The Bandwich Tapes
Music
About
The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with musicians for thoughtful conversations about the craft of making music. Each episode explores the experiences, influences, and creative decisions that shape an artist’s work. From improvisation and songwriting to collaboration, recording, and life on the road, the conversations go beyond biography to focus on how music actually gets made. Guests include instrumentalists, composers, songwriters, and producers from across the musical landscape. The tone is relaxed, curious, and musician-to-musician—an opportunity to hear artists reflect on their process, their collaborators, and the musical moments that have stayed with them. Whether you're a seasoned musician, a die-hard music fan, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Bandwich Tapes has something for everyone. So, come along for the ride as we explore the magic of music and the incredible journeys of the people who bring it to life.
Episodes
- Lila Forde: Finding Your Voice and Getting Out of the Way
Lila Forde discusses her experience finding her unique artistic voice, her collaboration with Larry Goldings, and her creative process. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, accidental discovery, and the role of musical training i…
- Amber Westerman: Coming Home to the Songs That Matter
Texas songwriter Amber Westerman joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss her journey, including leaving Nashville to return to Texas, reconnecting with her songwriting roots, and navigating the challenges of being a modern artist.
- Billy Allen + The Pollies: Groove, Imperfection, and the Band in the Room
This episode features Billy Allen and Jay Burgess of Billy Allen + The Pollies discussing musical feel, the importance of timing in collaboration, and their approach to recording music as a live band, embracing imperfections for a more aut…
- Jake Nissly: Auditions, Adversity, and the Pocket Inside the Orchestra
Percussionist Jake Nissly shares insights on the realities of orchestral auditions, career resilience after setbacks, and how his background in drum set and drum corps informs his orchestral playing, emphasizing groove and listening.
- Elizabeth Ziman: Full Circle, Letting Go, and the Sound of Growth
Elizabeth Ziman shares insights into her latest album release, detailing the collaborative creation process and the journey of artistic growth. The conversation explores themes of letting go, balancing perfectionism, and navigating the lif…
- Ryan Dart: Letting Go, Starting Over, and Writing What’s True
This episode features singer-songwriter Ryan Dart discussing his daily songwriting practice, early influences, and diverse music industry experiences. He shares insights on personal growth through divorce and sobriety, which reshaped his h…
- Matthew Stevens: Sound, Feel, and Becoming More Yourself
This episode features guitarist Matthew Stevens discussing his self-titled album, which reflects his personal growth and artistic identity following significant life changes. Stevens shares insights on collaboration, the creative process,…
- Aubrie Sellers: Attachment Theory, Honest Songs, and Doing It Her Way
Singer-songwriter Aubrie Sellers joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss her concept album "Attachment Theory," which evolved naturally from songs about relationships and vulnerability. She also explores the companion podcast, her experiences…
- Jeff Babko: Wonder, Versatility, and the Musician’s Life
Keyboardist Jeff Babko shares insights on his versatile career, leadership on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the impact of early musical experiences, and the value of musical communities and genuine moments in a musician's life.
- Tenille Townes: Truth, Freedom, and Finding Her Way Back
On The Bandwich Tapes, Tenille Townes shares insights into her new independent album, discussing authenticity, creative freedom, and the personal journey of finding her voice again. The episode also touches on her song "Enabling," early mu…
- Bob Lanzetti: Listening, Restraint, and the Sound of the Band
This episode features guitarist and composer Bob Lanzetti, a founding member of Snarky Puppy. He discusses his career, including early musical experiences, the formation of Snarky Puppy at the University of North Texas, his compositional w…
- Stash Wyslouch: Curiosity, Fearlessness, and the Long Path of Learning
This episode of The Bandwich Tapes features guitarist and composer Stash Wyslouch discussing how parenthood has shifted his perspective on creativity and collaboration. They trace his musical journey from heavy metal to bluegrass and jazz,…
- Travis Toy: Pedal Steel, the Road, and the Long Nashville Game
This episode features pedal steel guitarist Travis Toy discussing his career, from early musical roots in Kentucky to his extensive work with Rascal Flatts and Luke Bryan. The conversation covers the realities of the Nashville scene, the e…
- Chris Tordini: The Bass Player’s Life — Service, Stability, and the Long Game
This episode features bassist Chris Tordini discussing his career, including his role on Broadway and balancing stability with creative projects. The conversation covers his musical journey, the importance of serving the music, and long-te…
- Mark Lettieri: Groove, Restraint, and the Art of the Pocket
Guitarist Mark Lettieri joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss his musical journey, emphasizing groove, restraint, and the importance of listening. Lettieri shares insights on his diverse projects, including work with Snarky Puppy and Fearles…
- Grace Humphries: Faith, Loss, and Finding Your Voice
Singer-songwriter Grace Humphries shares her experiences entering music school at Belmont University, coping with the loss of her brother, recording at Abbey Road Studios, and balancing artistic authenticity with industry demands.
