Magnus Ferrell, a 22-year-old musician and son of actor Will Ferrell, has earned his first Billboard hit with “Asleep Talking” after the song gained attention online. Its profile rose when Will Ferrell played it to Michelle Obama on her “IMO” podcast, a moment Magnus said felt significant because the focus was on his music rather than his father’s fame.

Ferrell said he was in rural Oregon when the podcast moment was released and was surprised by its reaction. He wrote “Asleep Talking” in one session during a period of romantic and emotional difficulty, drawing on soul and disco artists including the Gap Band, Teddy Pendergrass and Jamiroquai. His musical background also includes his grandfather Roy Lee Jr., a jazz musician who performed with the Righteous Brothers.