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PODCAST

The Bandwich Tapes

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

music music interviews

All Episodes

59:50

Todd Meehan

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/22

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Todd Meehan, Professor of Percussion and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies at Baylor University. Todd is a dynamic performer, educator, and advocate for contemporary percussion, whose career blends artistry, scholarship, and leadership.We talk about his journey as a percussionist, including what first drew him to the instrument, his time as a student and performer, and the ways he continues to push the boundaries of what percussion can

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56:05

Ray Herndon

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/15

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of talking with Ray Herndon, a musician whose story stretches from Scottsdale’s legendary Handlebar J to the road with Lyle Lovett and the harmonies of McBride & The Ride.Ray and I start by digging into his family’s club, Handlebar J, which has been a Scottsdale institution for 50 years. We talk about the balance of being both a musician and a restaurant owner, and what it means to carry on the legacy of a place that has hosted

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62:16

Noah Young

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/08

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I catch up with my former student and friend, Noah Young. Noah’s a versatile musician: drum set player, former Baylor University snare drummer, and a committed bagpiper with the Atlanta Pipe Band (where he also serves as VP). We trace his path from a Cajun-rooted musical home and an elite youth piping program, through Wesleyan School drumline and chapel band, to the intensity of a Big 12 college drumline—and how all of it shaped his musicianship,

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67:14

Striking Matches

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/09/01

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I catch up with the powerhouse duo Striking Matches (Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis). Our conversation weaves together their incredible journey, from garage jams in Georgia and formative years at Belmont University to charting their own artistic path on international stages.We talk about the early sparks: how a chance pairing at Belmont led to instant musical chemistry, their first gig at the Bluebird Café, and how harmonies, slide guitar, and raw

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56:07

Matt Starr

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/25

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with drummer Matt Starr, the acclaimed Canadian-born, Los Angeles–based musician currently touring with Sarah McLachlan.We talk about Matt’s unique musical journey, from starting violin lessons at age five through the Suzuki method to eventually discovering his lifelong calling behind the drum kit. Matt shares how his early orchestral training shaped his listening skills, ensemble awareness, and approach to sound, lessons that continue to

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50:42

Jeremy Casella

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/18

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I reconnect with my old Belmont University neighbor and longtime friend, Jeremy Casella. Jeremy and I first met on the third floor of Pembroke Hall, and after nearly 30 years, it was a joy to sit down and trace the threads of music, friendship, and life that still connect us today.Jeremy shares stories from his early days at Belmont, discovering artists like Béla Fleck and Brooks Williams, and crossing paths with classmates like Brad Paisley, while

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51:11

Brock Derringer

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/11

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I get to reconnect with my good friend and former colleague, Brock Derringer. Brock and I shared a lot of time on stage, in the pit, and the music department at Wesleyan School, and it was a blast to sit down and dig into his story.We start with Brock’s roots in small-town Thomasville, Georgia, a place with an unexpectedly rich arts scene, and trace his journey from a 10-year-old piano student to becoming a versatile musician and educator. He shares

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83:37

Steve Cunningham

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/08/04

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am thrilled to have a conversation with my friend, Steve Cunningham. Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Steve Cunningham draws inspiration from a wide range of artists—Led Zeppelin, Pat Metheny, Yes, and the Brecker Brothers—blending their influence with his deep appreciation for all genres of music. After relocating to Atlanta, he picked up the lap steel guitar, diving into the styles of David Lindley, western-swing legend Tom Morrell, and Sacred

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48:42

Rita Bliss

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/07/28

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Rita Bliss, a fantastic musician, songwriter, and banjo player whose work blends old-time, Americana, and folk traditions with a fresh, personal twist. We discuss her musical journey, the deep roots of music in her family, and how growing up surrounded by instruments and storytelling influenced her voice and perspective. Rita opens up about her move to Austin, the vibrant music scene there, and how it’s influenced her as both a

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56:52

Maeve Gilchrist

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/07/21

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with the incredible Maeve Gilchrist, a Scottish harpist, composer, and innovator whose work bridges folk traditions and contemporary sounds. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Maeve was immersed in Celtic music from a young age and later studied at Berklee College of Music, where she expanded her approach to the harp through jazz, improvisation, and world music influences.Maeve and I talk about her journey as an artist—from her early exposure to

