At just 18 years old, Billie Eilish is a multi-Grammy winner and the youngest person to ever write and record a theme for the James Bond franchise. After much speculation and controversy, you can finally see the full video for Eilish’s track for No Time to Die.
Atmospheric and moody, the track is what you’d expect from the “Bad Guy” singer and her producer and brother FINNEAS. They’re joined on the song by iconic Smiths guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr, as well as an orchestral arrangement from none other than Hans Zimmer. We wonder how the ominous pop track will land with James Bond diehards, who are often picky about the artists chosen to perform the opening credits tracks.
The creative team behind the movie are clearly excited for the track, with No Time to Die producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli stating in a press release: “Billie and FINNEAS have written an incredibly powerful and moving song for No Time To Die, which has been impeccably crafted to work within the emotional story of the film.”
No Time to Die director Cary Joji Fukunaga agreed with an emphatically supportive quote included in the official announcement. “There are a chosen few who record a Bond theme. I am a huge fan of Billie and FINNEAS. Their creative integrity and talent are second to none and I cannot wait for audiences to hear what they’ve brought – a fresh new perspective whose vocals will echo for generations to come.”
Darkroom/Interscope Records
Eilish shared her thoughts on writing the theme for the newest entry into the beloved franchise: “It feels crazy to be a part of this in every way. To be able to score the theme song to a film that is part of such a legendary series is a huge honor. James Bond is the coolest film franchise ever to exist. I’m still in shock.” The power this teenage girl has is both scary and awe-inspiring! It’s interesting that Barbara Broccoli mentioned that the song fits with the emotional mood and tone of the film, because that means No Time to Die is likely going to be both spooky and depressing… which frankly, we are here for.
The official press release gives a little more info on the exciting new James Bond theme:
“Today, five-time GRAMMY® Award winning Darkroom/Interscope Records artist Billie Eilish has released her latest song, No Time To Die, the official theme song to the upcoming James Bond film. The song was produced by her brother; fellow multi GRAMMY® Award winning FINNEAS alongside Stephen Lipson, with orchestral arrangements by Hans Zimmer and Matt Dunkley, and guitar from Johnny Marr. No Time To Die comes ahead of the film’s global release, which hits theaters from April 2 in the U.K. through Universal Pictures International and in the U.S on April 10 through MGM via their United Artists Releasing banner. 18-year-old Eilish is officially the youngest artist in history to both write and record a James Bond theme song, and will be performing it live for the first time, accompanied by FINNEAS, plus special guests Hans Zimmer and Johnny Marr at The Brit Awards in London on February 18.”
Featured Image: Darkroom/Interscope Records
Originally published on February 18, 2020.
