Tom Odell Finds Peace in ensemble Work, Inspired by Billie Eilish & Leonard Cohen’s Approach
Singer-songwriter tom Odell says he’s shifted his viewpoint on artistic fulfillment, realizing contentment lies not in chasing a distant goal but in embracing the present moment and collaborative creation – a lesson reinforced by observing the dynamic between Billie Eilish and her brother, Finneas. Odell, embarking on his first UK headline arena tour this autumn, detailed how witnessing Eilish and Finneas’s seemingly effortless synergy prompted a re-evaluation of his own often-isolated creative process.
For years, Odell pursued a singular vision of artistic satisfaction, believing fulfillment lay in a future achievement. However, he now acknowledges this pursuit was a source of anxiety, and that true peace comes from surrendering to the flow of collaboration and the beauty of the present.This realization was further cemented by his connection to the work of Leonard Cohen, specifically the song “The Goal,” written shortly before the artist’s death.
Odell explained that observing Eilish and Finneas’s collaborative spirit was pivotal. “I find myself most at peace, most content, when I’m in an ensemble making music, or talking to somebody and the conversation is flowing,” he said. He contrasted this with his previous tendency towards solitary work, driven by a desire for individual artistic validation.
The influence of Cohen’s final song, “The Goal,” also proved profound.Written during a period of unexpected relief from long-term depression, the song’s lyrics – “Nowhere to go, nothing to teach / Except that the goal falls short of the reach” – resonated deeply with Odell. he interpreted Cohen’s message as an acknowledgement of the human mind’s limitations in solving complex problems.
“As he reached the finishing line of this life, he was saying that the [human] mind can’t solve all the problems we face,” Odell stated. He added that he increasingly feels “let down by thought,” and that the concept of the individual is ultimately “dissatisfying.”
odell’s latest work reflects this shift in perspective, culminating in the final track, “The End Of Suffering,” which he describes as finding “a sort of equilibrium” - a moment of acceptance and warmth. He now believes the destination isn’t a future point of arrival, but rather the present itself. “It’s actually in each day. The destination is there.You have arrived, it’s right there.”
