How Billie Eilish and FINNEAS Created Oscar-Winning 'What Was I Made For' | Vanity Fair

"When we were writing this we were very much writing about a character…and it wasn't until two days later that I was like, 'This is me.'" Billie Eilish and FINNEAS take us through a very intimate journey inside of their creative minds as they unveil how they created the Oscar-winning original song, "What Was I Made For," for 'Barbie.' From the "physics" involved in the intricate production elements to Billie's "heartbroken" yet powerful delivery, the duo dissects every step behind bringing their hauntingly beautiful song to life.
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[@joel00243]

Dear Vanity Fair, please keep making more interviews like this. I like listening to musicians talking about how they created their music. It’s really interesting to me.

[@journeybeyondthesea]

YESSSS

[@anamass]

Agreed now you can appreciate the song even more

[@cdmain2375]

Yes!!

[@TheQutapi]

100%

[@juliebethramsdell6332]

Yes!!!! Ground breaking interview.

[@henny0839]

this is the prime example that billie doesnt just whisper and use Autotune. she can sing for real and its AMAZING

[@starlittered]

Anyone who had that take is a doofy doodie

[@Chief]

yes i even saw an interview where they said they never used autotune on billie which is crazy for a modern artist

[@gatitademinho]

​@@Chief never used pitch correcting *

[@nanaValente]

It is in fact harder to hit notes when singing quietly than loudly

[@EmyMaina]

Yeah darling Preeeeeeeach

[@Randymountaine]

Hearing her say how hard it was to sing, Then seeing her do it flawlessly live at the Grammy's... girl is incredible.

[@IsaiahCelloBrown]

I was thinking the same thing

[@judithann7193]

She did parts flawlessly during this also.

[@Azractor86]

She sang it in a lower key during live, not that I’m complaining, it’s still beautiful.

[@paulmartin5803]

Oscars

[@riffhammeron]

​@@Azractor86it was the same key. She may have opted to not go for some of the high notes, but the key was the same.

[@ScrapperFish]

Finneas is such a massive part in her success. She’s lucky to have him. His knowledge of music is extremely in depth

[@robs656]

Also the love, the support he has for her…he really believes in her and her talent…❤

[@estebangarcia8999]

And he’s lucky to have her🥹

[@hux2000]

Each of them is the perfect compliment to the other. A classic example of the whole being more than the sum of its parts.

[@GilaMikuu]

Finneas made a bet when they were kids that he can make billie famous and Billie didn't believe it 😂

[@mackiestone9487]

Don’t hate me!! I feel like she’s forgotten to give credit to finneas, he was the true talent to start and now she knows her talent and that why they’re so so magical

[@damo5791]

Going forward, every year, every Oscars, we need a breakdown of each Oscar-nominated original song, like this one. Thank you Vanity Fair.

[@1Carly]

Agreed 👏🏼

[@s.k.2017]

Great idea!

[@Soleille777]

Now that’s what I call an interview!!! A professional interview!!! We don’t need to know their personal lives, give us more of this!!!

[@colliewise9659]

It helps when the celeb has a talent. Something that is so difficult to do and they can explain the process behind it. It’s so much harder than acting or being a celeb face for the sake of just being famous. It’s interesting because she and he are interesting

[@ivanl4380]

I'm pretty sure the song writers like Mariah Carey, Taylor Swift and Sia would be really comfortable to share about the process of writing their songs and the messages they wanted to convey instead of answering their opinions about other stuffs which have nothing to do with music.

[@sadepennbrook]

I’m convinced that the main reason the media gives us the dribble of celebrities and their personal dramas is because they think we’re too stupid to understand the technical details of their craft. We’re positively consumeristic idiots in their minds. Billions spent in qualitative research told them so.

[@SquishSquish]

I LOVE hearing billie and finneas talk about production. Unless you've produced or studied it in some way, you'll never know the full extent of what goes into production and I'm so glad they did this interview to show people that it's not just a few instruments and vocals, it's way more than that ❤

[@billyalarie929]

I could listen to them talk about it for 12 hours

[@chaeyoungisoppar8316]

YEAHHHHHH EXACTLYY i LOVE hearing producers and the people who worked on songs talk about the creative process behind it, or just people talking about their creative processes in general haha 💗💗💖

[@treasure_adream1544]

I’m obsessed with how passionate they are about explaining everything. The little details they were sharing as if they’ve been waiting forever to tell us. It keeps me so interested in the video. Knowing that they love what they do.

