Finneas O’Connell: From Awards to Solo Music

Finneas O’Connell, a talented artist, has earned an impressive 10 Grammys and two Academy Awards alongside his sister, Billie Eilish. Despite his remarkable achievements, he remains down-to-earth and genuine, much like Billie.

During a recent interview, he emphasized the importance of thoughtful responses, stating, "I want to make sure that I’m giving a thoughtful answer to every question." This dedication to engaging discussions is just one aspect of Finneas’ work ethic.

As Billie’s producer and co-writer, O’Connell also collaborates with many notable artists, including Drake, Selena Gomez, and Camila Cabello. He has even ventured into film, scoring movies like The Fallout and Vengeance, all while actively creating his own music.

His latest album, For Cryin’ Out Loud!, was crafted right after finishing his work on Eilish’s new project, Hit Me Hard and Soft. The album came as a response to the whirlwind of awards season, where he and Billie celebrated their successes. Instead of taking a break, he jumped directly into his solo work.

Finneas described creating this album as a “coping mechanism” for the overwhelming feelings that come with such recognition. He said, "I thought, when this all suddenly ends, I better have something to distract myself with so I’m not just playing Fortnite all day."

Unlike his previous solitary recording experiences, where he would spend long hours alone in the studio, this time he collaborated with a group of friends and fellow musicians. The majority of the songs on his album were created during these jam sessions, capturing the joy of music-making.

The result is a more upbeat and hopeful sound compared to his last album, Optimist. Tracks like Cleats and Lotus Eater showcase this new energy, filled with sunny instrumentation and catchy melodies. Finneas expresses pride in these songs, particularly finding joy in their creation and performance.

One notable track, Starf---er, diverges from this lighthearted tone. It tells a story of social ambition and reveals a sharper side of O’Connell.

Finneas is about to embark on a series of solo shows in the US, with plans to tour Australia in January. His close partnership with Billie remains evident, and their relationship inspires much of their creative work. In his song Family Feud, he reflects on their bond and the challenges of growing up in the public eye.

Finneas values Billie’s feedback, saying, "I care a ton about what she thinks." Their dynamic allows them to push each other to improve, fostering a supportive environment that enhances their artistry.

Currently, he has also scored the new Apple TV+ series Disclaimer, directed by Alfonso Cuaron, adding another dimension to his growing portfolio. Reflecting on this new venture, he recalls feeling nervous yet excited about scoring for television, which turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.

As he looks ahead, Finneas acknowledges the pressure that comes with growing fame and scrutiny of his solo work. Still, he remains focused on his own artistic journey, stating, "I think I care less about stuff that’s outside of my control." He emphasizes that creating music should primarily be about joy and personal satisfaction.

For Cryin’ Out Loud! is out now, with Finneas set to perform at various venues in January.

Finneas, Billie, music