**Finneas O’Connell Reflects on His Musical Journey at Tribeca Film Festival**
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Finneas O’Connell, the talented singer-songwriter known for his captivating work alongside his sister Billie Eilish, has shared poignant insights into his early inspiration for pursuing a career in music. Speaking at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival on June 9, O’Connell reminisced about the moment that set him on his current path—a live concert by the iconic rock band Green Day.
During a discussion with composer Anthony Willis, the 28-year-old artist revealed that witnessing Green Day perform left him in awe, igniting a passion that has since evolved into a fruitful career. “I really have always wanted to make music for a living,” O’Connell stated. He recounted the defining experience of attending the concert at just 10 or 11 years old. “I thought, ‘I can’t believe that’s a job. I want to do that job.'” This revelation laid the groundwork for his ambition to create music, which he now considers a core aspect of his identity.
O’Connell’s collaborative journey with Eilish commenced when he penned and produced her debut track, “Ocean Eyes,” which they uploaded to SoundCloud. Since then, he has played an integral role in shaping her career, co-writing and producing all of her albums. While his work with Eilish has garnered significant recognition, O’Connell has also ventured into solo projects, producing notable albums such as *For Cryin’ Out Loud!* and *Optimist*.
Reflecting on those early days of collaboration, O’Connell reminisced, “Billie and I started making music when we both still lived at home. I’m 18, she’s 13.” He noted that their shared commitment to music stemmed from a supportive family environment. Although he faced skepticism from peers about his decision to forgo college, his parents were unwavering in their encouragement. His choice to dive straight into the music industry coincided with Eilish’s burgeoning success, creating a sense of urgency for him. “I didn’t want to lose this opportunity,” he admitted, expressing the pressure he felt to maintain their momentum.
O’Connell candidly shared the stress he experienced during those formative years. “It’s tough because of course it would have been nice if I could go back in time and say, ‘Hey, relax. It’s going to be better than you could ever imagine,'” he reflected. Nevertheless, he recognised that the drive to excel under pressure ultimately contributed to his relentless work ethic. As he balances his creativity with self-imposed pressure, he acknowledged the challenges that can arise from such dedication.
The conversation shifted to O’Connell’s familial dynamics, particularly his interactions with his father, who worked as a construction worker during his school years. “I would be up, I’d still be up from making music all night,” he explained, describing the unique moments they shared while navigating their respective routines. In contrast to his sister’s swift rise in the pop music scene, O’Connell humbly likened his own role to that of a supportive “expansion pack.” “I’m grateful to be riding the coattails,” he remarked, expressing appreciation for the opportunities afforded to him through their collaborative successes.
Beyond his work with Eilish, O’Connell has recently delved into composing for film and television, with the second season of Netflix’s series, *Beef,* serving as a noteworthy project. “One of the things I’ve learned to love the most about doing scores is trying to get away from preciousness,” he discussed, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in the creative process. He compared his approach to that of the character Buddy from the film *Elf,* suggesting that the ability to start anew fosters more effective collaborations.
As the discussion neared its conclusion, O’Connell was asked about his aspiration to collaborate with other artists. Without hesitation, he expressed a desire to work with the esteemed singer Rihanna, citing her as his dream partner. While the prospect of approaching such a renowned figure may be daunting, O’Connell’s enthusiasm remains palpable. “I’m taking notes from the distance so I can just keep doing that also,” he shared, demonstrating his commitment to learning and growth in his craft.
With the release of the original soundtrack for *Beef* now available, Finneas O’Connell continues to carve out his own space in the music industry. His journey showcases not only his undeniable talent but also his resilience and dedication, underscoring the passionate pursuit of his dreams. As he navigates the complexities of fame and collaboration, O’Connell remains grounded, forever motivated by the initial spark that inspired him to create music as a career.