[@maggie-tp6bc]

THISSSS

[@82stuntman]

True artists and masters of their craft.

[@gracelandeau2664]

Absolutely...

[@justagirleee]

YESSSS WE NEED MORE OF THISSS artists should talk more about their art and less about their love life or anything like that this is genuinely far more interesting to watch

[@Cujo71]

The way he looks at her is so sweet. He speaks volumes with a look of "how talented is my sister" and "how great is she". These two have to be one of the best sibling duos of all time. They are both so talented.

[@Penguinsdoexist]

Woah Finneas is incredibly well spoken. Billie too, but Finneas has this way with words that just makes everything sound so intricate and deep. I thoroughly enjoyed this interview.

[@AzDesertFoxx]

Without the unnecessary "like" thrown in there every other word! Refresthing.

[@moon.mp3201]

00:02:36 Billie humbly saying “I could’ve just given you guys this because it’s easy, but I’ll challenge myself” speaks volumes. Salute to true artistry.

[@carlwilliams6977]

That's funny... I saw it is just the opposite of humble! In fact, there's nothing humble about her. She's a full-blown narcissist. Think about it... "I could have given you"! Take a shot every time she says I, and you'll be comatose in a minute!

[@ncard00]

Only Billie being able to sing this song like this isn’t interesting, when AI can do it as well, or even better, that’s interesting, cause it’ll benefit other people than just Billie herself, and not have people depend on her singing it or being there to make stuff like this, which gives individuals a lot more power and freedom to be creative, shen they’re not born with such a voice and talent, which is often why many people can’t accomplish the same, which is unfair, that some people are just born more talented than others, technology can make up for that, which is what I love about it.

[@carlwilliams6977]

Not one thing "humble" about THIS lady! 😂

[@c0_nes]

​@@ncard00 it's simply sad and pathetic that you have this soulless view of music. You're relying on algorithms with no ounce of creativity or nuance just because you're unskilled, instead of thinking it's unfair just deal with the fact that you're lazy.

[@andrearojas2119]

I get frustrated when people say Billie’s music is basic/for teenagers/overrated because they don’t see this side of her and Finneas. They’re one of my most favorite musicians bc of how brilliant they are behind the scenes

[@brianbill1]

Truely stop caring what other people think and only care what YOU think!

[@Pkeats817]

I’m over 50 and I play this song over and over.

[@Hybridog]

@@Pkeats817 Same here. I'm 67 and my wife is almost 60 and we both are enthralled by Billie and Finneas and love their music.

[@Oxaca73]

I fell in love with Billie watching carpool karaoke. Seeing her behind the scenes was amazing. I'm also 50.

[@Pkeats817]

@@Hybridog Awesome!

[@rosalindamartinez4072]

“Im sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend” hit me way too deeply and I still cry every time

[@hux2000]

And the subsequent, "...it's not what he's made for." It's astonishing how much is being communicated by the lyrics of this song beyond the lyrics themselves. The depth of meaning is amazing. It's poetry in the truest, realest sense.

[@CassandraMonsterrr]

Love that no one can say she's all auto tune now when she's literally hitting all the notes just casually speaking in an interview.

[@Hte189]

they are legendary duo. they are gonna be in history pages as legends love them

[@Chronically_Kimberly]

YESSS!!! They will be music legends. That's crazy to think about.

[@Atlas65]

Wow, you people are illusional

[@c0_nes]

@@Atlas65 hope you have a cure for your schizophrenia lol

[@auzai_m]

Billie's vocal is so angelic. I mean the way she sings that same lyric with different melodies is just so beautiful to hear.

[@anthonyfernandez3359]

It's mine blowing how layered and rich the production is, especially because it sounds effortlessly simple. The emotional complexity and power of the lyric is perfectly served by all their production choices. This song is their greatest achievement so far. They have so much ahead of them in life, and I marvel at how much more beauty they have yet to create. 🧡

[@anthonyfernandez3359]

*mind

[@SrtaLJCarneiro]

This girl is a true and complete artist. She deserves all success in the world.

