On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Deer Fellow, the Austin-based duo of Alyssa and Matt, for a conversation about harmony, songwriting, production, and the creative life of a working independent band.
Their new full-length album, Hues, is built around the idea of emotional color. We talk about how that concept developed, how songs from different points in their writing lives found a home together, and how video games, travel, nature, and everyday life all find their way into their creative process.
Alyssa and Matt also talk about the practical and musical challenges of being a duo. Their sound is remarkably full, both live and on record, and we dig into how they use looping, synth, violin, guitar, vocals, and production choices to create something expansive without making it feel crowded.
This conversation also gets into the reality of being full-time musicians in Austin: the gigs that pay the bills, the shows that feed the soul, the pressure of social media, and the persistence it takes to keep growing while staying connected to the music itself.
Key Takeaways
• Deer Fellow began after Alyssa and Matt met at an open mic and discovered a natural vocal chemistry.
• Their album Hues is centered around emotional color and includes songs written across many different seasons of their lives.
• The song “Easier” was their first full song written together from start to finish.
• The album’s “Between Shades” interludes are built from pieces of existing songs, highlighting vocals, violin, and guitar.
• Alyssa and Matt recorded the album at home, then sent the tracks out for mixing and mastering.
• The duo format has pushed them to become stronger arrangers, performers, and producers.
• Austin has challenged them professionally while also giving them community, grit, and access to support systems for working musicians.
Music from the Episode
- Fool For You - Deer FellowInvisible - Deer Fellow
- Between Shades (Part One) - Deer Fellow
- Beautiful Grey - Deer Fellow
- Pep in My Step - Deer Fellow
- Hues - Deer Fellow
About the Podcast
The Bandwich Tapes is a music interview podcast hosted by Brad Williams. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with musicians, songwriters, composers, producers, and artists about craft, collaboration, creative process, musical identity, and the way music actually gets made.
The Bandwich Tapes is a music interview podcast hosted by Brad Williams. Each episode features thoughtful conversations with musicians, songwriters, composers, producers, and artists about craft, collaboration, creative process, musical identity, and the way music actually gets made.
Connect with the Show
Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com
Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com