Complex Magazine Makes Its Long-Awaited Comeback with Billie Eilish on the Cover

Photo: Complex Magazine

Sound the alarm because Complex Magazine is back, and it’s returning stronger than ever with its highly anticipated relaunch, featuring none other than Billie Eilish on the cover.

As a defining voice of her generation, Billie’s feature captures the spirit of the magazine's mission to spotlight culture-shaping icons. In her interview, Billie dives into topics ranging from her creative struggles to her existential musings, offering readers a raw and intimate look at the multi-Grammy-winning artist.

For Billie, being vulnerable has always been central to her artistry, and this cover story is no different. Reflecting on her experiences with existentialism, she shares, “There could have easily been a world without me, but since I’m in the world, I am going to try to help people and be impactful and help change things that have been in place for so long and are so outdated.” It’s a philosophy that resonates not only in her music but in how she approaches her platform and her place in the world.

Billie also opens up about the challenges behind her latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft. “Oh my God, it was horrible,” she admits candidly. “I learned a lot, though, and I had a good time with my brother. The fact that it was so difficult to make is good, honestly, because it shows that we can do it, even when we’re going through it.” Her honesty about the creative process offers a refreshing glimpse into the resilience it takes to create in the face of mental adversity.

“There could have easily been a world without me, but since I’m in the world, I am going to try to help people and be impactful and help change things that have been in place for so long and are so outdated.”

The feature also touches on Billie’s dream collaborations, and at the top of her list is Rihanna. “She’s literally my idol. She’s the greatest of all time. She’s my complete dream collab,” Billie gushes, cementing the pop queen’s influence across generations.

On tour, Billie has been in what she describes as an “emo vibe,” curating a soundtrack of introspective artists like Tom Odell, Sufjan Stevens, Patrick Watson, and Mitski. “We had a four-hour bus ride the other day, and that’s what we listened to,” she shares, giving fans a peek into her personal playlist. However, Billie’s relationship with social media remains complicated. While it’s a vital tool for connecting with fans, she compares its addictive pull to cigarettes. “I go on the internet to see the videos that I want to see, but then I get sucked in. Then I get all f-cked up, and I’m stuck. So I’ve been back on it, but I am trying to get off. It’s my cigarettes. It’s really a problem.”

Complex’s return to print comes as a welcome revival of a cultural institution. Launched in 2002 as “The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Men,” the magazine quickly evolved into a cornerstone of streetwear, music, and pop culture. For over a decade, it defined trends and shaped conversations around convergence culture, becoming essential reading for anyone plugged into the zeitgeist.

This relaunch is a reminder of what made Complex indispensable in the first place — its ability to tap into the pulse of culture and deliver stories that resonate deeply. With Billie Eilish leading the charge, Complex is setting the stage for a new era — one that promises to be just as groundbreaking as its first.