[@milenaabbudharada1229]

I love how confident Billie is now about being able to “play” her voice like an instrument

[@8teenOfficial]

I like how Finneas makes it sounds like a minimal instrumental but there are so many layers into it. Such an amazing production

[@corvanphoenix]

Their idea of minimal is a thousand times more complicated than mine! They have the brilliance to know what they want & the talent to make that possible & the passion to achieve it. Then the end product is so far beyond what I could have though possible. I'm so greatful for them & their music.

[@alinemartins500]

The level of talent here is bizarre. They're a perfect duo. Super interesting to understand their process.

[@herm712]

I love her explanation about her decision to sing it so quietly. It'd still be a beautiful song if she sung it out, but the fact that it's so quiet really reflects the fragile/broken state Barbie was in--and for someone who's relating to the song on a personal level, it does the same thing. There are so many layers to the song, the meaning, the beauty of the words, how perfectly it fits with the movie but also how it goes beyond that and connects with so many people. Truly a masterpiece and I loved getting some insight into the process of making it.

[@IsaiahCelloBrown]

When Billie said, " I wrote this song initially with a character in mind. Afterward, I went back to listen and realized.... oh, that's me. I'm talking about me. " I think that's a testament to how powerful the initial art was. I don't think she is the only person who had that thought when they first heard the song. She crafted an experience so relatable that many listeners could easily self-insert. Then, with the help of Finneas and her amazing vocal range, the piece did the justice musically as well. Bravo.

[@karinakc1111]

FINNEAS has such a poetic way of saying things.

[@Misanthr6py]

Very true. I love it

[@bler1890]

That ending line is a prime example

[@the-dMa]

I love when musicians actually talk about their music and don't just promote it, it's beautiful to see how enthusiastic they look talking about the process

[@autumnlea11]

Why am I crying over this? These 2 are just so genuinely talented in such different but highly complementary ways. Beautiful to hear their passion about the process.

[@theouthousepoet]

I didn't think, at the age of 38 (well, 37 at the time) that I would ever again hold the sentiment: "wow, this pop artist literally changed my life". Thanks Billie (and Finneas). This year marked the end of my 8 year relationship with my ex. The grief was total. What unexpected beauty it was to navigate that grief through a soundtrack(s) that so completely mirrored my own heart, my own sadness and my own moving on. It turns out... that tears, when in perfect harmony with music, become a different material altogether. One that soothes, heals, and shapes you in wonderous ways. Fantastic interview. They are a wonderful duo.

[@Nonbinarymodel]

These two are definitely geniuses. Listen to how they talk about how they feel about music and how they write it

[@laacolee]

such a powerful duo in the music industry. their writing process is always so genuine and interesting to me. what was i made for is truly a heartfelt song. i love how they have so much fun with some songs they write but some of them they get down and serious. they know when there is a time and place to do both of those things during the process of making a song.

[@TheBozztb]

😮a

[@noemiewanko874]

i feel like being in your 20's is like such a overwhelming thing where you ask yourself everyday who you are, what you are made for and what you're gonna do with your life. Seeing that billie who is such a phenomenon and a deeply talented person goes through the same thing is so wild and reassuring. I love them both so much and their music means so much to me. just loved it

[@HORNGEN4]

Doesn't end in your 20s. Hate to tell you

[@noemiewanko874]

@@HORNGEN4 THAT'S THE WORST MOMENT TO TELL ME THAT BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@HORNGEN4]

@@noemiewanko874 sorry about it lol. The faster you learn to love uncertainty and stop believing in the myth of "identity" the better. Easier said than done. I think Finneas spoke the ultimate wisdom at the very end haha

[@noemiewanko874]

​@@HORNGEN4 okay i've listened to finneas again and i feel better thanks haha (and i completly agree with the point btw i just have the tendency to feel safer in denial sometimes)

[@HORNGEN4]

@@noemiewanko874 same lol. Denial isn't all bad

[@valle2601]

Love how phineas uses things that you don't really hear, they are just there adding atmosphere waiting to be discovered. Those types of productions is what makes a song fun to listen to over and over

[@freshtaax4144]

i prefer this kind of interviews way more than personal interviews abt their life. i love learning about their passion and profession and how they made their music 🩷

[@blakelycreative3171]

For me, the vulnerably of the song is captivating. It's like strength and weakness are dancing together. It's jaw dropping.