- Larry Goldings: Serving the Song
Keyboardist Larry Goldings discusses his current projects, including a new organ trio record and a children's album. He shares insights from his time in James Taylor's band and his experiences with the Scary Goldings and Scary Pockets proj…
- Jake & Shelby: Two Voices, One Song
This episode features Nashville-based songwriting duo Jake & Shelby, discussing their musical partnership, which began at Jake's father's music school. They explore their diverse influences, the organic development of their vocal harmony,…
- Trey Hensley: Feel, Fire, and Finding the Next Chapter
This episode features guitarist Trey Hensley discussing his transition back to a solo artist after a decade in a duo, his thoughts on recording with a focus on feel and spontaneity, and his upcoming projects including the album "Can't Outr…
- Kris Davis: Curiosity, Risk, and the Architecture of Creative Music
This episode features pianist Kris Davis discussing her creative process, including composing for large ensembles, prepared piano techniques inspired by Benoît Delbecq, and her Solastalgia Suite. Davis also shares insights on her work with…
- Sarah Jarosz: Carrying the Acoustic Tradition Forward
On The Bandwich Tapes, Sarah Jarosz discusses the impact of her Grammy wins, her connection to Wimberley, Texas, and the evolution of acoustic music. She explores the dynamics of her trio I’m With Her, her perspective on collaboration, and…
- Beth Goodfellow: Time, Space, and the Sound of Reinvention
Drummer and composer Beth Goodfellow shares insights on her musical journey, including her work with Iron & Wine, her creative resurgence after moving to Tucson, and the development of her marimba looping project. The episode covers her di…
- Taylor Eigsti: Preparation Meets Presence
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, Taylor Eigsti joins host Brad for a discussion on preparation versus spontaneity, musical composition, and his experiences working with various musicians. They also touch upon his Grammy-winning album…
- Janie Barnett: The Team Spirit Behind Great Music
Janie Barnett discusses her musical influences, career, and experiences, including session work and her Cole Porter reimagining project. She also shares insights on leadership, artistry, and her current work mentoring musicians at Berklee.
- Steve Gadd: Mentors, Mindset, and Staying in the Moment
This episode features legendary drummer Steve Gadd, discussing his career path from the Army Field Band to touring with artists like Paul Simon and James Taylor. Gadd reflects on mentorship, overcoming insecurity, the importance of repetit…
- Simon Oslender: Joy on the Keys (and the Work Behind It)
This episode features Simon Oslender discussing his musical upbringing, his pivotal moment discovering the Hammond B3, and his songwriting process. He also shares insights from recording and touring for his album "All That Matters" with re…
- Alison Prestwood: Building a Career One Groove at a Time
Alison Prestwood shares insights on her career as a bassist, detailing her move to Nashville, experiences in session work and touring, influences such as Carol Kaye, and her podcast "Hey, Good For You." The episode also touches on musical…
- CJ Hooper: One Year, Two Records, No Shortcuts
Singer-songwriter CJ Hooper joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss his independent artist journey, musical influences from Texas to Washington, and the patient process of releasing his second album, 'Over Yonder'. The conversation covers song…
- Colin Currie: On Music, Integrity, and Attention
Percussionist Colin Currie joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss musical curiosity, originality, and live performance. The conversation covers technology's effect on music education, his childhood musical beginnings, and his deep connection…
- Kim Trammell: Serving the Song and the Self
This episode features drummer Kim Trammell discussing her evolution as a musician, from classical training to professional gigs. She shares insights on groove, identity, overcoming burnout, and finding joy in music again.
