Billie Eilish’s new album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” is set to be released tonight, and the lead-up to the release, Eilish has been promoting the album extensively.
One notable promotional event was a listening party she hosted at Barclays Center earlier this week. A video from the event, shared by Variety, shows Billie and her brother Finneas dancing on stage as her new music plays to the crowd. This event reminded fans of a similar approach used by another artist, Kanye West.
Billie Eilish is filmed by her brother Finneas during her Barclays Center album listening party. pic.twitter.com/3DuyVb044f
— Variety (@Variety) May 16, 2024
Kanye West has been known for his use of listening parties, particularly with the high-profile trio of shows leading up to the release of “DONDA” and the famous “The Life of Pablo” listening party at Madison Square Garden. Recently, West has continued this tradition with the “Vultures” listening parties alongside Ty Dolla Sign. These events have not only promoted their collaborative album series but also introduced innovative concert experiences, showcasing West’s knack for creative presentation and audience engagement.
Many fans drew comparisons between Eilish’s event and West’s “Vultures” listening parties in particular. After seeing the video of Billie’s listening party, it became apparent to many that Eilish was likely imitating West’s format.
Check out the fan reactions below:
Ye is literally the most influential artist of all time, and it’s not close. https://t.co/dJ3Z5ztn0v pic.twitter.com/zzyJfr9nXR
— yzyupdates (@yzyupdates) May 16, 2024
Billie Eilish copying from Kanye West is insane pic.twitter.com/jcjiOBqHmx
— Cheikh Jackson (@L7aj_Ali) May 16, 2024
This is still hilarious. Billie didn’t even try to hide it. She copied Ye bar for bar. Smoke and everything!😂😂 https://t.co/rFU85nS1zY
— breezega (@breezega) May 16, 2024