On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth & the Catapult, and at the time of this conversation, she’s about to release her new album. Now that the record is officially out in the world, we get to talk about everything that went into bringing it to life.
We begin right at that moment, standing on the edge of a release. Elizabeth describes the feeling of finally letting go of a project after years of writing, recording, and refining, comparing it to sending something deeply personal out into the world and hoping it finds its place.
From there, we dig into how this album differs from her past work. What started as scattered home recordings across multiple cities eventually became a deeply collaborative project, bringing together friends, choir members, and longtime collaborators. It’s a record shaped not just by sound, but by movement, transition, and a desire to reconnect after a period of isolation.
We also spend time talking about something that really resonates: the balance between perfectionism and letting go. Elizabeth shares how some songs took years to finish, while others were written and recorded quickly, and how learning to trust both processes has been a major part of her growth as an artist.
There’s also a fascinating conversation about the realities of being an independent artist today, the tension between creating meaningful work and navigating the demands of social media, promotion, and constant visibility. Elizabeth speaks candidly about that push and pull, and how she tries to stay grounded in what actually matters: the music and the connection it creates.
One of my favorite moments in this episode is going full circle, talking about seeing her live back in 2009 at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta. That moment becomes a springboard into reflecting on a nearly 20-year career, and how her perspective on music has shifted from “this is hard” to “I get to do this.”
We also explore her background, from classical piano and Manhattan School of Music competitions to Berklee, where she found her artistic voice and began collaborating with musicians like Esperanza Spalding. Along the way, we talk about film scoring, directing a women’s choir, and the many creative paths that continue to shape her work.
This is a conversation about evolution, perspective, and learning to hold both discipline and freedom at once.
Key Takeaways
- Elizabeth Ziman’s new album is now out, marking a deeply collaborative and expansive creative chapter.
- The project began as home recordings across multiple cities before evolving into a full studio production.
- Balancing perfectionism with spontaneity has become central to her songwriting process.
- The modern music landscape presents both opportunities and challenges, especially around visibility and promotion.
- Nearly 20 years into her career, her perspective has shifted toward gratitude and creative freedom.
- Her background in classical piano and Berklee continues to influence her work today.
- Collaborating across disciplines—film scoring, choir directing, and teaching—feeds her creativity.
Music from the Episode
- Responsible Friend - Elizabeth and the Catapult
- 50/50 - Elizabeth and the Catapult
- Bored of Myself - Elizabeth and the Catapult
- I Love You Still - Elizabeth and the Catapult
About the Podcast
The Bandwich Tapes is my chance to sit down with musicians, songwriters, and creative artists for thoughtful conversations about their craft, their journey, and the experiences that shape the music we hear.
Connect with the Show
Email: contact@thebandwichtapes.com