Crafting Soundscapes: A Conversation with Finneas O’Connell on Music Production and Creative Collaboration
Finneas O’Connell, a prominent pop producer in modern music, gained recognition for his work with his sister, Billie Eilish, and has since collaborated with artists like Justin Bieber, Halsey, Kid Cudi, and Ashe. As a solo artist, he has released two albums and created original songs and scores for film and television projects. In a recent episode of On the Record, Finneas discusses the evolution of record production from tape recording to the present accessible recording methods. He reflects on his growth as a producer and shares insights into his approach to crafting the score for the new season of the popular TV show, Beef.
In the conversation, Finneas talks about the role of a record producer as a director in the music-making process, emphasizing the importance of artists' creative input. He highlights the collaborative nature of his work with artists, where he values their imaginative vision and strives to interpret their artistic expressions to enhance the music production process.
Addressing the challenge of working with artists who may not have technical expertise in production, Finneas acknowledges the benefits of artists' unique perspectives and creative descriptions in shaping the music. He values the interpretive aspect of being a producer and finds inspiration in artists' imaginative and metaphorical descriptions of their desired sound.
Discussing the production style of Rick Rubin, Finneas appreciates Rubin's focus on providing taste rather than technical expertise in music production. He emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for artists to thrive creatively and aims to offer a similar environment in his collaborations with artists.
Reflecting on his experiences working with various artists, Finneas acknowledges the comfort and creative dynamic he shares with his sister, Billie Eilish, while also appreciating the vulnerability and intimacy artists bring to their collaborations. He values the emotional depth and openness artists bring to the creative process, considering it a gift in the music-making journey.
Finneas attributes the sound and style of his early music to the technological and creative influences of the SoundCloud era, where minimalistic production and vocal-centric compositions were prevalent. He finds inspiration in the degraded audio quality of online platforms and the creative freedom it offered during that time.
In his work on Beef season 2 and other film/TV projects, Finneas compares crafting original songs like “No Time To Die” with scoring for a series. He highlights the goal-oriented nature of scoring and the importance of creating music that aligns with the narrative and identity of the project. He enjoys the challenge of composing music that serves the story and incorporates unique sounds and elements to enhance the overall experience.
In conclusion, Finneas O’Connell’s journey as a producer and artist reflects his commitment to collaboration, creativity, and creating music that resonates with audiences across different mediums. His versatile approach to music production and scoring showcases his dedication to storytelling and innovation in the ever-evolving music industry.