Chappell Roan Announces ‘The Super Graphic Spectacular’ Two-Day Fundraiser in Los Angeles to Benefit Trans Youth and LGBTQ+ Communities

Katseye’s Sophia to Temporarily Step Back From Group to Prioritize Her ‘Mental Health and Wellness’

Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera and Law Roach Board Olympics-Inspired Legacy House Host Committee (EXCLUSIVE)

Magnus Ferrell on His Viral Hit ‘Asleep Talking’ and Dad Will Ferrell Showing Michelle Obama His Music: ‘I Finally Felt Ready to Have a Spotlight on It’

Not every emerging musician can claim that Michelle Obama once grooved to their track before they even cracked the Billboard charts. Yet, just a fortnight after actor Will Ferrell—known for his iconic roles in films like "Anchorman" and "Elf"—proudly showcased his son Magnus Ferrell’s single "Asleep Talking" on the former first lady’s "IMO" podcast, the 22-year-old artist landed his inaugural Billboard hit. The timing caught him off guard, as he explained: "I knew he planned to do it, but I had no clue when the episode would air. We were visiting friends in Oregon, deep in the woods, and I was basically lost in a forest, completely overwhelmed." While his father’s fame often dominates the comment sections on his TikTok clips, Ferrell’s musical roots trace back to his grandfather, Roy Lee Jr., a jazz saxophonist and pianist who performed with the Righteous Brothers during the 1960s and 1970s. Growing up surrounded by jazz and blues, Ferrell initially resisted these influences, admitting, "From ages five to twelve, I hated it. I thought it was terrible." However, a turning point came at thirteen when he discovered the magic of a minor ninth chord: "I started improvising, and suddenly I realized, 'This is why I practice—so I can create sounds that resonate with me.'" Today, those early lessons seep into his genre-blending style, which fuses soul, R&B, and pop with a contemporary edge. In a recent interview, Ferrell opened up about the journey behind his breakout track, his lesser-known family legacy, and his aspirations for the future. He noted that while previous viral moments had centered on his father, "Asleep Talking" marked the first time the spotlight fell squarely on the music itself. "I finally felt ready for it to gain attention," he said, adding that the experience also allowed fans to see Will Ferrell in a new light—as a proud dad, not just a comedic icon. The song itself emerged from a period of personal turmoil: "In December, I dove deep into old soul and disco legends like The Gap Band, Teddy Pendergrass, and Jamiroquai. I was under emotional distress, so channeling that yearning into the track felt natural." Remarkably, the creative process was swift: "We wrote it in one session, tweaked a single verse, and overhauled the production. It just flowed." Ferrell also candidly addressed the challenges of navigating the music industry, including his reluctant embrace of social media algorithms. "If I could smash my phone with a hammer forever, I would," he joked, "but every era has its necessary evils. If this is my dream, I’m willing to temporarily serve the algorithm." He brushed off comparisons to legendary artists, calling them "flattering" but emphasizing his long road ahead: "I’m nowhere near that level yet, but I intend to get there through practice and persistence." When asked about his unique name—a Swedish first name paired with an Irish-American surname—he laughed, "Nobody else on the planet has that combination." He also addressed the "nepo baby" label with grace: "I’m grateful for my position, but I’ve worked incredibly hard. The music speaks for itself." Beyond his famous father, Ferrell credits his grandfather as a profound influence, recalling family gatherings filled with blues and jazz improvisation. "He let me play his 1953 organ, which I now own—it’s heavy but full of soul. He made music fun without ever forcing it." Looking ahead, Ferrell dreams of collaborating with Billie Eilish, whose voice he admires: "I’ve never heard her on a truly funky track, and I think our voices would mesh beautifully."

#Jamiroquai #Billie Eilish

Category:SHOW BIZ NEWS

MSG team 2026-08-08