Eight-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor FINNEAS sat down with musician and producer Nile Rodgers for a special, intimate program at the Grammy Museum in Downtown Los Angeles. The Q&A and live acoustic performance were held at the museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace on Tuesday, September 9.
Nearly a week away from the official release of The Dream, the debut album by The Favors, a collaborative project between FINNEAS and Ashe, the talented musician made a special appearance at LA’s Grammy Museum. At 7:30 p.m., FINNEAS sat down with his personally chosen moderator, Nile Rodgers. Throughout the night, FINNEAS spoke on his admiration of Rodgers and his talent. The two producers discussed various topics, including songwriting, collaborations, bucket lists, and more.
Focusing on his album For Crying Out Loud, FINNEAS shared stories behind his biggest hits, performed select songs, and gave fans a rare inside look at his creative process in a one-of-a-kind, up-close setting. Amidst the unbeatable rooftop view of Downtown LA, there accompanies the classic city life rowdy noise. In the middle of the intimate Q&A, a few motorcycles began to rev their engines, echoing loudly within the streets of L.A. Live, FINNEAS and Rodgers were forced to continuously pause and shout over the engines and sirens. Tired of being interrupted, Rodgers stood up and looked over the balcony to check if the coast was finally clear from the obnoxious motorcycles. FINNEAS jokingly stated, “What does he think he’s going to do?”
During the Q&A, FINNEAS mentioned that his life-long dream was to one day open at the Fonda Theatre, and it was ultimately fulfilled when his sister Billie Eilish performed at the venue. FINNEAS recalled his thought process of wanting to make his second solo record, For Crying Out Loud. The singer-songwriter shared that he had just finished making Billie’s third album, and she was soon going on tour. He decided to create a record “as collaborative as possible,” inviting six of his friends to jam. Rodgers then read a prompted question, and the two laughed as FINNEAS predicted how the rest of the questionnaire would go. “I think this is gonna go well,” said FINNEAS. “You read some prompt that you have, I’m gonna start answering, and then interrupt me with whatever you think of.” It did not take long for Rodgers to answer a question he asked FINNEAS.
The two producers joked and shared their own experiences as producers, not just on their creative process, working with others versus solo projects, but particularly on questions they typically receive during interviews. The two bonded over their answers. FINNEAS stated that he has more difficulty working solo, as “I compare it to like picking up furniture, it is easier to pick up a piece of furniture with somebody else.”
Following the discussion, FINNEAS performed a short acoustic show of a total of five songs. Fans sang along to their favorites such as “For Cryin’ Out Loud” and “2001.” At the end of his performance, FINNEAS thanked everyone who attended and the city of LA for momentarily keeping the traffic noise to a minimum during his show.
FINNEAS kicks off his limited run tour with The Favors on September 18 at the Fairbanks Lawn at Hollywood Forever in LA, CA. Watch FINNEAS perform his hit song “For Cryin’ Out Loud,” the title track from his 2024 solo album, down below:
@connywitha_y @FINNEAS performed short acoustic set @GRAMMY Museum ♬ original sound – connywitha_y
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