if it weren’t for Finneas pushing & motivating her.

[@meghangerhart643]

@@b-dub6865 I mean, like I said, she mentions him ALL THE TIME. It’s okay for her to have interviews where she doesn’t mention him. Finneas isn’t bothered. He has interviews where he talks about his own stuff or the specific parts he worked on. Yes, they are a duo, but they’re also individual people that are both integral to Billie’s music. I mean, for the album they’re talking about in this interview, Billie is credited as songwriter, vocals, keyboards, editing engineer, and composer. She also directed the only music video (so far) and came up with all the visuals. She has plenty to talk about, in terms of her specific creativity and inspiration. Also, they’ve literally put out a documentary and a ton of behind the scenes stuff that breaks down how they work together. People KNOW Finneas is a major part of Billie’s success, as does Billie, considering she mentions him in every award speech and most interviews. We all know this and they credit each other so much already. They’re allowed to have solo interviews. 🤷🏻‍♀

[@geoffreyschultz8515]

I have to be honest, I really only knew of her by name until now, but what an amazingly thoughtful young woman who seems so down to earth and so… just wow. Poised, engaged, willing to see where that takes her, inspired by others and clearly able to inspire others. As someone of a scientific background, her last bit in this segment reminded me of Isaac Newton saying “if I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” The list of vocalists she said inspired her sounds exactly like this, and her willingness to inspire others from her work to try their own version as well. Simply put, she seems the absolute opposite of narcissism, which in her field with her level of success, can take real resolve to maintain. Very Impressed.

[@monicagarza2282]

I too am a scientist and I absolutely love your analogy of Newton!!! I totally agree!! I’m 46 and I haven’t heard such great vocals and music genius of her and Fineas since 80s and 90s and I love how she is inspired!!

[@geoffreyschultz8515]

@@monicagarza2282 Monica, thank you for the write back. I’m close to your age (a little older… will be 50 soon) but I like to hear from people who have listened to music all their lives, and also can see what’s coming with a new generation. It gives a true continuity to the art.

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

This is what America should be. The promise of talent and youth leading the way forward with grace and smarts. What a great young woman she is. Inspiring even to old men like me.

[@jess88somanycats]

Nice comment!

[@lalah9481]

Fell in love with Billie’s voice before I even knew who she was. I’m wayyy older than her main demographic, but… you just love what you love. 💖✨

[@daniellekirkpatrick3270]

SAME! Almost 50 years old…love love love this little singing nugget! ❤

[@troikaness]

Same! My daughter started playing her just before lockdown. We played her music all through lockdown. I'm not sure who loves her more now.

[@laurenandbee]

Yes! I’m 43 and she’s my favorite artist… and my 9-year-old’s as well. ❤

[@julieridgeway8539]

54 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@llochen]

I think the best thing about her is that she is beyond target audiences….

[@carokind9538]

Billie is such a humble, intelligent, funny human being. Love her💕

[@ThrillRider247]

And this is why I'm obsessed with her..she just real..raw..honest..you won't find an artist like this...💯💯👌👌😍😍♥️♥️

[@lgolem09l]

You haven't seen many artists then

[@albertissa1989]

What about Britney Spears

[@jonathanhodges2561]

Ask any musician you know if they had enough money to hire a professional film crew follow them around to make a docuseries for appletv while recording their DEBUT album

[@marigolden_mariposa]

​@@jonathanhodges2561😅 source?

[@ChristophBrinkmann]

​@@lgolem09l Citation needed

[@batgurrl]

Excellent thoughtful interview with an excellent thoughtful singer. She is lucky to get the entire episode with an actual adult interviewer

[@davidwh2653]

"i love singing. it's the thing i love most in the entire world. i love to sing so much and i always have." literally me she gets me!!!! she is so amazing. glad to hear especially her love for Ella!

[@penelopepitstock]

I don't know much about her music but everything she said sounded very reasonable. I will check out her music!

[@user-wm9zl9tr6o]

Please do, you won't be disappointed

[@nevermind.abbs7]

Id give anything to hear all her albums for the first time again! You won't regret it. Enjoy!

[@thegirlwholovesmusic]

Billie and Chet Baker are two of my favorite voices. I love that Steven said that, it’s so true. It’s that perfect blend of vulnerable raw vocals but with crazy angelic tone and precision. ❤rip Chet

[@willar8565]

fun to hear an authentic beautiful soul in process

[@JusticeConstantine]

I teared up at the idea of Billie Eilish doing an album of Standards. That would be so amazing.

[@Raindropsundropgumdrop]

What is it?

[@tammytt76]

What does that mean?

[@JustinSimpson]

I screamed so hard when she mentioned Julie London as one of her inspirations, because I love the album “Julie is Her Name” and I hear a bit of Julie in Billie’s voice.

[@dakotac180]

We are watching a kid grow up. She's in her baby stud era, its sounding fun so far. Keep going girl!

