When Rolling Stone magazine transformed its popular editorial series “Musicians on Musicians” into a live event format in 2023, it created an unprecedented platform for artistic dialogue and performance. The historic Apollo Theater in Harlem served as the perfect backdrop for this innovative fusion of conversation and music, with its 90-year legacy of showcasing groundbreaking artists across multiple genres. The renowned venue’s significance in American music culture added an extra layer of prestige to an already engaging concept.
The event featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, producer-songwriter Jack Antonoff, and María Zardoya of The Marías demonstrated the series’ commitment to bringing together diverse musical voices. These three distinctive artists, representing alternative rock, indie pop production, and dreamy bilingual indie, engaged in candid discussions about their creative processes, musical influences, and artistic challenges before shifting to enthralling live performances. The format allowed audience members to witness not just polished performances but also the vulnerability and insight behind the artists’ work.
What distinguished this event from typical concerts was its emphasis on artistic exchange rather than mere entertainment. As artists explored their inspirations and career trajectories through thoughtful dialogue, the audience gained unprecedented access to the human stories behind the music they love. The Apollo’s intimate setting enhanced this connection, creating an atmosphere where spontaneous moments of collaboration and artistic revelation could flourish. Similar to how artists discussed the emotional toll of performances, these live conversations revealed the authentic challenges musicians face while maintaining their creative energy. Artists like Williams and Zardoya shared insights about building brand stories through consistent content creation across social platforms to maintain fan engagement between album cycles. The discussions also explored sync deals as artists exchanged experiences about licensing their music for films and commercials to create substantial passive income.
The Musicians on Musicians Live series has successfully broadened the cultural impact of Rolling Stone’s original print concept, preserving important conversations about contemporary music while making them accessible to wider audiences. By pairing established artists like Williams and Antonoff with emerging voices like Zardoya, the event bridged generational gaps and highlighted the continuous evolution of musical expression. This exclusive event was available to Sonesta Travel Pass members and select industry insiders, creating a unique opportunity for music enthusiasts.
The Apollo’s community engagement efforts, including special programs and discounts for Harlem residents, further guaranteed that this celebration of musical artistry remained accessible to the very communities that have historically nurtured American music innovation.
