We trace Andy McKee’s path from Topeka guitar classes to a 61 million view breakout, touring the world while keeping family first. He plays Drifting and Africa live, explains fingerstyle, alternate tunings, and shares advice for learners and working musicians.
• switching from electric riffs to solo acoustic fingerstyle
• discovering altered tunings and percussive guitar
• the YouTube front-page moment and CandyRat strategy
• collaborations with Josh Groban, Toto circles, and Prince
• composing by ear and arranging songs for one guitar
• timing, practice habits, and practical learning advice
• touring model, stage presence, and audience connection
• why Topeka still feels like home and local favorites
• signature Greenfield guitar and fan-fret intonation
• where to follow Andy for music, tours, and lessons
________________________________________
0:00 - Welcome And Origins In Topeka
2:46 - From Electric Riffs To Fingerstyle
6:10 - School Guitar Class And Early Bands
10:45 - Dust In The Wind And Tunings
13:45 - Dadgad, Drifting, And New Tunings
16:27 - YouTube Breakthrough And CandyRat
20:40 - Viral Impact And Big Collaborations
24:15 - Teaching, Timing, And Learning Advice
28:35 - Career Steps, Competitions, And Tours
33:10 - Prince, Josh Groban, And Life Balance
37:05 - Touring Today And Stagecraft
40:35 - Originals Vs Covers And Influences
44:00 - Why Topeka And Local Life
46:53 - Signature Guitar And Fan Frets
50:14 - Performing Drifting Live
56:35 - Technique, Dynamics, And Exploration
59:35 - Arranging Africa And Layering Parts
1:05:20 - Toto, Networking, And Teaching Retreat
________________________________________
Beyond the Podcast: 🎙️
Be sure to follow our Topeka Insider Socials below and check out our website for additional stories and articles pertaining to Topeka, KS
Website -- https://topekainsider.com/
Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/topekainsider
Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/topekainsider/
Follow Your Hosts: 📱
Follow both Justin & Jon on their personal socials to get connected. They would love to connect and answer any questions about the show or their day to day.
Jon Griffith's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/thejongriffith/
Justin Armbruster's Instagram -- https://www.instagram.com/armbruster_jd
For Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!
