'I'm Trapped In This Modern Period With Synthetisers'

Winner of eight Grammy Awards, Finneas has released several singles as a solo artist. He says his experience in playing characters as an actor helped with writing music

- Cezar Greif

In the quiet suburb of Eagle Rock, 15 minutes east of Los Angeles, a forward-thinking family, the O’Connells, decided to home-school their son and daughter so that they could pursue their interests in life, free from the rigidities of the traditional school system. From those home music classes taught in the mid-2000s, two major artists would emerge 10 years later: Billie Eilish and her bother Finneas. Seemingly oblivious to sibling rivalry, they work together on music, lyrics and production. Billie Eilish was the first of the pair to attain success with her 2019 debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, hitting number one on the charts in both the US and the UK. Her new record released earlier this year, Happier Than Ever, reached number one in 25 countries and just received six Grammy nominations. Following Billie’s success, Finneas has become a sought-after producer. He often works off his laptop, and is known to be able to produce songs on a one-way LA-New York flight. In October 2021, Finneas released his first full length solo record, Optimist. A mix of piano ballads and alternative pop songs, the record showcases his soulful voice and producing talent.

During this new cycle of his career, Finn, as he likes to be called, now 24 years old, seems to have a newly found self-confidence. Gone is his quasi Harry Potter look. He now sports long hair and had no hesitation when posing for photographer Nigel Parry in front of an impressive

New York skyline. He was playing a concert in that city the same night, before going back to his home in Los Angeles a few days later but not without first taking the time to chat with AugustMan.