How to Write a #1 Album in a Bedroom

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I like how the first piece of gear is a $1200 mic

You mentioned a few of these things, but here is what really stands out to me: 1) Finneas's mastery of low end 2) The intimacy of Billie's vocals. You can hear every breath and mouth noise 3) The use of space. The arrangements are very minimal. There often isn't much in the midrange besides Billie's vocals, allowing them to shine and to flesh out the harmonic content 4) The songwriting. It's sad how rare it is in contemporary pop to use actual chord progressions. Everything now is based on sound design and rhythms. People have moved away from the fundamental principles of songwriting. Billie and Finneas manage to sound modern while bringing that stuff back. I'm not saying it's the most complex music in the world, but the melodies have real contours and songs are structured as more than an endless three-chord loop. I think the reason people connect with it is because they can tell it was made by humans rather than by committee

The intimacy of Billie’s whispered vocals was really fresh. Until technology enabled kids to have studios and condenser mics in their bedrooms, artists didn’t have an opportunity to experiment with that. Billie and Finneas developed their art in symbiosis with the bedroom studio in a way that was impossible for previous generations, as teenagers did in the 1960’s with electric guitars and the 1980’s with synths. Great video!

The final mixing and mastering of the songs did not happen in Billie's and Finneas's bedroom studio. Instead, this work was done by Rob Kinelski, a noted mixing engineer. Rob's credits include Alessia Cara, Ariana Grande, Beyonce, and Ed Sheeran, among many others. Billie's songs were mixed in a studio featuring gear worth well over $100,000. The songs were also professionally mastered - to make sure they would sound good on all types of speakers - by Grammy-winning mastering engineer John Greenham, on equipment worth tens of thousands.

Billie Eilish and Finneas came by our school several days ago and I was fortunate enough to listen to their master class. They said they don’t like studio spaces and really love the basement they record their music in, especially with the windows that let light in. Their sibling chemistry was great to see as well

I can't say I'm really into Billie, but I have mad respect for their recording techniques. It's super cool that they recorded that at home. Keep on rocking weekend warriors!

I really don't listen to all that much in the way of mainstream. Usually I dismiss pop as the product of 200 producers messing with the 5 or 6 takes they get from a vocalist. Looking behind the curtain like this has helped me gain a greater respect for all types of music and also to appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into all the songs we encounter day to day.

"Create a space that you're comfortable with, with people that youre comfortable with" this really stood out to me. im also homeschooled, so im home all the time, but i dont feel like i really have a safe space to be creative- thats one of the main reasons im afraid/hesitant to start recording stuff, or even just playing around with my guitar. The walls of my house are pretty thin and theres not a single room i feel is "safe enough" to be in if that makes sense. especially since my family often doesnt understand, or care about my interests.

One thing that needs to be said is that Billie and Finneas have parents that are well connected and they were able to pull strings and get their music on Netflix before even the first album was released. They also had about a $100k or so to invest in PR, creating an image and things like that. Without that, it's highly questionable that they would have made it, even with the great music they've made. Edit: I'm not judging. I'm just saying that some have the privilege of major opportunity.

So interesting. I would love to be a fly on the wall during a recording session with these two.

And remember to find someone who would love to deeply work with you and your art, artisticly and technicaly 💫

One thing I'd like to add is that being a great songwriter and finding the perfect collaborator helps a lot. They are such a great team. Great video and breakdown. Thank you!

Hey... They had connections, that's clear, but why doesn't anyone recognize how impeccable it is to get this level of production (Finneas) and vocal technique (Billie) with no specific music education?? I mean, at the time of their first album, they obviously learned most of what they know from the internet and mostly through intuition... This is what's amazing about these guys. There are a lot of great producers and great singers out there, but few seem to be so naturally talented. I mean I've been producing since I was in high school (not as intensively) and I never got to this level at the age of 18 or 20, at 28 I'm still not there (not my main job, but still!!!)

Oldschool people keep repeating me, that you need a big studio for big records. Some people still have difficulties understanding the world really changed. And this is the perfect example. THank you for the video!

These 2 are the wonder twins. They def got the nurturing side down in the artist development phase of their story. And, I really love that Ocean Eyes came as a stock Logic project. Lots to be learned from cracking open someone else’s session to see exactly how the magic happens. Great video!

Hey Im not a musician or recording artist of any kind, but found your content intriguing even motivating so just wanted to pass on my compliments and encouragement - well done

Besides the very interesting details of her production, there is a beautiful message in this video: It doesn't matter what gear you use, just "Come Out and Play"

I've learned enough about recording and production to say that every single thing you said here sure seems exactly right. I learned some stuff and I thank you for that. I also had some of my understanding reaffirmed. One more thing: you are as humble as both Billie and Phineas, and man oh man, that sure goes a long way.

really loving these videos,exactly what i'm looking for. the bon iver one was perfect