Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue Episode: FINNEAS is Not Sentimental | PLUS Chioma Goes Callas Core
Release Date: October 24, 2024

The Run-Through with Vogue brings listeners into the vibrant world of Vogue through conversations with editors, creatives, and prominent cover stars. In this episode, Vogue hosts Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle engage with the multi-talented Finneas O'Connell (Finneas), a 10-time Grammy Award winner renowned for his production work with Billie Eilish and other major artists. Additionally, the episode delves into various fashion events, personal anecdotes from Vogue editors, and reflections on recent industry happenings.

1. Welcoming Finneas and Discussing His New Album

[00:44] The episode opens with Chloe Mao introducing Finneas, highlighting his extensive collaborations with artists like Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Rosalia. Finneas discusses his second solo album, For Crying out Loud, emphasizing its departure from his debut with a more collaborative and joyful creation process.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [17:29]: "A little bit, yeah. The previous album was just me alone in a room fighting for my life. And this album, I invited a room full of close friends and co-writers... it made the work better."

2. Recording Process and Creative Collaboration

Finneas elaborates on his recording process, contrasting his solitary work during the pandemic with his current collaborative approach. He explains how working with friends and co-writers enriched the album, making studio sessions more enjoyable and creatively fulfilling.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [18:00]: "The first week we did was like Monday through Friday in March... I kept it very loose and relaxed, and so we'd work until we ran out of steam every day."

3. Navigating Music Videos and On-Set Experiences

The conversation shifts to Finneas's experiences filming music videos. He expresses his discomfort with being on set, preferring the creative control of music production over the unpredictability of video shoots. Despite his reservations, Finneas praises the collaborative efforts with director Isaac Ravishankara.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [20:14]: "I hate being on set. It's slow and tedious... But Isaac Ravishankara, who made these videos, is super talented, and I was very grateful to work with him."

4. Personal Insights: Unsentimental Nature and Memory Management

Finneas shares a personal anecdote illustrating his unsentimental nature, recounting how he disposed of a commemorative chocolate bar after filming a movie at age 12. This trait extends to his minimalist approach to possessions, preferring not to accumulate memorabilia.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [31:12]: "In some ways I'm unsentimental enough that I feel sort of often like a kind of a guilt because sometimes you get little sort of tokens... it's the trash."

5. Fashion and Tour Preparation

The discussion transitions to Finneas's approach to fashion, especially in the context of his 30-city tour. He describes his minimalist wardrobe, emphasizing comfort and confidence on stage, while acknowledging the role of his stylist, Anton Schneider, in curating his looks.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [32:35]: "I wear like a white T-shirt and jeans and a jacket or two on rotation... Everything I'm wearing today was handed to me by my stylist, Anton."

6. Attending Prestigious Fashion Events

Finneas recounts his experiences attending the Met Gala, detailing his fashion choices and the pressures of being among top-tier designers and celebrities. He reflects on the honor of representing designers like Gucci and Givenchy, despite his discomfort with the spotlight.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [34:03]: "I'm always honored to attend. And it's a great party. It's really fun."

7. Scoring Apple TV's "Disclaimer"

Finneas discusses his venture into scoring for Apple TV's new show, Disclaimer. He describes the collaborative process with director Alfonso Cuarón and the challenges of composing for a visual medium, highlighting the learning experience and creative growth it provided.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [35:37]: "Scoring as a genre compared to making a pop album... it's gotta interact beautifully with dialogue."

8. Reflections on Liam Payne's Passing

The hosts touch upon the recent passing of Liam Payne, expressing sadness over the sensationalist media coverage. They emphasize the lack of respect in reporting the details surrounding his tragic death, noting its impact on the Vogue community.

Notable Quote:

Cho Menardi [14:35]: "I think the coverage of it was salacious in a way and sensationalist... it didn't need to be."

9. Closing Remarks and Highlights

The episode concludes with a recap of various fashion events, including the Armani Extravaganza and Prada sample sales. Finneas shares his enthusiasm for the ongoing For Crying out Loud tour and his favorite music podcasts, rounding off a comprehensive and engaging episode.

Notable Quote:

Finneas [42:04]: "Caroline is really a brilliant performer and addition to that song. And I love the original album too, obviously, but it's been really fun to re-experience this album on the remixes."

Key Takeaways:

• Creative Evolution: Finneas's shift from solitary to collaborative album production showcases his adaptability and the benefits of creative partnerships.
• Minimalism in Life and Fashion: His unsentimental nature influences both his personal life and his approach to fashion, favoring simplicity and functionality.
• Navigating Public Life: Finneas balances his discomfort with being on set and in the limelight by focusing on his passion for music and supportive collaborations.
• Industry Reflections: The discussion on Liam Payne's passing highlights the need for respectful media practices within the entertainment industry.

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers an insightful blend of music, fashion, and personal narratives, providing listeners with a multifaceted view of Finneas's artistic journey and the dynamic world of Vogue.