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.

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 to becoming a trusted name in Nashville’s production scene. We discuss her beginnings as a session engineer, the lessons she learned from top producers, and how she built a career by combining technical precision with a deep understanding of artists’ needs. She talks about her work on TV and film projects, including George & Tammy, Nashville, The Old Man, and the indie film Downtown Owl.

What stood out to me in our conversation was Rachael’s clear commitment to collaboration and service. She sees music production as a people-first business and takes pride in delivering on an artist’s vision, sometimes in unconventional ways, but always with heart. From navigating the pandemic to shaping organic sounds across genres like country, Americana, indie, and rock, Rachael’s story is a testament to adaptability, creativity, and love for the craft.

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.

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 recording and venue acoustics, and how creativity, flexibility, and technology are reshaping the field. We also reflect on the importance of great teachers, the value of building a strong repertoire, and the ongoing role education plays in both our lives.

Will’s passion for percussion extends far beyond performance—he’s a dedicated educator, chamber musician, and author. His contributions to the percussion community have had a lasting impact, and I was grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper into his story.

About William James:
William James is the Principal Percussionist of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. He won the position at just 25, following studies at Northwestern University and the New England Conservatory. A versatile performer and educator, Will has played with top orchestras across the country, given solo recitals, taught masterclasses nationwide, and authored The Modern Concert Snare Drum Roll.

You can learn more about William at: williamjamespercussion.com

Music from the Episode:
Scirocco (Michael Burritt)

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.

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 with him all these years later was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.

We delve into some of his most memorable collaborations, the evolution of his work as a producer and educator, and the joy he derives from mentoring the next generation of musicians. Throughout our chat, we discuss the art of musical collaboration, the emotional interplay between players, and how listening—really listening—is at the heart of great music-making.

We also share our reflections and journeys through sobriety, vulnerability's role in life and art, and why curiosity and flexibility have remained core to his creative process. I'm excited to share this inspiring, thoughtful, and profoundly musical conversation with you.

Learn more about Matt at: mattrollings.com.

Music from the Episode:
Groove With a View (Matt Rollings)
I'm Little But I'm Loud (Brad Williams)
El Padre de Papagallos (Matt Rollings)
North Dakota (Lyle Lovett)
Nobody Knows Me (Lyle Lovett)

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.

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 playing with The Jerry Douglas Band.

He also shares his personal life, including his incredibly talented wife, and the joys and challenges of life as a touring musician. We talk about what it’s like to transition from sideman to bandleader, the importance of staying authentic as an artist, and the excitement surrounding his upcoming solo album.

This conversation highlights the deep relationships and growth that happen through music, and I came away inspired by Mike’s humility, insight, and passion for the craft. I’m thrilled to share this one with you.

You can learn more about Mike at mikesealmusic.com.

Music from the Episode:
Trumpets (Jeff Sipe Trio)
Naima (Jeff Sipe Trio)
While My Guitar Gently Weeps (Jerry Douglas Band)

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.

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 sounds in the '90s, and Tim reflects on how crucial it is for a musician to have a signature sound.

We also talk about his time playing in the house band at Cowboys in Kennesaw, Georgia—some great stories there—along with the memorable artists he worked with and the curveballs that come with live shows. From starstruck moments to behind-the-scenes stories about the camaraderie among musicians, Tim brings warmth, wisdom, and a lot of heart.

We also reflect on the lessons we’ve learned from seasoned players, the changes in the Nashville scene, and just how much community and connection shape our lives in music.

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed catching up with Tim. This one’s packed with stories, insights, and plenty of laughs.

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.

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 creative process, this episode is filled with humor, nostalgia, and insight. It’s a celebration of friendship, growth, and the music that keeps us moving forward.

Thank you for listening! If you have any feedback or questions, or just want to say hi, reach out at info@thebandwichtapes.com — and please help spread the word about the show!

Theme music: "Playcation" by Mark Mundy

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 difficulty of performing while sick, how a small local gig blossomed into a beloved community event, and the constant learning and adapting required to grow as a performer.

We also reflect on the deep joy of live performance and the camaraderie that develops among musicians. Michael recounts hilarious onstage mishaps, the importance of shifting musical styles on the fly, and what it's like to play alongside iconic artists. The conversation highlights the shared bond that makes playing music live a rewarding experience.

Later, we explore the nuances of vocal technique, natural ability, and the physical demands of performing. We also discuss the dynamics of working in agency bands, the pressures of constant gigging, and how musicians make decisions to protect their health as they age. This is a rich, honest look at the realities of life in music and what keeps us coming back to it.

Thank you for listening! If you have any feedback, questions, or want to say hi, contact info@thebandwichtapes.com. Please help spread the word about the show!

Theme music: "Playcation" by Mark Mundy