Billie Eilish Unveils Highly Anticipated Album Release
Billie Eilish has revealed the details of what is expected to be one of the biggest albums of 2024. The singer announced that her third album, titled "Hit Me Hard And Soft," will be released on May 17th, with a unique approach of not releasing any singles beforehand, allowing fans to experience the entire album in one go.
In addition to the album announcement, Billie Eilish unveiled a sustainability plan aimed at reducing her environmental footprint. Vinyl editions of the album will be produced using recycled or eco-friendly vinyl, while all packaging will be crafted from recycled materials.
Eilish plans to utilize raw, plant-based ink and water-based dispersion varnish in the album's production process. Instead of traditional shrink-wrap, the album sleeves will be made from 100% recycled materials and will be reusable.
Billie Eilish announces new album: 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' arrives next month https://t.co/XYwszS7D6k
— The Associated Press (@AP) April 8, 2024
Source: Twitter/The Associated Press
Environmental Impact of Vinyl Production
The decision comes at a time when vinyl sales continue to surge, with 5.9 million units sold in the UK alone last year.
However, vinyl, being composed of plastic, has a significant environmental impact and is often packaged in non-recyclable materials.
Researchers estimate that vinyl records typically contain about 135g of PVC material, resulting in a carbon footprint of 0.5kg of Carbon Dioxide.
Motivation Behind the Initiative
Known for her advocacy on climate issues, Billie Eilish expressed her motivation to address the environmental challenge. She emphasized the importance of being informed and taking action, stating, "That's not how I was brought up, nor is it how I intend to live my life."
Greg Cochrane, host of the music and sustainability podcast Sounds Like a Plan, praised Billie Eilish's announcement as a "meaningful advancement" and emphasized the importance of artists like Eilish and Coldplay in pioneering sustainable practices within the music industry.
Addressing Industry Practices
Eilish's decision follows her criticism of artists who release numerous vinyl formats to inflate album sales. Despite her criticism, Eilish plans to release eight vinyl variants of Hit Me Hard And Soft, with identical artwork and track-listings to discourage multiple purchases.
Embracing Eco-Friendly Alternatives
To further reduce her environmental impact, Eilish plans to use recycled materials for manufacturing cassette casings and to produce tour merchandise from leftover stock, organic or recycled polyester or cotton, and non-toxic dyes.
A Hope for Industry-wide Change
Expressing her hope for wider adoption of sustainable practices among artists, Eilish believes these practices will eventually become standard in the industry. She sees her initiative as a step towards a more environmentally conscious music industry.
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