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66:22

Eddie Brumlow

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/07/14

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I reconnect with my old friend and fellow musician Eddie Brumlow for a heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation. We talk about the unexpected turns life takes and how those shifts have shaped our paths as performers and educators.Eddie opens up about the formative moments and mentors that helped shape his musical identity, the joy (and chaos) of memorable gigs, and the quiet victories of the classroom. We dig into what it means to teach music today, how

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48:50

Dr. Brett Dietz

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/07/07

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Brett Dietz, Director of Percussion at LSU, and someone who had a tremendous impact on my own family. Brett taught my son Skyler throughout his college years, and I've long admired him as both an educator and an artist. This was a special and personal conversation.We discuss Brett's journey from studying under Michael Burritt at Northwestern to his unexpected opportunity at LSU in 2003, where he has been

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51:23

Chad Jeffers

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/06/30

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I reconnect with my longtime friend Chad Jeffers. We go back to our days at Belmont University, and it’s been incredible to watch his journey unfold, from growing up in East Tennessee playing in family bands to touring the world with some of the biggest names in music.Chad shares stories from his early days performing with his dad and brother, forming the band Raney Nickel, and eventually making his way to Nashville. After double-majoring in music

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60:02

Rachael Moore

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/06/23

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk with producer, mixer, and engineer Rachael Moore, whose work spans some of the biggest names in music and film. Rachael has been a major force in Nashville for over a decade, collaborating with legends such as Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, and T-Bone Burnett. She also produced and recorded all the music for the Showtime series George & Tammy, starring Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon.Rachael shares her journey from growing up in the South

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67:50

William James

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/06/16

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with William James, Principal Percussionist of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. We talk about his journey through the world of orchestral percussion, from early influences and summer programs to the high-pressure world of auditions. Will shares thoughtful insights on what it takes to succeed as a modern percussionist, both musically and administratively.We dig into the evolving expectations placed on orchestral players, the challenges of

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65:56

Matt Rollings

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/06/09

In this conversation, I sit down with Matt Rollings to explore his incredible journey as a musician. We talk about the early family influences that helped shape his path, his time in Nashville, and the career milestones that followed. Matt opens up about the importance of feel and connection in music, and how those elements often outweigh technical precision.This episode is especially meaningful because Matt played on my album when I was just 11 years old. Reconnecting and talking music

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46:42

Mike Seal

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/06/02

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk with guitarist Mike Seal about his incredible musical journey. We dig into his early influences, the development of his unique fingerstyle technique, and his collaborations with some truly legendary musicians. Mike reflects on the impact of his teachers on his growth, the value of music education, and how music festivals have helped shape his sense of community and connection.We discuss his years with the Jeff Sipe Trio as well as his time

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74:54

Tim Hamilton (Part 2)

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/05/26

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I talk again with my musical brother, the amazing Tim Hamilton. Tim's had such a rich and fascinating career that we absolutely needed to talk again. If you haven't heard the first interview with him, I encourage you to go back and listen. In this follow-up, Tim shares what life’s been like recently, including the highs and challenges of a packed summer gig schedule. We dig into the evolution of country music, especially the return of more traditional

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65:57

Dylan Rosson

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/05/19

In this episode, I catch up with my longtime friend Dylan Rosson for a conversation full of music and memories. Dylan and I reflect on the evolving country music scene, the challenges and rewards of life on the road, and how our influences have guided us through it all. Dylan shares his work as a session musician, including his time touring with Scotty McCreery, and shares what he's learned about collaboration, harmony, and production.Whether we’re trading stories or diving deep into the

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98:32

Michael Watson

The Bandwich Tapes ·

2025/05/12

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Michael Watson to explore the life of a working musician. We dive into the challenges, influences, and experiences that shape a career in music, from the struggles of touring to the evolution of legendary groups like the Drifters and the Platters.Michael shares vivid stories from his time on the road with the Platters, including unforgettable performances at iconic venues like Niagara Falls and Laughlin, Nevada. He talks about the

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177 results

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