[@echakamonjok]

Billie just seems like a cool person. Love her and this her best album yet!! ❤️🔥

[@edenrose8831]

What a lovely person. Colbert had nice rapport with her, I love that this woman can be an inspiration to our youth, she’s a worthy role model and artist.

[@marvinmartin4692]

She’s a gift to the world!

[@ericthompson3982]

What a remarkable and talented young woman. I grow to respect her more and more all the time.

[@cannablissdreams]

whyyyyyyyyy am I crying??? she's so SMART and raw and genuine!!! and her natural CHARM.. it's just so lovely to see!!!

[@angelagoos2206]

Same. My son is around her age and I am almost Stephen’s age. She seems so vulnerable and I want to protect her. 💕

[@nevermind.abbs7]

💜

[@shawnvalerio6836]

Stephen Colbert is really a next level talk show host… possibly up there with Letterman.

[@imalwaysright]

Better than Letterman

[@malindapeterson2398]

Better

[@nox503]

when i heard her sing a jazzy xmas song on SNL I was really hoping maybe one days she would make a standards album, the lady gaga and tony bennet stuff is some of my favorite

[@lisalivingston6473]

@nox503 I remember watching Billie Eilish sing that jazzy Christmas song on SNL and hoping she would release more music in that genre. It was nice to hear that she is ready to explore that side of her to add to her impressive catalogue.

[@harbingersociety3286]

she did SO well on that song that I was hoping the same thing!

[@monicagarza2282]

Yesssss!! I agree

[@cherylsibson2529]

Billie is such a Sweetheart, reminds me of people I know, she could absolutely do the duet with Stephen!

[@jw3816]

Billie and Phineas make music that spans generations. Amazing talents.

[@ChanRawrer]

Finneas needs to produce a Lana album, and Billie should be a feature

[@Takecareofyourbusiness]

Real talent, real artist!

[@linac3246]

She is!! Absolutely!

[@lisavandenhoven5672]

He is transfixed by her! Looking at him listening, spinning his wedding ring... you can tell he recognizes her artistry.

[@kyhxx]

. well said. noted this aswll- grt music n pure maturation^

[@nullreference3699]

He has said that the only people he gets really starstruck by is musicians. I don’t have a link to the video, but you can see it in this interview.

[@robbymonaco3738]

He knows he's in the presence of greatness.

[@simongervais9302]

That whole segment felt good. Learning her inspirations in vocals, and then... Stephen suggesting her doing an album of (jazz) standards.... ouf! she looked so down for it... that elt very nice

[@wooooordd]

Realest young artist in the game right now.

[@bwianeh]

she seems to be trying to stay grounded yet recognizes her talent and knows what she wants. she is also very beautiful...she seems to want to be known for her music not her body(much respect to her)

[@djdollase]

Such a real and genuine person! Never heard an interview with her before. She’s one of my daughter’s absolute faves and that’s how I know her (as I’m an old man ;))

[@BrandonAyong]

Billie saying she loves belafonte is amazing 😂 . I need a jamaica Farewell cover

[@trick351]

You don’t hear Billie, you feel her music!

[@gertie_roblox5415]

this is why i love her shes so raw ans honest to her fans, the world everyone i love it

[@reneq5014]

Dear Ms.Eilish, just hearing you describe your journey since the age of thirteen and how you had to go through that process to developed your voice, made me wanna go listen to you for the first time ever. WOW TRULY GIFTED - BEAUTIFUL! 😢

[@denalinea6280]

I love watching these two together. Billie is such a great interviewee. I just love her soo much.

[@LateBloomerMedia]

4:33 I was really expecting to hear an applause from the crowd after her speech here.. kind of disappointed they didn't. If I was there, I absolutely would have! 💯

[@harbingersociety3286]

when she says that we're missing vocals, I wonder if she's meaning those really rich, bell-toned voices from the Rat Pack era. She's always reminded me of a blend of Ella Fitzgerald and Rosemary Clooney in terms of vocals and that sort of tonality you really don't hear anymore.

[@gabrieldesmarais3394]

Honestly, a duet with the two of them sounds like such a wonderful thing. I still remember the duet with John Prine and that was such a beatiful thing to see and hear.

[@mariajulianevesteixeira4586]

i loved when she said that “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT” is the album that is very her, exactly how she is. And it turns out that is her best album of her entire career so far! just incredible

[@vanesapinzon]

Let’s all take a moment for the quality of these questions! So good!

[@lisalivingston6473]

Billie Eilish has a beautiful, soulful voice tailor-made for covering the classic standards. I first fell in love with her singing style when she sang an acapella version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow for James Corden. I was excited to hear that she is anxious to explore that genre to add to her musical catalogue.

[@therefore8]

i admire how lovely and gentle Stephen was and how creative were his questions; i didn't know him until i watched this interview and got fascinated of what a great interviewer he is!

[@paddawan_]

They seem to have a great connection every time, so sweet

[@nternetrat]

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE LOOKS !!! wowow !!

