What does it really take to survive—and thrive—in the music industry? In this episode of The Stiletto Room, I sit down with two of the most brilliant (and brutally honest) hitmakers in the game: Bonnie McKee (the pen behind Teenage Dream, California Gurls, Roar) and Shane Stevens (the voice behind American Honey, Fancy Like, and countless Nashville gems).

We go way beyond the highlight reel. Bonnie opens up about losing her first record deal at 16, falling into addiction, and clawing her way back with one hit after another. Shane shares how George Michael and Mariah Carey inspired his songwriting dreams, how rejection almost ended his career, and how sobriety gave him back his purpose.

Together, we dive into:

• The real life of a songwriter (spoiler: it’s not all glitz and Grammys)
• Why failure and struggle are essential to becoming an artist
• How sobriety sharpened their creativity and saved their lives
• Full circle moments that prove the universe is always listening
• Why mentoring the next generation is the greatest legacy

Funny, raw, and unfiltered—this episode is as much about survival as it is about songwriting. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in music, this is your masterclass.

About Bonnie McKee

Grammy-nominated songwriter and pop artist Bonnie McKee has shaped modern pop with massive hits like Katy Perry’s Diamond-certified “California Gurls” and “Roar.” She’s also penned songs for Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Ke$ha, Bebe Rexha, Jason Derulo, Kygo, and Adam Lambert. As a solo artist, Bonnie has toured nationally, performed at Coachella and the Hollywood Bowl, and released the cult-favorite Bombastic EP, with its title track featured in over 20 TV and film placements. In 2020, she wrote, produced, and starred in the award-winning short film April Kills the Vibe. Her 2024 album Hot City delivers bold, empowering anthems that celebrate individuality and self-expression.

About Shane Stevens

Shane Stevens is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose work spans country and pop, with cuts by Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Walker Hayes, Meghan Trainor, Ariana Grande, Selena Gomez, Fifth Harmony, and more. His smash hit “Fancy Like” by Walker Hayes went 6x Platinum and earned a Grammy nomination, BMI award, and NSAI Song of the Year. Shane’s first No. 1, “American Honey” by Lady A, earned multiple industry awards and launched a career of chart-topping success. In February 2025, he released “I Can’t Quit,” a duet with Sara Evans. His songs reflect resilience, creativity, and a passion for storytelling shaped by his journey through Nashville, New York, and beyond.

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