Billie Eilish discusses the nerves of releasing new music after a long hiatus, contrasting it with the effortless debut of 'Ocean Eyes'. She explains that the album title 'Hit Me Hard and Soft' is deliberately ambiguous, inviting listeners to interpret it personally. The album cover features an unedited underwater photo taken after the GRAMMYs, and she describes the grueling six-hour photoshoot as akin to waterboarding, emphasizing her commitment to visual concepts over comfort. Billie also reflects on her musical influences, including Lana Del Rey, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chet Baker, and how her vocal style evolved from imitation to authentic expression. She highlights the importance of allowing young artists to explore without criticism and credits her family upbringing for her musical foundation.