In a world where music production has evolved from the days of tape recording to the accessible and affordable digital age, Finneas O'Connell stands out as a prominent figure in modern pop music. Known initially as Billie Eilish's producer, Finneas has since become a sought-after collaborator, working with artists like Justin Bieber and Halsey. His solo ventures include two albums and a diverse range of film and TV projects.
Finneas' journey as a producer is a fascinating one, especially considering the evolution of the industry. In a recent interview, he delves into the art of record production, sharing his unique perspective on the role and its impact on the creative process.
The Producer as a Director
Finneas draws a parallel between the record producer and a film director, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the artist's vision. He believes that the artist should be the ultimate director, guiding the producer's work. This approach ensures that the artist's voice remains at the forefront, creating a unique and authentic sound.
"I let them be a director over me. If I'm a director, they're the superior director, because it's my job to go with their vision."
Navigating Artist Preferences
One of the challenges Finneas highlights is working with artists who may not have a technical understanding of production. However, he sees this as an opportunity for interpretation and creativity. Finneas enjoys the process of translating an artist's imaginative descriptions into musical reality, pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
"I love the interpretive quality of being a producer. Sometimes, the more educated you are, the less open-ended your approach becomes."
The Rick Rubin Effect
When discussing Rick Rubin's production style, Finneas expresses admiration for his ability to provide an environment that inspires artists. He believes that Rubin's approach, which emphasizes taste over technical ability, is effective in making music production accessible. Finneas aims to emulate this, wanting to encourage and empower artists, rather than intimidate them with technical jargon.
Building Comfortable Environments
Finneas' comfort level with his sister, Billie Eilish, is unparalleled, but he has successfully created a welcoming environment for other artists as well. He recognizes the vulnerability artists display when sharing their stories and emotions, treating these moments as gifts.
"Artists often pour so much of themselves into a conversation, and that's a real gift. It's like going to a good therapist; they're listening to you."
The Impact of Technology and Time
Reflecting on his early days during the SoundCloud era, Finneas acknowledges the influence of technology and the times on his music. The minimalistic production style and degraded audio quality of the time inspired him, pushing him to create unique sounds.
Crafting Scores and Original Songs
When it comes to composing for film and TV, Finneas finds similarities and differences compared to creating original songs. He enjoys the specificity of crafting music for a particular story or scene, seeking to create unique and identifiable sounds that enhance the narrative.
"I look for an excuse to make music I wouldn't otherwise have an excuse to make."
Finneas' journey as a producer is a testament to the evolving nature of the music industry and the importance of collaboration and creativity. His unique perspective and approach to production have undoubtedly contributed to his success and the success of the artists he works with.
