Billie Eilish is dropping what's bound to be one of 2024's hottest albums, and she's doing it in a way that's got fans buzzing. Her third record, *Hit Me Hard And Soft*, is set to hit shelves on May 17th, and here's the kicker—she's not releasing any singles beforehand. That's right, fans will get to soak in the whole album all at once!
But that's not all—Eilish is going green with this release. She's got a sustainability plan in place, aiming to reduce her environmental impact. The vinyl copies of the album will be pressed onto recycled or eco-vinyl, and all the packaging will be made from recycled materials. Plus, she's using raw, plant-based ink and water-based dispersion varnish. Instead of the usual shrink-wrap, the album sleeves will be 100% recycled and reusable. How's that for eco-friendly?
This move comes at a time when vinyl sales are through the roof, with 5.9 million units sold in the UK alone last year. But vinyl's made from plastic, which isn't exactly great for the environment, especially when it's packaged in non-recyclable materials.
Eilish isn't just talking the talk—she's been a climate campaigner for years. She told Billboard magazine, "Every choice we make and every action we take has an impact somewhere or on someone, good or bad, and that has always stuck with me." She's using her platform to make a difference, and that's pretty inspiring.
Greg Cochrane, host of the music and sustainability podcast *Sounds Like a Plan*, called Eilish's announcement a "significant step." He highlighted the importance of influential artists like Eilish leading the way in sustainable practices in the music industry.
Despite her eco-friendly efforts, Eilish will still offer eight different vinyl variants of *Hit Me Hard And Soft*. But here's the cool part: the artwork and track-listing will stay the same across all editions, so fans won't feel pressured to buy multiple copies.
Eilish's commitment to sustainability goes beyond just the album. She's making cassette casings from recycled materials, and her tour merchandise will be eco-friendly too, using organic or recycled fabrics and non-toxic dyes.
In an interview with Billboard, Eilish expressed her hope that other artists would follow her lead. She believes that these practices should become standard in the industry. It's a small step for her, but a giant leap for sustainable music production.
Login