Few names in contemporary pop carry as many layers as Finneas O’Connell. For some, he’s simply “Billie Eilish’s brother,” but those who follow him closely know that label is far too narrow. Finneas is a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist — an artist who, at a young age, has already collected Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and even an Emmy, all thanks to his chameleon-like ability to turn raw emotion into unforgettable melodies.

Award-winning producer, versatile musician, and now band member of The Favors, Finneas expands his artistic universe alongside singer Ashe in a project that’s already winning fans with its nostalgic freshness.

From early bands to worldwide fame with Billie

Music has always been a constant in his life. In high school, Finneas took his first steps as a frontman in The Slightlys, an alt-rock band where he honed his songwriting and arranging skills. It was there that he first penned “Ocean Eyes” — a track originally intended for the band, but which took on new life in Billie Eilish’s voice. That twist of fate not only changed both their careers, it helped reshape the pop landscape itself.

With Billie, Finneas became the quiet architect behind global hits. From “Bad Guy” to “Happier Than Ever”, the duo reinvented pop with sparse production, intimate lyrics, and an almost telepathic sibling synergy. No wonder critics often claim that “he’s the real genius of the family” — a compliment Finneas himself tends to deflect, insisting that the magic lies in their collaboration.

Solo career and awards

At the same time, Finneas has been building a solid solo career. Albums like Optimist (2021) and For Cryin’ Out Loud (2024) showcase a more confessional side, balancing stripped-down ballads with lush, cinematic arrangements. On stage, he’s been touring worldwide, all while continuing to produce not just for Billie but for other major artists.

His trophy shelf is already legendary: in 2020, he became one of the youngest multiple Grammy winners ever, including Producer of the Year and Song of the Year. In 2022, he and Billie won the Oscar and Golden Globe for No Time to Die. And in 2023, they took home the Emmy with “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie.

Who is Ashe — and how The Favors began

Enter Ashe — Ashlyn Rae Willson, a California-born singer-songwriter and Berklee graduate who broke through with the bittersweet hit “Moral of the Story”. Finneas had already produced some of her early work back in 2019, laying the foundation for a long-standing creative bond.

Over eighteen secretive months, the two quietly wrote and recorded together, until in June 2025 they unveiled their new band: The Favors. Far from being a one-off collaboration, the project is a space where both artists sing, write, and share the spotlight equally.

The singles, the album, the reception

The response was immediate. Their debut single, “The Little Mess You Made” (June 2025), blended vintage rock warmth with a modern sensibility. It was followed by “The Hudson” and “Times Square Jesus”, tracks that further defined the band’s identity with confessional lyrics, rich arrangements, and a chemistry that feels both intimate and expansive. Personally, I love all three — they already feel like timeless songs that belong in the canon of contemporary classics.

Their debut album, The Dream, is set for release in September 2025, and Finneas has hinted it should be experienced “from start to finish” as a cohesive journey. Live shows under the banner “An Evening With The Favors” have been warmly received, with packed audiences in Los Angeles and New York and a slot at the Austin City Limits Festival.

Billie remains, Finneas expands

And what about Billie? Nothing has changed in their creative partnership. She’s still touring the world with Hit Me Hard and Soft and continues to bring Finneas onstage for special moments, while relying on him in the studio. The difference is that Finneas has now opened yet another creative path: beyond his solo work and his production credits, he has a parallel project with Ashe that already feels like it has its own heartbeat.

If he was once seen only as the genius behind Billie’s success, today Finneas proves that his artistry extends far beyond. With The Favors, he reminds us that he still has many dreams to turn into music — and, fortunately, they’re becoming ours too.

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