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 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.

The Bandwich Tapes is a interviews podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Bandwich Tapes, a interviews show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #171

  Lee Newton & Heidi Parton: Finding a New Voice in an Old Song

  Aug 20, 202631 min

  On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with Lee Newton and Heidi Parton to talk about their new recording of the country standard “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” a collaboration with Georgette Jones that brings together three very different singers around a song that has endured for generations. Lee shares how the project began almost by chance. After thinking that Georgette would be a perfect voice for the song, Lee unexpectedly crossed paths with her only a week later. Heidi soon joined the project, and what began as a single collaboration quickly revealed a natural musical chemistry among the three singers. We talk about why their individual voices remain recognizable while still blending so naturally and how singing harmony requires listening closely to phrasing, pronunciation, tone, and the other voices around you. Heidi also talks about growing up in the Parton family and finding her own artistic identity while respecting the musical legacy surrounding her. She discusses the importance of recognizing that there will only ever be one Dolly Parton, and that her responsibility as an artist is not to imitate that legacy, but to discover what makes her own voice distinctive. Along the way, Lee reflects on collaborations with artists including Pam Tillis, Leona Williams, Joe Bonsall, and Ben Isaacs, and how working with other singers has continued to challenge and develop her as an artist. We also dig into why “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” continues to connect with listeners, from Wanda Jackson’s early recording to later versions by Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, and Loretta Lynn. Most of all, this conversation is about what happens when singers listen to one another. Lee and Heidi talk about chemistry, friendship, harmony singing, learning from other musicians, and the possibility that “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” may only be the beginning for the trio they have begun calling the Rhinestone Darlings. Key Takeaways Lee Newton brought Heidi Parton and Georgette Jones together for a new version of “Silver Threads and Golden Needles,” despite having never previously worked with either singer. Their arrangement reaches back to the Wanda Jackson version of the song and restores a second verse omitted from several later recordings. Heidi explains how background singing requires careful attention to another vocalist’s phrasing, pronunciation, enunciation, and musical personality. Lee discusses how collaborations with artists including Pam Tillis, Leona Williams, Joe Bonsall, and Ben Isaacs have challenged her and helped her grow as a singer. Heidi reflects on the expectations that come with the Parton family name and why finding her own warm, soulful vocal identity has been essential to her development as an artist. Lee and Heidi believe the lasting appeal of “Silver Threads and Golden Needles” comes partly from the honesty of its lyrics and the ability of singers and listeners to connect it to their own experiences. The chemistry developed between Lee, Heidi, and Georgette has led to conversations about future recordings—and possibly a larger project together as the Rhinestone Darlings. Music from the Episode Silver Threads and Golden Needles - Lee Newton, Heidi Parton, & Georgette Jones About the Podcast The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast about the people who make music and the experiences that shape the way they make it. Host Brad Williams talks with musicians, songwriters, producers, and other creative artists about their careers, craft, collaborations, influences, and the choices that shape their music. Connect with the Show Questions, comments, or guest suggestions: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