[@PresleyBermudez]

Perfectly said

[@waikeekee3831]

im SO glad they explained the run that she does in the second chorus. I'm still so obsessed with it.

[@CorvusMoon22]

I’ve been trying(and failing)to replicate it in the shower💀

[@waikeekee3831]

@CorvusMoon22 saaaammee, its so catchy

[@savzavsav]

@@CorvusMoon22real

[@laacolee]

i love how when she wrote this song, she wrote it for a character but she also relates to it in her personal life. this song broke my entire heart. it is so sad yet so beautiful. her and finneas always make hits. they truly are one of the best music duos

[@JLIGHT8823]

I love her explanation of why she decided to sing it the way she recorded it. These two are brilliant

[@michellepelkey51]

This interview is amazing. This song absolutely hits your soul in a different way than most present day songs. Insane talent.

[@13dma1rz]

I think watching her demonstrate various ways she could have performed the track gives the hint that she's only shown the world a tenth of what she can do.

[@59markr]

Growing up doesn’t stop when you turn 64. Seeing Barbie with my 17 yo daughter and listening to Billie’s extraordinary performance is certainly one of the highlights of my life.

[@burpie3258]

Amazing!!!

[@matthewd6306]

You're 64 with a 17yo? Yuck.

[@acediaethos4469]

idk why but this comment brought tears to my eyes ❤

[@JAMoore-zz3ki]

This interview was SO, SO interesting. I would MUCH rather listen to / watch a musician's process for creating their songs, than hear about their personal lives or their fancy houses. Please do more interviews like THIS.

[@hawaaaa]

This made me cry.. I’m a singer/songwriter as well and sometimes it’s SO hard to convey the exact emotion you feel into a song directly and I don’t know why lol but the attention to detail Finneas has to every explanation was just beautiful!! ✨🥹 thank you so much for this!!!

[@raycarvalhos]

Their parents did and excellent job raising them! They're incredibly talented and nice!

[@georgialee6755]

Yes and very down to earth!

[@MissMustang98]

Agreed. It’s an amazing thing when parents are able to keep kids grounded and growing, while recognizing and nurturing their talents and interests.

[@leonardfibigerlewis]

Now this is what an Artist’s interview should be all about! Thank you Vanity Fair for keeping the Spotlight on the true magic! Muchly Respected!!

[@jaredbutler957]

If they did this for every song in Billie’s discography it would still not be enough. LOVE this content !!!

[@janez6077]

they're both so well-spoken and knowledgable about the music they make. So impressive!

[@aseuto4206]

it's so cool how they both talk excitedly about the things they focus on - finneas with the music production and billie with the vocal production. also makes it clear how they both very much contribute to the music they put out.

[@minasage]

After watching this video I can’t listen to this song without noticing all the little details and I love it. I wish all interviews could be like this one.

[@MICKIEG]

Billie and Finneas are so talented. I hope everyone can see this clip. Those that ridicule Billie for not singing but just whispering especially need to see this.

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

Singing quietly is the very most difficult to do and requires vocal control and strength. Anytime other singers ask for advice, the one thing I share is to sing quietly to build strength, then you’ll have the strength to make other choices. I absolutely love what these two are doing together. What a gift.

[@morganschmidt3489]

The teamwork that went into this song is immaculate. The brotherly n sisterly love is so pure.

[@jonnytx]

The way Finneas explained "growing up" at the end was astounding to me. Songwriters are just like poets, they have a way of condensing and capturing things. That was a jewel. And Billie's reaction was total icing on the cake ❤

[@GiuliaTwins]

I am enchanted by their talent, I could literally sit and listen to them making their craft forever. So inspiring

[@reaganmoore27]

The layers to this song and all of their songs are so fascinating broken down, they're so creative, no one's doing it like these two

[@MelissaNgai]

Its so wonderful to hear what the choices COULD have been. For any art. It makes the final product so much more interesting in my opinion. And I have a larger respect for this song in particular, knowing how meticulous they were in creating it.

