Musicians on Musicians 2020
- Rolling Stone's second annual Musicians on Musicians issue features 10 pairings of artists, some meeting in person and others over Zoom, showcasing the powerful connections shared between great musicians during a challenging year.
Putting together our second annual Musicians on Musicians issue was slightly more challenging than the first one — if you've paid any attention to the state of the world this year, you'll know why. But as 2020 went on, we found that the connections shared between great artists are far too powerful to be cut off by a global pandemic, and we ended up with a package that's arguably even bigger and more exciting than last year's.
More from Rolling Stone
"The planning was tricky," says senior music editor Patrick Doyle, who oversaw the package, which features 10 pairings of artists, some meeting in person and others over Zoom. "A lot of musicians didn't want to travel or be in a room with a lot of people. But once the conversations were happening, they really let their guard down, maybe because normal life is out the window."
When rising indie singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers opened her laptop for a video chat with Metallica's Lars Ulrich — or when Lil Baby and Lil Wayne logged onto Zoom from opposite coasts — the talk flowed freely as ever. It turns out there's nothing that can stop two artists from sharing genuine stories, asking each other the questions they've always wanted to ask, or just having a great hang with someone they admire.
And there's lots more where that came from, including the crown jewel of this year's Musicians on Musicians: Our cover story, starring none other than Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift, who met up in London with very few others present (not even hair and makeup artists!) and proceeded to have a delightful, deep conversation about songwriting and more.
Welcome to Musicians on Musicians 2020!
Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift
He's an icon, and so is she. The two superstars talk about songwriting secrets, making albums at home, and what they've learned during the pandemic.
[ Read the story ]
Brittany Howard and Margo Price
Two of Nashville's sharpest voices reflect on breaking rules, touring hard, and using music for change.
[ Read the story ]
Chris Stapleton and Mavis Staples
The soul legend and the country star have formed a deep bond, especially during the pandemic. "We gotta be related," she says.
[ Read the story ]
Kevin Parker and Billy Corgan
Two uncompromising studio visionaries on band politics, what the Nineties were really like, and how to keep rock exciting.
[ Read the story ]
Roddy Ricch and Future
One of 2020's biggest new stars talks to a major influence about how to build a career that lasts.
[ Read the story ]
Phoebe Bridgers and Lars Ulrich
2020's poet laureate of hushed heartbreak explores her metal side. "It's one of those influences that isn't very obvious," she says.
[ Read the story ]
Erykah Badu and Summer Walker
Two R&B high priestesses trade wisdom on finding love, embracing their inner boss, and aliens among us.
[ Read the story ]
Elvis Costello and Iggy Pop
The old friends on surviving the Seventies, why most hard rock is overrated, and staying in touch with their iconoclastic inspiration.
[ Read the story ]
Lil Baby and Lil Wayne
Rap's most urgent voice talks to his hero about taking risks and why the South rules hip-hop.
[ Read the story ]
Jason Isbell and Barry Gibb
One of today's most gifted songwriters talks to the Bee Gees legend about lyrics and the joy of making music with family: "I've known your music my whole life."
[ Read the story ]
Best of Rolling Stone
Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter . For the latest news, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .