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  Episode #170

  Josh Quillen: Percussion, Process, and Concert Honesty

  Aug 17, 20261h 9m

  On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with percussionist, composer, educator, and Sō Percussion member Josh Quillen for a wide-ranging conversation about teaching, ensemble life, steel pan, podcasting, grief, musical history, and the value of listening closely. Josh joined Sō Percussion in 2006 and has spent nearly two decades helping the ensemble develop its distinctive approach to contemporary chamber music. We talk about how the group has evolved from a model built around four percussionists playing similar setups into one that more openly reflects the individual musical identities of its members. Josh shares how composers such as Steven Mackey helped the group recognize the value of those differences, from steel pan and drum set to marimba, electronics, singing, and synthesizers. We also spend time discussing the Sō Percussion Summer Institute, which Josh describes as one of the most demanding and rewarding parts of his year. He explains how the institute asks young musicians to learn an enormous amount of music with unfamiliar collaborators, confront insecurity, and discover that missing a note is rarely the most important problem in the room. The conversation becomes deeply personal as Josh talks about losing his father to ALS, preserving one of the final recordings of his voice, and how that experience helped shape his podcast, Concert Honesty . We discuss the importance of documenting artists as full human beings, the danger of turning musical heroes into myths, and what Josh has learned from speaking with musicians such as Russ Hartenberger, Bob Becker, Joan Tower, Steve Reich, and others. Along the way, Josh reflects on growing up in rural Ohio, learning discipline from his father’s work at a bottling warehouse, discovering steel band in high school, traveling to Trinidad without a phone, and learning that musical development often comes from curiosity, failure, repetition, and the freedom to make mistakes without having every moment permanently documented. Key Takeaways • The Sō Percussion Summer Institute is designed to give young musicians an intensive taste of professional ensemble life, including uncertainty, limited rehearsal time, unfamiliar collaborators, and ambitious repertoire. • Josh believes strong teaching requires precision, empathy, and the ability to give honest criticism without stripping students of their confidence. • Sō Percussion’s musical identity has gradually shifted from four players demonstrating similar technical skills toward a model that embraces each member’s individual musical interests. • Steven Mackey’s It Is Time became an important turning point by highlighting Josh’s steel pan background and the distinct musical personalities of the Sō Percussion members. • Josh’s approach to Steve Reich’s music is rooted in chamber music precision, shared pulse, groove, and a clearly defined ensemble identity. • Concert Honesty began partly as a way to preserve the voices, experiences, and humanity of musicians beyond their résumés and major accomplishments. • Losing his father to ALS shaped Josh’s understanding of memory, grief, recorded sound, and the importance of preserving a person’s voice. Music from the Episode Music for Wood and Strings (Part 1) - Bryce Dessner (Sō Percussion) To the Sky - Caroline Shaw (Sō Percussion) Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part - Caroline Shaw (Sō Percussion) Rectangles and Circumstance - Caroline Shaw (Sō Percussion) About the Podcast The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast about how music gets made and the people who make it. Hosted by musician Brad Williams, the show features thoughtful, musician-to-musician conversations about craft, collaboration, creative process, artistic growth, and life in music. Connect with the Show Questions, comments, or guest suggestions: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

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  Episode #166

  Johnny Owens: Carrying the Bakersfield Sound Forward

  Aug 13, 202627 min

  On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Johnny Owens for a thoughtful conversation about carrying one of country music’s most important legacies into a new generation. As the son of Buck Owens, Johnny has embraced the responsibility of preserving the Bakersfield Sound while creating a live show that celebrates not only the music, but also the memories that come with it. We talk about why classic country music continues to resonate with audiences decades after it was first recorded. Johnny shares how his concerts combine the songs of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, and Hee Haw memories into an experience that reconnects people with important moments from their own lives. For him, success isn’t measured by chart positions—it’s measured by the stories people tell after the show. Our conversation also explores the unique history of the Bakersfield Sound and what separated it from Nashville’s polished productions. Johnny reflects on Buck Owens’ partnership with Don Rich, the influence of Fender Telecasters, the storytelling traditions of artists like Merle Haggard and Marty Robbins, and why today’s younger artists seem to be rediscovering traditional country music. Along the way, we discuss Buck Owens’ relationship with The Beatles, the enduring popularity of “Act Naturally,” Johnny’s new recordings of classic Buck Owens songs, and why kindness, humility, and appreciation for audiences remain at the center of everything he does. It’s a conversation about legacy, gratitude, and the timeless power of songs that tell honest stories. Key Takeaways Johnny Owens sees preserving the Bakersfield Sound as both an honor and a responsibility to his father’s legacy. His concerts focus on creating memories by combining Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam, and Hee Haw into an entertaining live experience. Johnny believes genuine appreciation for fans is one of the defining qualities shared by country music’s greatest artists. We explore the musical differences between the Bakersfield Sound and the Nashville Sound, and why traditional country storytelling continues to endure. Johnny shares the fascinating story behind The Beatles' recording of “Act Naturally” and their admiration for Buck Owens. His new music includes fresh recordings of “Act Naturally,” “Together Again,” an upcoming Christmas release of “Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy,” and a full-length album planned for release. Music from the Episode Act Naturally - Johnny Owens About the Podcast The Bandwich Tapes is a long-form interview podcast where I sit down with musicians, songwriters, producers, and music industry professionals to explore the stories behind the music. Together, we dive into creative process, musical influences, career journeys, collaboration, recording, performance, and the experiences that shape great artists. Connect with the Show Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