[@deborahmillette]

I’m 72 and I love Billies uniqueness about all her songs , I listen to Billie more often than my 26 yo daughter however my daughter introduced Billie to me . Keep going young lady you’ve only just begun ❤

[@beny7160]

I’ve never been so interested in two people speak about their art. This was brilliant.

[@MindfulMya]

I like that Billie has grown in her confidence and learned so much about her voice and crafting with it. She really has grown so much and am so proud. I would love to hear more full body vocals and belts that are open.

[@victorcraraujo]

and that's why they're going to get that Oscar. It's gorgeous, they are musicians and they know what they're doing and more importantly: THEY LOVE what they do.

[@hux2000]

Narrator: "They did get that Oscar."

[@tbryannielsen3895]

Love the way these two interact - brother and sister but also professional musicians working together.

[@little_miss_snushine]

Subconsciously, "cause I, cause I" is like picture if you're crying and trying to tell somebody how you're feeling, and because you're struggling to catch your breath, you say "cause I, cause I"

[@necem3703]

Finneas is SO intelligent about what he does, it just makes him so much more attractive and respectable. And I love seeing Billie so comfortable and excited, it's adorable. I love them both so much!!!❤❤❤

[@paoda-ven]

They'll win their second Oscar with this song, for sure.

[@jovanilegis795]

They bagged the SOTY at the Grammys

[@paoda-ven]

@@jovanilegis795 Yes, they did, but they're still winning the Oscar. Two different things.

[@lauraelliott7441]

And they did it!@@paoda-ven

[@lolylyly]

true

[@leletferrarii]

the way billie says “this is so hard” and hits the note perfectly ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@bri310]

Watching and listening to Fin it seems like his mind is so intriguing genuinely. His stillness but also the intricacies and the way he speaks lets me know the guy is different. I hear it in every song every description in his love for what hes describing...its undeniable. i think thats why so many people talk about him alongaide his sister because its almost impossible to ignore. Its like his silence when he is just pottering about is as audible as his songs.

[@themysteriousfox3767]

I did not expect this to get so philosophical. Crying at the club rn.

[@rainakreeger]

This is so cool to get both of their opinions and experiences of making the song. Usually it's just finneas who explains the process, but this was really really cool. I hope there will be more videos like this in the future

[@sikachukuning2473]

Billie is one of the artists who truly use her vocal/voice as instrument. She has certain vision for the song and use her vocal to reach that vision. Some singers only "sing", without vision. Finneas is also as amazing as her. What a talented family!

[@billyalarie929]

FINNEAS is very meticulous and locked in, and that’s incredible too.

[@deec411]

This song is so soulful and haunting. Like she got in everybody's head!!

[@jj-if6it]

They're so impressive to have two Oscars already at such a young age

[@FaiLeAmiotonu]

Knowing that she was in a dark place while writing this song really made this song way more meaningful for anyone who is going through a dark time and can relate to it. But even before I knew what she was going through, her voice, the melody, and the use of simple words really made this song so powerful. Even she said writing this song saved her and, without a doubt, will save someone who is feeling hopeless and unsure of why they are on this world.

[@KateronaOne]

As a musician and songwriter this is what we need more of. I do not care what any celeb had for breakfast. Great interview.

[@mckennarussell4510]

This song is everything. I’m not even usually a huge Billie fan. But my husband and I saw Barbie the week I found out I was pregnant. The mom/daughter plot of that movie and when Barbie sees that reel of images of families at the end of the movie with this song playing made me sob my eyes out. It was so powerful as I was so freshly navigating the news of becoming a mom. I love this song, especially because I’m learning what I was made for.

[@slcmusic56]

It’s all about serving the song, never the ego. Those hyper talented (and smart) two nailed it here. Beautiful beautiful track and so brilliantly produced ✨👏🏼

[@mm6705]

they are both such incredible geniuses. It is an emotional journey just to hear them talk, and get a glimpse of their expertise.

