In a move that’s shaking up the music world, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas have officially parted ways with their longtime managers, Danny Rukasin and Brandon Goodman of Best Friends Music Management, and are now under the wing of Jason Owen at Sandbox Entertainment. This is big news, folks, and it’s got the industry buzzing. After a decade with their previous team, who helped catapult them from bedroom pop prodigies to global superstars, this switch feels like a seismic shift. But if there’s one thing we know about Billie and Finneas, it’s that they’re always evolving, always pushing the envelope. So, what’s behind this change, and what does it mean for their future? Let’s dive in.
First off, let’s talk about why this matters. Management in the music biz isn’t just about booking gigs and cutting deals—it’s about vision, strategy, and shaping an artist’s entire trajectory. For Billie and Finneas, who’ve been on a meteoric rise since “Ocean Eyes” dropped back in 2015, their managers have been crucial architects of their success. Danny Rukasin and Brandon Goodman were there from the jump, guiding them through the whirlwind of fame, Grammy wins, and Oscar nods. Billie’s got nine Grammys and 32 nominations under her belt, and Finneas? He’s not just her brother and collaborator; he’s a Grammy-winning Producer of the Year (2020) in his own right. Together, they’ve redefined what pop music can be, blending genres, breaking rules, and staying fiercely authentic. So, why leave a team that’s been so instrumental to their success?
The Variety piece doesn’t spell it out, but in the industry, these kinds of moves often signal a desire for a fresh perspective or a need for different support as an artist’s career enters a new phase. Maybe it’s about exploring new creative directions, or perhaps it’s about scaling up for even bigger opportunities. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Billie and Finneas are ready for the next chapter, and they’ve chosen Jason Owen to help write it.
Now, who is Jason Owen? If you’re not deep in the industry weeds, you might not know the name, but you definitely know his clients. Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment manages heavy hitters like Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini, both of whom have thrived under his guidance. Musgraves, in particular, has carved out a space as one of music’s most innovative and genre-defying artists, much like Billie herself. Sandbox is known for its artist-centric approach, prioritizing long-term career development over quick wins. That’s a philosophy that seems tailor-made for Billie and Finneas, who’ve always been about staying true to their art, even when it means bucking trends or taking risks.
This move comes at a pivotal time for Billie. She’s currently in the midst of her “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour, which is set to run through July 2025. The tour has been a showcase of her growth as a performer, with stripped-down, emotionally raw performances that highlight her connection with Finneas. Just recently, they opened the iHeartRadio Music Awards with a haunting acoustic rendition of “Wildflower,” proving once again that their musical chemistry is unmatched. It’s moments like these that remind us why they’re such a force—whether it’s Billie’s whisper-to-a-scream vocals or Finneas’s deft production, they’re always in sync, always pushing each other to new heights.
But it’s not just about the music. Billie and Finneas have been branching out in other ways, too. Billie recently interviewed Ariana Grande after a screening of Wicked for Academy members, showing she’s not just a pop star but a multifaceted artist with a keen interest in the broader entertainment landscape. And Finneas? He’s been juggling his own projects, including a solo album he’s described as “hyper-collaborative.” He’s also been hitting the road, performing at venues like the MGM Music Hall, and even though he’s stepping out on his own, his bond with Billie remains unbreakable. As he told Vogue, she’s still his “favorite person to work with in any capacity.”
Of course, no discussion of Billie and Finneas would be complete without mentioning their awards haul—or, in the case of the 2025 Grammys, their surprising shutout. Nominated for seven awards, including Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft and Song of the Year for “Birds of a Feather,” they walked away empty-handed. It was a tough night, but Finneas took to Instagram to address the snub with grace, urging fans not to stir up drama with other artists’ fanbases. “Be at peace!” he wrote, a classy move that reflects the kind of grounded, no-nonsense attitude that’s defined their careers.
So, what’s next for Billie and Finneas under Sandbox’s management? If Owen’s track record is any indication, we can expect a focus on sustainability and creative freedom. Sandbox isn’t about chasing the next viral hit; it’s about building legacies. For Billie and Finneas, who’ve already achieved so much but are still so young (Billie’s just 23!), this could mean exploring new musical territories, collaborating with unexpected artists, or even venturing further into film, fashion, or activism—areas where they’ve already made their mark.
One thing’s for sure: this duo doesn’t rest on their laurels. They’re always moving, always innovating. Whether it’s Billie’s genre-blending soundscapes or Finneas’s boundary-pushing production, they’re constantly redefining what’s possible in pop music. And with Jason Owen steering the ship, their next leap could be their biggest yet.