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  Episode #167

  Moe Bandy: The Songs That Stand the Test of Time

  Aug 13, 202622 min

  On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with country music legend Moe Bandy for a conversation that spans more than five decades of country music history. We talk about his latest album, Songs I Missed , a collection of classic country songs that he loved for years before finally having the opportunity to record them. Moe shares why revisiting these songs felt fresh all over again and reflects on what it means to honor the originals while making them his own. Our conversation explores the importance of paying your dues in smoky Texas honky tonks, where playing four-hour sets night after night became an education that no classroom could ever provide. Moe explains why those years shaped him as both a singer and performer, and why he still encourages young artists to earn their experience the same way. We also dive into some of the remarkable stories behind his biggest recordings, including how Lefty Frizzell and Whitey Shafer delivered “Bandy the Rodeo Clown,” Conway Twitty’s role in bringing “Hey Joe, Hey Moe” back to life, and the lasting impact of “Till I’m Too Old to Die Young.” Along the way, we discuss songwriting, recording with legendary producer Jimmy Capps, and the emotional weight that certain songs continue to carry decades after they were first released. Finally, Moe reflects on a career that has taken him from South Texas dance halls to the Grand Ole Opry, sharing memories of seeing his heroes waiting in the wings and why, after more than fifty years in country music, performing live still brings him as much joy as ever. Key Takeaways Moe discusses the inspiration behind his new album Songs I Missed and why these longtime favorite songs finally felt right to record. He shares the unforgettable story of Lefty Frizzell calling him in the middle of the night to sing “Bandy the Rodeo Clown” over the telephone. We talk about how years spent playing Texas honky tonks shaped his musicianship and prepared him for a recording career. Moe reflects on the emotional legacy of “Till I’m Too Old to Die Young” and the deeply personal stories fans continue to share with him. He remembers recording with legendary guitarist and producer Jimmy Capps, including their plans for a gospel album that became Thank You Lord . We discuss how Conway Twitty helped inspire the recording of “Hey Joe, Hey Moe.” Moe reflects on more than fifty years in country music and why performing at the Grand Ole Opry remains one of the greatest honors of his career. Songs from the Episode Heartaches By the Number - Moe Bandy About the Podcast The Bandwich Tapes is a long-form interview podcast where I sit down with musicians, songwriters, producers, and music industry veterans to explore the stories behind their careers, creative process, collaborations, and the music they’ve made. Each episode goes beyond the headlines to uncover the experiences, philosophies, and moments that shape an artist’s life and work. Connect with the Show Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

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  Episode #169

  Rex Larkman: Tropidelic, Positive Energy, and the Cleveland Sound

  Aug 13, 202642 min

  On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes , I sit down with Tropidelic drummer Rex Larkman to talk about the band’s new album, First Light , and the musical evolution behind it. Rex joined the Cleveland group in 2018, bringing the intensity of his punk and metal background into Tropidelic’s blend of reggae, rock, ska, funk, and hip-hop. We dig into Rex’s growth as a drummer—from wanting to play everything to recognizing the beauty and difficulty of playing exactly what a song needs. He explains why pocket, restraint, and a strong connection with the bass player matter so much in rhythm-driven music, and why listeners often move more when the drummer leaves space. Rex also takes us inside the making of First Light . Ideas emerged at soundchecks and on the road before being developed with producer Craig Broadhead in Cleveland. Live performances, programmed beats, layered snares, keyboards, and studio experimentation all became part of an album in which every song was allowed to find its own sound. We talk about the danger of quantizing the life out of a drum performance and the importance of allowing music to breathe. Rex describes how Tropidelic transforms its studio recordings for the stage by changing tempos, rearranging sections, adding horn solos, and adjusting set lists from one night to the next. We also discuss Tropidelic’s touring community, the band’s Everwild festival, and the positive message running through the new music. For Rex, the goal is straightforward: work hard, connect with the audience, support the people around you, and give every room a high-energy show that still feels human. Key Takeaways Rex joined Tropidelic in 2018 after becoming part of Cleveland’s local punk and independent music community. His early influences included classic rock, Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, punk, metal, ska, Sublime, Streetlight Manifesto, and Less Than Jake. Playing with Tropidelic taught Rex that restraint can be more challenging—and more musical—than filling every available space. Much of First Light began with short ideas created at soundchecks and developed later with producer Craig Broadhead. The album combines live drums, programmed elements, layered snare sounds, keyboards, effects, and production created in several locations. Rex believes precise editing can remove the natural movement from a performance; everything should feel in time without necessarily sitting perfectly on a grid. Tropidelic regularly reshapes its songs for the stage, changing tempos, shortening arrangements, adding solos, and responding to each audience. Music from the Episode Signals - Tropidelic About the Podcast The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast about music, the people who make it, and the experiences that shape their creative lives. Hosted by musician Brad Williams, each episode offers an honest, thoughtful conversation with artists, producers, engineers, and other members of the musical community. Connect with the Show Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

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