The Siblings That Changed Music: The Unstoppable Story of Billie Eilish and Finneas
Photo by @bex_camera
Article by Becky Lilley
The names Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell are synonymous with a generational shift in pop music. Their story isn't just one of success; it's the ultimate blueprint for the modern DIY artist—two siblings who went from creating music in a modest Highland Park bedroom to dominating the global charts.
But how did two homeschooled kids with a desire for the unconventional become multi-Grammy-winning icons?
From Homeschool to Viral Star
Growing up in Los Angeles, their artist parents opted to homeschool them, allowing a unique freedom to pursue their interests. While Billie initially aspired to be a dancer, a debilitating hip injury at age 11 forced her to fully embrace the musical talent she had honed in the local children's chorus. This turn of fate led her to her brother, Finneas, who was already writing and producing. The siblings quickly became a collaborative unit, a partnership fueled by Finneas’s production intuition and Billie’s home-hitting, powerfully dynamic vocals.
Their true launchpad was the release of "Ocean Eyes." Finneas originally wrote the song for his own band, but when Billie needed a track for a dance class, he let her record it. Uploaded to SoundCloud in November 2015, the track unexpectedly exploded overnight after being posted by music discovery site Hillydilly. The viral success led to immediate attention from record labels and their future manager, propelling them into a new era. They followed up with singles like “Six Feet Under,” solidifying their unique sound: alternative electropop with dark, introspective undertones.
Redefining Pop Stardom
By August 2016, Billie had signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records. But the key to their sound remained: they continued to work out of their childhood bedroom, with Finneas serving as her sole producer and co-writer. Their debut EP, Don’t Smile at Me (2017), was an instant hit, co-produced by both siblings. It’s what fans connected with most, however, that solidified her rise: her willingness to explore dark and depressing topics, making her relatable for a generation of young listeners. The EP spent an impressive run on the charts, and Billie quickly became the youngest artist to top 1 billion streams on Spotify.
Their debut studio album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? (2019), cemented their legendary status. Following its chart-topping success, the siblings began a historic run of accolades. In January 2020, Billie became the first woman and the second artist ever to achieve the coveted "Big Four" Grammy sweep: Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist.
They didn't stop there. The following year, the then 18-year-old Billie became the youngest artist to write and record the title track for a James Bond movie. The powerful ballad, "No Time to Die," silenced any critics of her signature whisper-vocals, eventually winning an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and another Grammy for Best Original Song.
The Evolution: Finneas Goes Solo, Billie Breaks Records
Today, their journey continues to evolve. Finneas has increasingly focused on his successful solo music career while empowering Billie to take on more creative control. This shift was most notable during Billie’s 2024–2025 Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour. Though a bittersweet moment, Billie embarked on the majority of the 104-date global tour solo. The tour has been a massive success, setting single-event attendance records at venues in Sydney and Prague. With early reports suggesting a total gross exceeding $300 million, the Hit Me Hard and Soft tour is on track to become the highest-grossing tour by an artist born in this century.
The story of Billie Eilish and Finneas is a testament to the power of a singular vision, creative freedom, and the unparalleled connection between two siblings. They didn't just change the music industry; they provided a new blueprint for what success looks like in the digital age.
