Avril Lavigne says Billie Eilish is similar to her because they’re “authentic”

Avril Lavigne has praised Billie Eilish and reflected on her iconic throwback tracks like “SK8er Boi” in a new interview about her most recent album and tour. 

As Lavigne begins her first tour in five years to promote her latest album Head Above Water, she spoke to Billboard about her battle with Lyme Disease and what it’s like to be back on the road. 

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She spoke about her love for rising young artists like Snail Mail, Soccer Mommy and pop star Eilish, who she met in Los Angeles during one of the 17-year-old’s shows. 

Eilish previously posted a photo of when she met Lavigne at the gig. She captioned it, ““THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME WHAT I AM.”

 

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THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME WHAT I AM

A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish) on

She’s also said that Avril Lavigne was “everything” to her growing up, which is why she’s had such a lasting impact on the teen singer.

“I love Avril Lavigne. I only love her. There’s nothing else there. Just love. Only love. There’s like almost no artists like that. Like Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber, I only love. Like her, Tyler, Gambino and Bieber, to be honest, made me. I would not be… And Lana, probably. Yeah. There’s no way,” she said. 

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Now, Lavigne commented to Billboard about how much she appreciates Eilish’s kind words. 

“It’s an honor any time — especially someone as talented and cool and creative as Billie — mentions that I’ve had an impact on their music career,” Lavigne said. “My approach was always just like, I’m going to be myself, write the songs that I want to write, dress how I want to dress — because when I entered the industry, everyone was showing their bellies and had a bunch of dancers around them and were bubblegum pop, and I was so different. I was dressing in Dickies and Converse and like a dude, and playing loud guitar in my songs.”

She also talked about how she feels she is similar to Eilish because they are both “individuals”. 

“We’re in a time now where people want real, and they want authentic and they can read past the bullshit,” she said. “That was something I always stood my ground on, and I always fought to be true to myself. And she’s an artist who is very much herself, and also extremely talented — and that’s why it’s working for her.”

Lavigne also talked about her tour and how she has wardrobe changes incorporated that are inspired by her music videos like “SK8er Boi” and “Girlfriend.” 

“The singles from the last 17 years all hold memories,” she says. “‘Sk8er Boi’ is a moment, ‘Girlfriend’ is a moment — and I get to go back with [my fans] and enjoy that.”

Lavigne dropped Head Above Water back in February, which was her first record since she was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2014. You can listen to the full album below.

You can see the remaining dates of Lavigne’s tour below. 

Dates

09/26 — Chicago, IL @ Chicago Theatre
09/28 — Detroit, MI @ Fox Theatre
10/01 — New York, NY @ Pier 17 at South Street Seaport
10/03 — Boston, MA @ Orpheum Theatre
10/05 — Wallingford, CT @ Oakdale Theatre
10/06 — Toronto, ON @ Sony Centre for Performing Arts
10/08 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
10/09 — Washington, D.C. @ MGM National Harbor
10/11 — Philadelphia, PA @ XCite Center at Parx Casino

What do you think about Avril Lavigne talking about her love for Billie Eilish? Sound off in the comments down below!

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