Don Toliver, Malcolm Todd, Alex Warren, and Megan Moroney Rock Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians Event

The United Theater in Los Angeles was the site of a vibrant celebration of emerging and established musical talents during Rolling Stone’s 2026 Musicians on Musicians live event. This sold-out gathering, part of an annual series since 2019, brought together artists who not only share their music but also candidly discuss their creative journeys and personal experiences.

The evening kicked off with performances from Nashville-based artists Megan Moroney and Alex Warren, both of whom have recently made significant impacts with genre-blending styles. Moroney, who describes her sound as “emo-cowgirl,” and Warren, known for his fusion of pop, rock, and folk, each released highly successful albums in 2026: Moroney’s Cloud 9 and Warren’s Wildchild. These albums not only topped various Billboard charts but also expanded their reach to new audiences.

Moderated by Saturday Night Live’s James Austin Johnson, the discussion revealed parallels in their careers, including breakthrough debut hits and a shared approach to heartfelt songwriting. Warren reflected on the personal nature of his hit song "Ordinary," explaining its resonance at diverse life moments such as weddings and funerals. Meanwhile, Moroney emphasized her commitment to authentic songwriting over strict genre definitions, highlighting the diversity within country music and her focus on connecting through her lyrics.

Moroney’s stage set featured intimate acoustic arrangements as she performed songs from Cloud 9, including the emotionally charged “Medicine” and the uplifting “Beautiful Things,” which she wrote to help listeners through difficult times. Her heartfelt delivery underscored the personal connection she maintains with her growing fanbase.

Following Moroney, Warren took the stage with a set that included "Eternity," "Fever Dream," and "Passenger." The crowd enthusiastically called for his hit “Ordinary,” which he later performed as a duet with Moroney, supported by cello and intricate acoustic guitar, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the event.

After an intermission, the energy in the theater surged with the arrival of Don Toliver and Malcolm Todd. Both artists have experienced notable career momentum recently. Todd, whose sound revolves around bedroom pop, gained attention with his debut album and the breakout single "Chest Pain (I Love)." His collaboration with Toliver on the track "E85" further elevated his profile.

Toliver, a Houston native, has been steadily ascending as a major figure in contemporary hip-hop and rap. His 2024 album Hardstone Psycho and 2026’s chart-topping Octane have solidified his status, with the latter featuring "E85" as an opening track. Toliver’s work alongside prominent artists like Travis Scott and Drake has been an ongoing source of inspiration and learning throughout his career.

The dialogue between Toliver and Todd highlighted the importance of mentorship and artistic synergy. Todd discussed the surprise of his rapid success but emphasized his focus on future projects rather than resting on past achievements. Both artists hinted at upcoming collaborations, indicating a shared vision and creative chemistry.

The night was punctuated by dynamic performances from Todd and Toliver, each backed by a full band. Todd’s set included emotionally rich tracks such as "Earrings" and "Chest Pain (I Love)," while Toliver energized the crowd with hits like "Body," "No Idea," and a live rendition of "E85" featuring Todd. The audience’s enthusiastic response underscored the deep connection between the artists and their fans.

Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians event, supported by sponsors such as Sonesta International Hotels, Miller High Life, and Lexus, continues to foster intimate artist interactions and bring music lovers closer to the creative forces shaping today’s soundscape. The 2026 edition not only provided insight into the artists’ evolving careers but also highlighted the collaborative spirit driving modern music innovation.

As the evening concluded, it was clear that these artists are not only ascending in their fields but also contributing to a broader narrative of genre fluidity, personal expression, and community within the music industry. Their openness on stage and in conversation offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes, celebrating both their artistry and the shared human experiences that fuel it.