Rolling Stone's 2026 Musicians on Musicians event in Los Angeles was a resounding success, gathering an enthusiastic crowd to witness collaborative performances and engaging discussions featuring artists such as Alex Warren, Megan Moroney, Don Toliver, and Malcolm Todd. This sold-out gathering underscored the enduring appeal of the Musicians on Musicians series, which annually unites artists to delve into their lives, their creative processes, and the broader musical landscape. The evening showcased the unique talents and shared experiences of these contemporary musicians, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into their artistic worlds.
The event kicked off with Megan Moroney, known for her "emo-cowgirl" sound blending country and pop, and Alex Warren, who weaves pop, rock, and folk into his powerful, anthemic tracks. Both artists had previously discussed their shared career trajectories in a digital cover story for Rolling Stone. Their debut albums this year were particularly notable, with Moroney's "Cloud 9" soaring to the top of the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts, and Warren's "Wildchild" debuting at number one on the Top Albums Sales and Vinyl Albums charts, also reaching number two on the Billboard 200. These achievements highlight their rapid ascent in the music industry.
James Austin Johnson from "Saturday Night Live" expertly hosted the evening, introducing Moroney and Warren with praise for their successful 2026 album releases. Warren shared the deeply personal inspiration behind his hit song "Ordinary," revealing it was written for his wife. He reflected on the song's unexpected journey, noting how it resonated with listeners for various life events, from weddings to funerals, demonstrating its universal appeal.
Moroney addressed the current boom in country music, discussing her approach to genre. She explained that she doesn't overly focus on categorizing her music, as country itself encompasses many subgenres. Her primary focus remains on songwriting, and she believes her continued success indicates that her authentic approach is effective. She then captivated the audience with a performance of her breakup anthem "Medicine" and the uplifting "Beautiful Things," sharing how the latter has helped fans navigate difficult times. Warren followed with performances of "Eternity," "Fever Dream," and "Passenger," eventually joining Moroney for a memorable duet of "Ordinary," enhanced by cello and intricate acoustic melodies.
Following a brief intermission, Don Toliver and Malcolm Todd took the stage to an excited crowd. Both artists have experienced significant career growth recently. Todd's debut album in 2025 featured the breakout hit "Chest Pain (I Love)," which caught Toliver's attention and led to a collaboration. Toliver, a Houston native, has also seen his career skyrocket, particularly in 2026, with his album "Hardstone Psycho" reaching number three on the Billboard 200 and his single "Bandit" making it into the Top 40. His latest chart-topping album, "Octane," further solidified his status as a hitmaker.
Toliver spoke about learning from artists like Travis Scott and Drake, emphasizing that collaborating with them is always a valuable learning experience. He particularly noted how much he learns from working with Todd. Todd, in turn, expressed his surprise at his rapid success but highlighted his focus on future endeavors rather than dwelling on past achievements. The two artists hinted at future collaborations, with Toliver enthusiastically sharing his excitement about their creative synergy. Johnson also entertained the audience with his popular Trump impression.
The evening concluded with electrifying performances from both artists. Todd, accompanied by his full band, performed "Earrings," "4Me 4Me," and "Chest Pain (I Love)." Toliver's set drew fans closer to the stage, eager to capture every moment. He performed hits like "Body" and "No Idea," and the crowd enthusiastically sang along to "Lemonade." The energy reached its peak when Todd rejoined Toliver for a live rendition of "E85."
The 2026 edition of Rolling Stone's Musicians on Musicians event was a celebration of musical talent and genuine connection. It not only brought fans closer to their favorite artists but also provided the musicians with an opportunity to reflect on their journeys and the success they have achieved. As Warren aptly put it earlier in the evening, realizing their childhood dreams of becoming musicians and experiencing such success was a truly remarkable feeling.