Finneas on His Solo Music Journey and Collaboration with Billie Eilish

Finneas O’Connell, known for winning 10 Grammys and two Academy Awards, shares his experiences stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist while collaborating with his sister, Billie Eilish. Like Billie, he comes across as genuine and approachable, avoiding any pretentiousness.

During a recent interview, Finneas showed a commitment to thoughtful conversation by limiting his interview schedule to provide meaningful responses. "I want to make sure that I’m giving a thoughtful answer to every question," he explained.

As a notable producer and songwriter, Finneas has collaborated with big names like Drake, Selena Gomez, and Camila Cabello. His work extends beyond the realm of pop music, as he has also penned film scores for The Fallout and Vengeance. His latest solo album, For Cryin’ Out Loud!, was crafted following the completion of Eilish’s recent album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, and after scoring the Apple TV+ series Disclaimer, directed by Alfonso Cuaron.

Instead of taking time off to relax after such intensive projects and award season, Finneas dove straight into creating his new solo material. He described this move as a coping mechanism for managing the post-awards nerves and the feeling of impostor syndrome. He noted the importance of keeping busy to avoid idle distractions.

This album marked a shift in his creative process. Unlike his previous experiences that often involved long, solitary hours in the studio, Finneas sought the company of fellow musicians and producers. This collaboration led to a more enjoyable and spontaneous recording experience, where songs were created during jam sessions. Most songs on the album were written simultaneously with their music, allowing for a lively and organic creation.

Finneas found joy in listening to contributions from the band, inspiring his production style while helping him assess the music collaboratively. This approach resulted in a more upbeat and hopeful sound compared to his previous work. Songs like Cleats evoke memories of young love with a cheerful guitar backdrop, while the title track features a rich arrangement with brass instruments.

Among the standout tracks, Lotus Eater is highlighted as a potential hit, showcasing a vibrant 80s-inspired sound and catchy chorus. Finneas expressed his excitement about the energy captured in this song during recording and performances.

Another notable track, Starf---er, deviates from the collaborative style, having been written earlier, and reveals a sharper edge as it critiques a social climber. Finneas acknowledged the complexity of relationships, suggesting that the song reflects shared experiences rather than targeting individuals.

Looking ahead, Finneas is preparing to embark on a series of solo performances in the US before touring Australia in January 2024. Additionally, he will join Billie for a concert in Los Angeles amidst her expansive international tour.

The close bond between Finneas and Billie is evident in their work, including the heartfelt ballad Family Feud, which reflects on their relationship as siblings navigating fame. Finneas expressed that he greatly values Billie’s thoughts on his solo projects, describing their dynamic as supportive yet honest, where they encourage each other to improve.

On the subject of his scoring experience for Disclaimer, Finneas shared the challenges and rewards of taking on such a project, especially under Cuaron’s mentorship. The journey taught him valuable lessons about scoring and collaborating within the film industry.

As he continues to rise in fame and experience increased scrutiny for his solo work, Finneas emphasized his focus on creating music for himself without getting caught up in external pressures or expectations. "There was not very much ego involved in this record; I just was really excited about the process," he said.

For Cryin’ Out Loud! is available now. Finneas is set to perform in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne in January 2024.

Finneas, Billie, Music