From Topeka, KS To 61 Million YouTube Views | Andy McKee

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 Topeka2:46 - From Electric Riffs To Fingerstyle6:10 - School Guitar Class And Early Bands10:45 - Dust In The Wind And Tunings13:45 - Dadgad, Drifting, And New Tunings16:27 - YouTube Breakthrough And CandyRat20:40 - Viral Impact And Big Collaborations24:15 - Teaching, Timing, And Learning Advice28:35 - Career Steps, Competitions, And Tours33:10 - Prince, Josh Groban, And Life Balance37:05 - Touring Today And Stagecraft40:35 - Originals Vs Covers And Influences44:00 - Why Topeka And Local Life46:53 - Signature Guitar And Fan Frets50:14 - Performing Drifting Live56:35 - Technique, Dynamics, And Exploration59:35 - Arranging Africa And Layering Parts1:05:20 - 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, KSWebsite -- 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_jdFor Any Inquiries, please DM @TopekaInsider on Instagram!