Before Billie Eilish, there was Avril Lavigne: A fan's perspective

Well before fans were obsessed with Billie Eilish, There was Avril Lavigne, the pop-punk princess whose emo-pop phenomenon owes her a debt of gratitude. Still, recognizing one’s place in the musical arts, residents and fans all around the world were quickly beguiled by the talent of both artists, who offered change from the top and something new for the music world.

Releasing her debut album “Let Go” in the early 2001, Avril Lavigne became an icon thanks to hits such as “Complicated”, and “Sk8er Boi” Her songs were full of teenage angst and rebellion which was something that several youths around the world could relate to. Lavigne was in contrast with the pop trenches of that time through her boyish clothes, dark heavy eyeliner and punk rock feel of her music. She spoke for the rejected and the losers, which most people embraced as anti-conformity culture.

Move to the late 2010s and Billie Eilish came out with a completely quirky look. Finally, with her album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Billie Eilish introduced a sphere of popular music with a rather somber and contemplative tone to it. Her whispery voice combined with guitar and vague, hazy lyrics sent everyone into an eerie trance. As it was with Lavigne, Eilish dressed untraditionally: baggy clothing and bright neon hair thus, people who liked her music also admired her for her boldness.

One can see that critics complimented both Lavigne and Eilish for being true to themselves. They pen lyrics and compose tunes that are intensely autobiographical and frequently relate to issues of depression, anxiety, identity crisis, and other such conditions. Because of this fans can easily relate with them and feel that they are not the only ones going through such a situation.

The two artists have a good rapport with their fans through their realism and humility in their conduct. They have also advocated for issues in support of their varying causes as a way of enriching their fans even more.

In essence, while the musical styles of Avril Lavigne and Billie Eilish differ, the core of their appeal remains the same: they both are in deviation from the rest and they provide that area of comfort where one can be free to be themselves in front of other fans. For us, who became adults with the Lavigne and are now trying to find our place in the world with the help of Eilish, the change is as unnoticeable as the change of seasons.