- Russell Hartenberger: Sound, Time, and Legacy
This episode features percussionist Russell Hartenberger discussing his musical career, including early mentorship with Alan Abel, studies at the Curtis Institute, and his time in the US Air Force Band. It delves into his exploration of et…
- Jacob Jolliff: Learning, Leading, and Listening
Mandolinist Jacob Jolliff joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss his diverse musical journey, from bluegrass and jazz to classical. He shares insights on his upcoming mandolin concerto, his experiences at Berklee, and the evolution of his own…
- David Northrup: A Career Built on Taste and Time
Drummer David Northrup joins The Bandwich Tapes to share insights on his career, focusing on groove, longevity, and serving the song across various genres. He discusses his work with Joe Nichols, early musical influences, learning by liste…
- Scott Mulvahill: Collaboration, Craft, and Creative Risk
This episode features singer, songwriter, and bassist Scott Mulvahill discussing curiosity, collaboration, and creative world-building. He shares insights from performing Paul Simon's Graceland with original musicians, his experiences as a…
- Dame Evelyn Glennie: Sound, Story, and Connection
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, Dame Evelyn Glennie explores the profound meaning of listening, extending its significance beyond music to encompass communication and connection. She details the origins and evolution of her foundati…
- Rich Redmond: Longevity, Purpose, and Life Behind the Kit
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, drummer Rich Redmond shares insights on longevity, purpose, and life beyond the drum kit. The conversation covers his extensive career, music education, the Nashville number system, and his CRASH phil…
- Keith Horne: Time, Feel, Vocals, and the Bass Chair
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, bassist Keith Horne discusses his musical journey, starting with bluegrass and flatpicking, and his transition to bass. He shares insights on playing multiple instruments, his unique approach to guita…
- Paul Stewart: Influence, Identity, and the Drummer’s Role in the Song
Drummer Paul Stewart discusses music’s unifying power, his career evolution from discovering The Feeling to working with major artists, and the drummer’s craft. The episode explores influences ranging from 70s rock and 60s roots to jazz an…
- Doug Perkins: Fundamentals, Tone, and the Long Game
Percussionist Doug Perkins joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss his musical journey, from learning bass in eighth grade to his current role at the University of Michigan. He shares insights on teaching fundamentals, the impact of technology…
- Jeff Picker: Building a Career as a Freelance Bass Player
Bassist Jeff Picker joins The Bandwich Tapes to discuss his career path, including his experiences with Ricky Skaggs and the Opry, the nuances of bluegrass and electric country bass, and his work as a hired gun and solo artist.
- Aaron Kula: Mentorship, Music, and the Power of Process
Host reconnects with conductor Aaron Kula to discuss mentorship, preparing young musicians for challenging pieces like Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, and Kula's philosophy on building ensemble culture.
- Jonathan Haas: Inside the Stories Behind Zappa, Glass, and ELP
Jonathan Haas, a legendary timpanist, shares his musical journey, including studies at Juilliard, collaborations with Frank Zappa and Philip Glass, and touring with Emerson, Lake & Palmer. He also discusses new projects addressing social i…
- Paul Guzzone: Storyteller, Sideman, Teacher, Lifelong Student
This episode features bassist, producer, and educator Paul Guzzone. He discusses his early years with Tom Rush, his long collaboration with the Bacon Brothers, his composing and jingle work, and his teaching career at Pace University.
- Becca Stevens: Serving the Song, Serving the Soul
Vocalist and composer Becca Stevens discusses the impact of parenthood on her artistry and creative process. She also reflects on her musical development, diverse influences, and the collaborative nature of her work with various artists.
- Jordan Perlson: Drums, Instinct, and the Art of Support
This episode features drummer Jordan Perlson discussing collaboration, his musical journey, and how we listen to music in 2025. Perlson shares insights on balancing support with personal artistic direction, influences like John Bonham and…
- Third Coast Percussion: Innovation, Interpretation, and a New Era for Percussion
Peter Martin of Third Coast Percussion discusses the ensemble's global touring, instrument logistics, and artistic development. The conversation covers their Grammy win, collaborations with artists like Zakir Hussain and Jlin, and the chal…
- Bo Bice: From American Idol to Serving American Heroes
Singer Bo Bice joins The Bandwich Tapes to share his journey from American Idol to navigating the music industry, discussing fame, influences like Skynyrd and Prince, and the evolution of music. He also opens up about his faith, forgivenes…
- David Garibaldi: The Art of Groove and Listening
In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, host interviews legendary drummer David Garibaldi. They discuss his career highlights, including his work with Tower of Power and his partnership with Rocco Prestia, emphasizing the importance of groo…
- Chris DeChiara: Rock Roots, Classical Depth, and the Power of Listening
This episode features percussionist Chris DeChiara, detailing his diverse musical path from rock and drum corps to classical music and the U.S. Navy Band. Topics include his experiences with military ceremonies, his book on Stravinsky, bal…
- Jake Banfield: From Basketball Dreams to Country #1s
Jake Banfield shares his transition from a basketball career to a #1 country music artist, discussing his album 'Open Bars,' the influence of small towns, and his genre-blending sound.