[@dwaiting883]

I love seeing them both react in unison to that harp ascension. Such "musician faces," feeling those notes play together.

[@titania642]

dangggg Finneas hit us hard with those final thoughts, but it makes so much sense that a pair with so much depth made this song, you can really feel that in the song. Love this and love them. I wonder what they'll be making in their 40s, 50s etc. when the ocean waves of life have truly rubbed them smooth.

[@andreirodriguez]

I love how she explains the possible ways she could sing the song and why she chose that specific way

[@arabella5871]

You'd think because she's singing soft that it's easy, but I tried and it's so hard to sound full yet soft. She really has mastered it.

[@shnugglebugs5524]

I love Finneas he's such a genius but you can tell he's so humble and mature for Billie. I love that you can tell they're siblings even at the age. So sweet❤❤

[@Clarissey]

These two are incredibly talented. Thank you Billie and Finneas for creating the most heartbreaking, gut-punching, song of the year. 🤍

[@pidygonzales984]

here i am predicting they'll win their 2nd oscar. and it's so deserved.

[@sofiacabezas5502]

I could watch them talk about their music compositions for hours and hours and not get tired, they’re outstanding

[@aalysha8001]

the way billie describes how special adlibs make a song, is how I feel when I listen to music and there something so special about it

[@Zithrow]

She’s very artistic and hands on, like she’s learning every day

[@cierrablue]

I never realized how much can go into the production of a song and how much a craft vocalization is.

[@claire3724]

I love that ad lib of “HOW TO FEEEEL” it gives me chills everytime I hear it. & I’m so glad she loves it too I love hearing her ad libs dude

[@parkviewmo]

This is the 0 This is the best interview about this song. I love Billie talking about HAVING to use a specific style because the song deserves it, and then Finnas talks about knowing how to bring out the emotion through the physics of the musical sounds he makes. They are quite simply amazing! Technique and skill filtered through an intuition about what should be making art. Finneas' insight is that the transitions in life are what make difficult times, but that is when you have to grow. I am 72 and I knew I was struggling with moving into really getting older and having to adjust and recreate my identity again. His understanding of that at his age is . . . amazing. Their music has been such an important part of my life the last few years. So glad I found them and then got into current music again--my life has been so much richer for it.

[@SarahAnthonyNarouski]

This women is TALENTED!!!! Both of them are MUSICAL Geniuses! And she has THE BEST live shows that I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing!

[@marshallross3373]

Well, imho, this song is a stroke of genius. I really appreciate the overview and breakdown of their creative process explanation. It gives a lot of insight into their craft and artistry...and motivations. Bravo.

[@YFIOFtho]

Absolutely love this interview format where artists get to passionately talk about their craft & their process rather than their outfit and their breakfast. Such a cool, interesting, and engaged interview. Thanks!

[@helenamantooth9695]

Finneas is just out of this World! He is very intelligent and articulated. Such a great video.

[@chantalbarazarte]

This interview just made me the happiest person ever, i loved every single little detail and every single little story of every single second of the song. This was so beautiful, i loved this interview🫶🏻🫶🏻 i lovvvvve Billie sm, i can't wait for her next album to come out and her explaining every detaillll i love this

[@martinlawrence8427]

I love how they obsess and enthuse over every detail. Absolutely brilliant and touching. They are lucky to have each other, and we are lucky to have them both!

[@ChewyLocos210]

I loved how Finneas described his view of growing up. The waves come in different shapes and sizes. Some are beautiful while others can be dangerous. Music has its own waves that touch people in different ways.

[@buffienguyen]

this song has a strong emotional impact on me and to hear how they achieved that intentionally was so cool

[@milliemoonXx]

listening to the background sounds and orchestra on this song was so incredibly therapeutic. you two are phenomenal artists. I love you guys😭💓💓

[@ashnoel]

The creative genius and intent behind this song makes it really well written. I can only hope one day I'll become a producer/singer like these two.

[@kellyehuff3630]

This interview is GOLD. Love the rawness and LOVE that they are still recording in the same place I believe. Just love it!!!!

[@LMFAO431]

Billie and Finneas are so worth it! these are the kind of artists who deserve to stay where they are rn