Entertainer Exclusive: Finneas O’Connell

American singer, songwriter, actor, and producer Finneas O’Connell has starred in hit shows like Glee, Modern Family, and Inside Out. Born of actor and musician parents, Finneas and his younger sister, Billie Eilish grew up destined for entertainment. The siblings have been taking the world by storm on their 1 by 1 tour, performing hits from Billie Eilish’s debut EP Don’t Smile at Me, which Finneas co-wrote and produced. The two recently performed in San Diego, where we sat down with Finneas for an exclusive chat as he dishes on life on the road, family and more.

PHOTO CREDIT: TEREN MABRY

MS: If you were to pursue a career NOT in music/entertainment, what would it be?

FO: Getaway driver.

MS: Do you have any pre-performance rituals/habits that you do before a show?

FO: I have a recording rig in the green room so I’m always writing or recording pretty much up until the MOMENT we go onstage. Favorite thing in the world, writing and performing.

MS: If you could have an evening dinner with any dead person, who would it be? And what would you eat?

FO: Veggie grill with Kurt Cobain would be sick, I think. Good food, good nihilistic conversation.

MS: What is your favorite city that you’ve been to on tour? Why?

FO: Amsterdam. So beautiful, such great audiences, such good food. The perfect city. I want to record an album there.

MS: What’s one thing you can’t live without on tour?

FO: Good headphones.

MS: What’s your favorite song on the EP Don’t Smile at Me and why?

“Ocean Eyes.” Changed our lives.

MS: What was Thanksgiving like at the O’Connell house?

We’re all vegan so it’s just DELICIOUS veggies and homemade bread rolls. Our mom is the best cook of all time.

Check out the EP Don’t Smile At Me below. For 1 by 1 tour dates, click here.