Hayley Williams, Jack Antonoff, María Zardoya, and Role Model Headline Rolling Stone’s ‘Musicians on Musicians’ Live Event

The worlds of alternative rock, indie pop, and acclaimed production converged recently as Rolling Stone hosted its third annual ‘Musicians on Musicians’ live event. Held at New York’s iconic Beacon Theatre, the evening brought together four compelling artists: Paramore’s Hayley Williams, renowned producer Jack Antonoff, María Zardoya of The Marías, and indie artist Role Model. The event featured engaging discussions and live performances, offering a unique insight into the creative processes and perspectives of these influential figures in contemporary music.

An Evening of Musical Dialogue and Performance

The 2025 edition of ‘Musicians on Musicians’ unfolded as a two-part event, carefully curated to showcase dynamic pairings. The evening was expertly hosted and moderated by “Saturday Night Live” star James Austin Johnson, who opened the proceedings with his characteristic satirical humor, including jokes about his Donald Trump impressions. The core of the event, however, revolved around the intimate conversations and shared musical moments between the featured artists.

From Bedroom Pop to Mainstream Success: María Zardoya and Role Model

The first pairing of the night featured María Zardoya of The Marías and Role Model. Their discussion delved into the evolving landscape of viral success and the often unpredictable nature of a hit song. Both artists, who emerged from the “bedroom pop” scene, shared insights into their journey from creating music in more intimate settings to headlining major venues. They explored how their artistry has adapted and matured with their growing recognition.

María Zardoya notably described The Marías’ breakthrough song, “No One Noticed,” as an “anti-hit,” highlighting its unexpected trajectory to popularity. She recounted a memorable anecdote about an 84-year-old fan who described the song as sounding “like molly,” underscoring its unique and evocative sonic quality. Following their discussion, Zardoya, joined by The Marías’ Josh Conway on guitar, delivered a captivating set that included “Sienna” and the aforementioned “No One Noticed.” Role Model then took the stage, performing fan favorites such as “Some Protector” and his popular track, “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.”

Hayley Williams and Jack Antonoff: Music, Politics, and Collaboration

After a brief intermission, the highly anticipated pairing of Hayley Williams and Jack Antonoff took the stage. Their conversation extended beyond purely musical topics, touching upon the current political climate and its influence on their work and lives. Williams, referencing her new solo album *Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party*, humorously quipped, “Living in Nashville is the bachelor party,” reflecting on her experiences.

Antonoff offered his perspective on touring America, describing it as “an exercise in an amazing darkness and an amazing hope,” a sentiment that resonated with Williams, who praised James Austin Johnson’s satire for helping people “survive the worst times.” The segment culminated in a collaborative performance where Williams and Antonoff, accompanied by Antonoff’s band Bleachers, traded off songs and verses. Their set opened with Williams’ “Mirtazapine” before seamlessly transitioning into several Bleachers songs. The duo also premiered new material from Williams’ *Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party* and debuted their new joint song, “Good Ol’ Days,” showcasing their artistic synergy.

Conclusion

Rolling Stone’s ‘Musicians on Musicians’ live event provided a compelling platform for celebrated artists like Hayley Williams, Jack Antonoff, María Zardoya, and Role Model to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Through candid discussions and powerful live performances, the evening illuminated the creative journeys, challenges, and inspirations that shape the modern music landscape. It reinforced the idea that while music constantly evolves, the shared human experience and the desire for authentic expression remain at its core.