[@Pekupekaya]

She is so beautiful😭

[@kathrynryches6660]

An album of standards from Billie Eilish would be amazing! Take my money.

[@camila1289]

What is an album of standards? Sorry idk

[@loricannon2988]

You inspire me, Billie ❤.

[@mkilptrick]

Wonderful to hear Billie Eilish talk.

[@brieanastraiton3665]

Channeling her inner Silent Bob and I freaking love it!!!

[@YelsewNesnej]

She’s awesome. 🔥 Great interview!

[@robsiclesla1993]

I love that you can see in her face at 1:47 how she felt seen by Stephen when he talked about shedding a character takes vulnerability.

[@monicagarza2282]

She blushed

[@DavidRosenbaum-sr6yd]

Shes so real ❤

[@VanisleGirl1961]

What an excellent interview. Sh's lovely.

[@charmerci]

My first interview - I love that she's so intelligent. How refreshing.

[@ardanemendoza5167]

she just dapped him look at her reaction when she realized😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@cmkrcs1]

Eilish and Colbert cover Ella and Louis is something I need on vinyl.

[@bjyoung11616]

Chet Baker!!! He’s so right!!! 😍😍😍

[@debvanderstoep8885]

“We’re lacking vocals” - I know exactly what you’re saying ❤ Your influences exude talent. That says it all ✨

[@NewMessage]

I agree, and it isn't just the pot talking. Though it is inspiring....

[@evermoreart]

Billie Eilish is adorable and wonderful and refreshingly open, and vulnerable and relatable. Across generations. Genuine Artist.

[@Infiniti-Benz]

No wonder I love Billie so much, Marina & Lana Del Ray were constantly on my play lists growing up lol

[@maxgreen5590]

She freaking kills it and so does this album

[@ChristineMcAvoy]

GENUINELY ADORABLE. MORE OF THIS DUOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@emacrljen4299]

These funny little voices that she does in 0:47 and 5:04 are so hilarious, I cackled so hard when I heard them. She should definitely provide a voice to some character in the future.

[@zizinnnn]

great album🎉❤

[@TemporaryApple1984]

Finally, an interview that doesn't ask about that Australian traffic light sample 💀

[@MoreToThePicture]

When he said "Chet Baker" I shouted a yes so loudly at my screen that I surprised myself. I remember that I wrote about it in a comment about her voice years ago on one of her musikvideos on youtube. Love her phrasings and soft tone /sothing voice that remember me of Chet Bakers vocals too.

[@melissaloyd1058]

I love her truth❤

[@LoddyDah]

Billie is ... amazeballs. Periodt. 💙🙏😌

[@bellaabean]

"Be inspired, find yourself," is the realest message. If I were to turn the radio on, I would prefer to hear a song by Billie than everyone else. This is the first album where I have not skipped over a single song. (Lies! I'll skip over one only to have another stuck on repeat) But they're all so good!

[@renejcain12]

I love her ❤️

[@lzditalia]

What a remarkable talent the world needs more Billie!

[@heartstopper_tv]

she's the moment, she's the star, she's mother

[@Adnann1234]

Mate..... she? Are you sure? I'm nit anymore

[@cchester543]

I like her style👍

[@oliverfisher4773]

A very talented, interesting and intelligent person. Haters don't get it

[@KCNwokoye]

Delightful.

[@VeldaDesilver-rb5bk]

You go girl 😘

[@katiesalatto5124]

She’s so pretty 😍

[@fernandooliveiralino]

She's awesome, man!

[@kathyoverton9365]

Thank you for being so sweet and respectful. You had a great upbringing and awesome parents and family. ❤

[@blairbrown4812]

Fascinating....🖖

[@aunamonet]

i love her

[@xoxo9479]

wait because he is so nice ❤

[@julie8049]

She’s adorable 😭

[@kevincfoss]

I’m so glad to have the opportunity to receive wisdom from inspirational icons like Billie who have figured out the keys to creating popular music that is deep and meaningful in a lasting way and not some lame posers who have had abundant social support and every privilege known to man while they chase their bliss straight into a position of influence where they have absolutely no substance with which to support the garbage ideas that they start to pump into the public awareness so they just parrot the things they have heard from their family, friends, and teachers that feel truthy while drowning in imposter syndrome and trying to look cool and trendy.

[@sophsbookss]

the dap!

[@wideawake5630]

An album of standards by Eilish with duets with stars like Colbert will break sales records, guaranteed!

[@captainez]

Chet Baker, not many people have ever heard of him. My hero

[@aryanafarsai5818]

I loved who are her influences are - all the way back. And that she called out the history of those vocalists, in her fave styles.

[@kelsilulu]

He parents had her in their 40s so that probably has a lot to do with it too

[@mistybergeron3079]

Stephen is just an absolutely delightful host.

[@mariadus551]

Queen

[@brancad5]

Billie é tão linda😮❤