Welcome to The Bandwich Tapes. I’m Brad Williams, and on this podcast, I sit down with my friends and musical heroes for candid conversations about life, music, and everything in between. We dive deep into the stories behind the songs, explore the highs and lows of the music industry, and celebrate the power of music to inspire, uplift, and bring us together.

Whether you're a seasoned musician, a die-hard music fan, or just someone who loves a good story, The Bandwich Tapes has something for you. I hope you’ll join me on this ride as we explore the magic of music and the incredible journeys of the people who make it.
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Latest Episodes

All Episodes
#68

Rita Bliss

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 performer and a writer.We dive into her songwriting process, the role of the banjo in her music, and the joy (and challenge) of recording and releasing new work. Rita shares some behind-the-scenes stories from recent singles and what it’s like to bring those songs to life in the studio. There’s also a lot of warmth in how she talks about live performances, that real-time connection with an audience that keeps the music breathing and evolving.Originally from New York, Rita has carved out a unique voice in the Americana world with a sound that’s both grounded in tradition and deeply personal. Her thoughtful lyrics, intricate banjo work, and easygoing presence make her a compelling artist to watch. Toward the end of our conversation, we talk about what’s next, from upcoming shows to future releases, and it’s clear that Rita Bliss is just getting started.To learn more about Rita, please visit her website. Music from the episode:Peaches & Apple Pie (Rita Bliss)Drive You to Kentucky (Rita Bliss)Best Bar in Texas (Rita Bliss)We Will Sing (Rita Bliss)Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com.The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy. 
#65

Dr. Brett Dietz

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 teaching for over two decades. He reflects on the evolution of the percussion studio, the effects of the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic on student development, and how the landscape of music education has shifted over the years.We delve into teaching philosophies and how Brett identifies the most minor technical issues that unlock major improvements, and why teaching is ultimately about remembering what it's like to struggle. We also cover the deceptively complex art of triangle and tambourine playing, and how Brett balances classical rigor with kindness and adaptability.And then there's Brett the composer. He shares the backstory behind his works, such as Sharpened Stick and Headcase, and how his early days in a high school garage band with Doug Perkins (yes, that Doug Perkins) led to a lifelong love of composing. He discusses studying under legends like Stanley Leonard, David Stock, and J. Allen Yim, and how those mentors shaped his artistic voice.Whether you're a percussionist, a teacher, or just someone who loves stories about finding your path and making an impact, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and some great laughs.To learn more about Brett, visit his website.  Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com.The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy. 
#64

Chad Jeffers

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 business and marketing at Belmont, he landed an internship with Reba McEntire’s company, which gave him a behind-the-scenes education in the industry. From there, his career took off, touring with The Wilkinsons, signing with RCA as part of Pinmonkey, and later joining Carrie Underwood’s band.We discuss his experiences performing everywhere from Vegas residencies to overseas military tours, and the lessons he has learned along the way about professionalism, collaboration, and being someone others want to work with. Chad also shares how his creative energy has led him into real estate, where he now helps clients with the same focus and passion he brings to the stage.He even tells us about a new online course he has developed to help entrepreneurs prepare for client meetings, drawing unexpected yet powerful parallels between stage presence and business success.To learn more about Chat, visit his website at chadjeffers.com.Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com.The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.