Exploring Musical Synergy: Hayley Williams, Jack Antonoff, and More Shine at Rolling Stone’s Event

## Musicians on Musicians Series

Since 2019, the Musicians on Musicians series has been uniting artists for in-depth and candid discussions. The third live event took place last night at the Beacon Theatre, featuring a lively atmosphere showcasing the unique energy when artists connect.

### A Night of Laughter and Insight

James Austin Johnson, known for his role on *Saturday Night Live*, served as the host for the evening. He opened the night with his signature deadpan humor. “I truly enjoy being the Trump voice guy on *SNL*,” he quipped, reflecting on his famous impression during Trump’s presidency. His witty remarks set the stage for the evening, before welcoming musicians Zardoya and Role Model, also known as Tucker Pillsbury.

### The Journey of a Hit Song

Seated in leather chairs reminiscent of a cozy living room, Zardoya and Pillsbury discussed their recent musical successes. Johnson started by diving into how they recognized a hit song. Zardoya shared insights about her band’s breakthrough track, “No One Noticed,” describing it as an “anti-hit.” Surprisingly, an 84-year-old friend of the band remarked, “I’ve never done drugs, but I think this song sounds like molly.” Pillsbury responded with humor, noting he was unfamiliar with the substance but appreciated the creative comparison.

### Career Milestones and Viral Moments

When asked about his pivotal track “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,” Pillsbury had a humble approach. He confessed, “You can never really predict it,” emphasizing authenticity in their music. Johnson was curious about Pillsbury’s viral moments involving celebrity guest appearances. These began from a rumor about the meaning of “Sally,” which Pillsbury amusingly decided to play into. Over time, several big names, including Zardoya, joined him for live performances of the song.

### Evolution of Bedroom Pop

Both artists reflected on how their music was once categorized as “bedroom pop.” Zardoya regarded the label as merely a term, with Pillsbury acknowledging that many artists labeled that way have now achieved mainstream success.

### A Mesmerizing Performance

The night progressed into its first musical set, featuring Zardoya alongside Role Model’s band. Dressed in a flowing black silk maxi-dress, she captivated the audience, sharing an intimate moment while performing “Sienna.” The set culminated with her softly strumming “No One Noticed” with Pillsbury’s support.

### Engaging the Crowd

Pillsbury kept the energy high on stage, playfully remarking, “I thought this was a corporate event, but everyone’s up!” He ignited the crowd during his performance, especially with his popular TikTok hit “Some Protector,” where the audience enthusiastically joined in.

### Conversations on Nashville Roots

As the night continued, Williams and Antonoff took the stage for their discussion. Johnson bonded with Williams over their shared Nashville experiences, joking about local attractions. When asked if her new album, *Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,* was inspired by a specific event, Williams replied, “Living in Nashville is the bachelor party.”

### The Climate of Music and Politics

The conversation naturally veered into the U.S. political landscape. Williams highlighted Nashville as “a tiny blue dot in a red state,” emphasizing the need for music to offer snapshots of current realities. Johnson humorously addressed whether Trump had ever contacted him, responding humorously with a striking impression, much to the delight of Williams.

### The Impact of Touring

Antonoff shared how touring has influenced his perspective on societal issues, portraying it as a mix of despair and hope. He emphasized the valuable experiences garnered while traveling as artists witness the country’s transformation.

### Musical Duets and Special Moments

The climax of the evening featured a joint performance by Williams and Antonoff, harmonizing on each other’s hits. They transitioned smoothly through their catalogs, creating an electric atmosphere. Antonoff delivered a rare rendition of Bleachers’ “Merry Christmas, Please Don’t Call,” and Williams showcased her latest tracks, including “Good Ol’ Days,” reflecting her long-standing journey with Paramore.

### Closing Thoughts

The dedicated fans reciprocated the performers’ energy, creating a powerful moment together. As Williams aptly summarized, “We see people in the sweetest moments, and they experience that with us too.”

What were your favorite takeaways from this engaging evening of music and conversation?