Finneas O’Connell Unveils New Band The Favors

Grammy winner joins forces with friends to launch an indie-pop collective drop debut song.

By Ratika Pai

Rumors have been swirling that Finneas O’Connell, the multi-Grammy–winning producer and songwriter, has quietly formed a new indie-pop outfit—and this week he confirmed it. In a playful Instagram post captioned “Rumor has it The Favors are your new favorite band ❣️,” the artist behind Billie Eilish’s chart-topping hits teased fans with the first glimpse of his latest project.

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Image: Instagram

Inside The Favors

The Favors is more than a side gig: it’s a full-fledged band built on friendship and creative chemistry. Finneas shared early rehearsal snaps showing himself on keys and vocals alongside lead singer Ashe, drummer David, guitarist and bassist Rat, and violinist PJ Cartwright. In an earlier Instagram announcement, Ashe wrote, “Few things in my life have made as much sense as Finneas and me starting @wearethefavors. I’ve woken up giddy the last 18 months, impatiently waiting to share this music with you.” The images capture a close-knit group huddled around instruments in a sunlit studio, their smiles hinting at the upbeat sound they aim to deliver.

Debut Single And Upcoming Album

The group dropped their first track, “The Little Mess You Made,” on June 6 to enthusiastic reactions online. Produced and mixed by industry veteran Aron Forbes, the single blends breezy indie-pop melodies with lush violin swells courtesy of Cartwright. Fans have responded enthusiastically, praising the song’s catchy chorus and heartfelt lyrics. The Favors have already scheduled a music video release filmed by director @worldfamousmuriel. Beyond the single, the band announced their debut album, The Dream, slated for release on September 19. In a follow-up post, the band wrote, “We deeply loved making this music together in secret and can’t wait for it to make its way to you,” signaling an ambitious rollout of more singles leading up to the full record.

Finneas’ Evolution From Producer To Frontman

Finneas Baird O’Connell first earned acclaim for co-writing and producing his sister Billie Eilish’s breakthrough hits, helping her earn multiple Grammy Awards—including Album of the Year for When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? in 2020. Beyond his behind-the-scenes work, he has built a solo career marked by introspective songs and sleek production. His debut solo EP, Blood Harmony (2019), showcased his knack for blending folk, electronic, and pop elements. Now, with The Favors, he steps fully into a frontman role, leveraging his production skills to craft a collaborative band sound. Industry insiders note that his move mirrors a growing trend of star producers launching group projects that blur the lines between solo artistry and collective expression.

The choice of bandmates underscores Finneas’ intent to explore new textures. Ashe, known for her soulful voice on the platinum hit “Moral of the Story,” complements Finneas’ quieter delivery. Drummer David brings a tight, punchy rhythm style, while Rat’s guitar and bass layering adds depth. PJ Cartwright’s violin injects a cinematic quality, reinforcing the dreamlike theme promised by the album title.

Finneas O'Connell Unveils New Band The Favors pinit button
Image: Instagram

The Favors project also expands Finneas’ touring possibilities. He’s already been booked as a special guest on high-profile summer shows, including a London Hyde Park date alongside Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, and others. Fans can anticipate festival appearances this fall as The Dream nears release.

Finneas O'Connell Unveils New Band The Favors pinit button
Image: Instagram

Early reaction from critics has been positive. Music-blog reviewers praised “The Little Mess You Made” for its “effortless blend of earnest songwriting and hook-laden production.” Social-media chatter highlights The Favors’ cohesive image, with vintage-inspired band portraits shared across Instagram and TikTok garnering thousands of likes.

Finneas O'Connell Unveils New Band The Favors pinit button
Image: Instagram

As anticipation builds for The Dream, one thing is clear: Finneas O’Connell’s new band is primed to make waves. Their blend of star-power songwriting, genre-blending arrangements, and personal camaraderie positions The Favors as a must-watch act this year.

Finneas O'Connell Unveils New Band The Favors pinit button
Image: Instagram

With a buzzworthy debut single out now and an album on the horizon, the indie-pop community is watching. If the early signs hold true, The Favors may not just be a side project—they could become the next soundtrack of summer.

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Finneas O'Connell was born on July 30, 1997, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Finneas O'Connell Unveils New Band The Favors pinit button
Image: Instagram
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Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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