Fresh Air Episode Summary: Billie Eilish & Finneas O'Connell

Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Terry Gross
Guests: Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell
Album Discussed: Hit Me Hard and Soft

1. Introduction and Phenomenal Success

Terry Gross opens the episode by introducing her guests, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O'Connell, highlighting their collaborative journey in music. She underscores their impressive achievements, noting that their album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? was only the second in Grammy history to win major categories such as Best Record, Album, Song, and New Artist in the same year. Finneas became the youngest producer to receive the Grammy for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), while Billie became the youngest to win two Oscars for her songs in major films.

Grosso emphasizes their ongoing success, mentioning that Billie was Spotify's most listened-to artist of the year and their latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, received seven Grammy nominations with each track surpassing 150 million streams.

2. Vocal Evolution and Production Techniques

Billie Eilish and Finneas delve into Finneas's vocal development. Finneas discusses his journey from a young producer to a vocalist, explaining the transformation of his voice over the years.

Finneas O'Connell (03:58):
"I spent many years touring and singing and doing shows and my voice matured and started to change. In the making of Hit Me Hard and Soft, I started working with a singing teacher, which completely changed my life. My voice has gotten 10 times better in the last two years."

Finneas elaborates on the collaborative nature of their music production. While he handles the instrumental arrangements, Billie contributes significantly to vocal arrangements and production choices.

Finneas O'Connell (05:47):
"Billie is deeply involved and has become more knowledgeable and articulate about what she likes and what she doesn't in instrumental arrangement and production."

3. Collaborative Songwriting and Instrumentation

The siblings discuss their songwriting process, particularly highlighting the creation of the track The Diner from the new album.

Finneas O'Connell (06:39):
"The Diner was a slight anomaly. I created most of the instrumental on my own using horn samples and programmed drum and bass synthesizers. Billie then added her super menacing lyrics over it."

They perform The Diner, showcasing their unique blend of moody instrumentation and introspective lyrics.

4. Navigating Teenage Fame and Fan Relationships

Billie opens up about the challenges of growing up in the public eye, especially as a teenage star surrounded by dedicated teenage fans.

Billie Eilish (11:55):
"Growing up as a teenage star was disorienting. I lost many friends and felt like I had no one to relate to, but the fans, who were my age, saved me because they felt like friends."

Finneas reflects on their shared teenage experiences and the comfort of connecting with fans of similar age.

Finneas O'Connell (12:54):
"We were all the same age, which made the connection with our fans feel less one-sided and more like we were growing up together."

5. Challenging Gender Norms in Performance

The conversation shifts to the dynamics of performance attire and gender expectations in the music industry. Billie discusses her preference for baggy clothing and her desire to break traditional female pop star molds.

Billie Eilish (15:58):
"I always envied men who could receive bras on stage. I wanted to prove that thought wrong and show that female artists don't need to conform to those standards."

Finneas explains the inspiration behind their fashion choices, acknowledging the influence of hip-hop aesthetics and the role of strong female artists who paved the way for their individuality.

Finneas O'Connell (19:14):
"I wanted to dress like the hot men in hip-hop videos, not because of envy, but to carve out our own identity."

6. Early Collaborations and Viral Success with "Ocean Eyes"

Terry Gross brings attention to Ocean Eyes, the song that launched their careers. Finneas recounts the humble beginnings of this collaboration.

Finneas O'Connell (24:06):
"Billie was a 13-year-old with a beautiful voice and was the perfect guinea pig for Ocean Eyes. Her kindness and willingness made it a great match."

They perform Ocean Eyes, illustrating the raw and emotional essence that captivated millions.

7. Songwriting Inspirations and Personal Themes

The duo discusses their songwriting inspirations, particularly how their homeschooling experience influenced their lyrical creativity. Finneas highlights the exercise their mother set—extracting interesting words or sentences from media to inspire songwriting.

Finneas O'Connell (29:22):
"Our mom had us write down interesting words or sentences and incorporate them into songs, which took the pressure off and sparked creativity."

Billie shares personal struggles with body image, which heavily influenced the song Skinny from their latest album.

Finneas O'Connell (32:40):
"Skinny reflects my journey with body image and how losing weight didn't equate to happiness. It's about the realization that external changes don't fix internal struggles."

They perform Skinny, a poignant track addressing societal pressures and personal insecurities.

8. Finneas’s Solo Endeavors and Family Dynamics

Finneas discusses his solo album, For Crying Out Loud, and how balancing personal projects with collaborative work affects their dynamic.

Finneas O'Connell (09:29):
"As Billie's tour became more demanding, we had to find a balance between making music together and pursuing individual projects. My strength lies in writing and recording songs with her."

He also touches on the importance of family, their parents' role in their careers, and the challenges of maintaining privacy amidst fame.

9. Final Performance and Reflections

The episode concludes with Finneas performing his solo track Family Feud, which delves into the complexities of familial relationships under public scrutiny.

Finneas O'Connell (39:51):
"Family Feud is about our relationship and how fame has made our family more public and judged."

The song encapsulates their bond and the delicate balance of personal and professional lives in the spotlight.

Notable Quotes

• Finneas O'Connell [03:58]:
  "My voice has gotten 10 times better in the last two years."

• Billie Eilish [11:55]:
  "The fans kind of saved me because they were my age, and I felt like they were the only kind of friends I had for a while."

• Billie Eilish [15:58]:
  "I didn't like the kind of pop girl... I wanted to prove that female artists don't need to conform to those standards."

• Finneas O'Connell [29:22]:
  "Songwriting always felt like a lot of pressure on me, but incorporating interesting words took the pressure off."

• Finneas O'Connell [32:40]:
  "Skinny reflects my journey with body image and the realization that external changes don't fix internal struggles."

Conclusion

In this episode of Fresh Air, Terry Gross engages Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell in a deep and insightful conversation about their musical journey, the evolution of their creative process, and the personal challenges they navigate as global superstars. Through candid discussions and compelling performances, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the siblings' dedication to their craft and their unwavering bond.