10 Grammys and 2 Oscars: FINNEAS on Working with His Sister, Billie Eilish, Trusting His Taste, and His New Solo Album
Oct 8, 2024
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Finneas O’Connell, a Grammy and Oscar-winning producer and songwriter, shares his journey from producing hits with his sister Billie Eilish to launching his solo career. He reflects on the surprise success of their song 'Ocean Eyes' and the lessons learned from collaborating with other artists. Finneas emphasizes the importance of creative freedom, calling himself a musical 'chameleon.' He also discusses the challenges of balancing personal growth and artistic pressures while promoting his latest album, 'For Cryin' Out Loud.'
Finneas attributes his musical success to a creative upbringing and early experimentation with songwriting and production before achieving breakout hits.
Collaborating with Billie Eilish not only shaped Finneas's artistic identity but also emphasizes the value of mutual inspiration in creative partnerships.
Despite rising fame, Finneas strives for balance in his personal life while exploring diverse artistic pursuits beyond music, focusing on emotional fulfillment.
Deep dives
Phineas O'Connell's Artistic Journey
Phineas O'Connell's path to success in the music industry began at a young age, inspired by a creative upbringing in a family of artists. Starting to write songs at just 12 years old, his passion for music drove him to experiment with digital editing software when affordable options became available. He demonstrated early entrepreneurial spirit by saving money for his first editing tools, leading this self-taught musician to hone his skills in production, songwriting, and performance in his bedroom. Phineas's determination and innate talent eventually culminated in a successful collaboration with his sister, Billie Eilish, leading to groundbreaking hits like 'Ocean Eyes'.
Collaboration and Influence
Phineas emphasizes the significance of collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas, reflecting on his working relationship with Billie Eilish. He expresses an eagerness to facilitate an environment where artists can thrive, drawing inspiration from their talents and pushing one another creatively. He articulates a desire to maintain a low profile in his production work so that the spotlight can shine on the artists he collaborates with, allowing him to enjoy the creative process without the burden of recognition. This selfless pursuit fuels his inspiration and shapes his identity as an artist, as he continuously seeks to learn from others and expand his horizons.
The Impact of Viral Success
The viral success of 'Ocean Eyes' marked a turning point in both Phineas's and Billie’s careers, transforming them from relatively unknowns to prominent figures in the music industry. Phineas recalls initial feelings of disbelief and nervousness as the attention built around their work. He describes how the early moments of discovery through platforms like SoundCloud illuminated their potential, leading them to pursue more projects. The rapid rise in popularity pushed them to create more music, paving the way for subsequent releases that helped solidify their place in pop culture.
Balancing Fame and Personal Identity
Phineas reflects on the duality of fame and its impact on personal life, especially as it relates to him and Billie. He acknowledges the importance of maintaining a balance between his public persona and personal connections, noting that his fame can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet, he cherishes the opportunities it brings to engage with fans and celebrate shared successes. Ultimately, he highlights the value of collaboration with his sister while reveling in the freedoms that come with a more blended, collaborative approach to their artistic endeavors.
Future Aspirations Beyond Music
Looking ahead, Phineas openly shares his ambitions that transcend music, including aspirations of starting a family and exploring diverse artistic avenues such as theater and film. He expresses excitement about life ahead and the potential for growth both personally and professionally. Rather than focusing solely on commercial success, he finds fulfillment in the process of creating art with friends and significant collaborators. By prioritizing experiences that nourish his creativity and emotional well-being, Phineas aims to embrace all aspects of his evolving identity as a musician and as a person.
Finneas is a Grammy and Oscar-winning producer, songwriter, and artist. He is best known for his close collaborations with his younger sister, Billie Eilish, and for being the youngest person to win the Producer of the Year award.
In this episode, Finneas sits with Guy to discuss his unique creative partnership with his sister Billie Eilish, the unexpected virality of their breakout hit “Ocean Eyes” (recorded in their bedroom when Billie was just 13), and how his experiences producing for other artists have shaped his own artistic identity. He also reveals the collaborative energy behind his latest album “For Cryin' Out Loud,” and why he strives to be a musical “chameleon.”