The Bandwich Tapes – Details, episodes & analysis

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down to talk to my best buddy, my son, Skyler Williams.  Skyler is an incredible musician and my favorite drummer.  We discuss his musical history and playing opportunities.  We also touch on burnout, dealing with difficult bandleaders, and stepping away from music.

Skyler studied percussion performance at Louisiana State University and was a member of Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and the Golden Band from Tigerland.  He has studied with Jack Bell, Dr. Brett Dietz, Shawn Galvin, and Stanton Moore.

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please spread the word about the show!

The theme song, "Playcation," was written by Mark Mundy.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mark Little.  Mark is an incredible Atlanta-based drummer, percussionist, and educator.  Our paths first crossed when he was my drumline instructor during a marching band camp in the 1990s.  Since then, we have been in a few situations together where we were either teaching or playing music. 

Mark possesses a deep knowledge of music and how to communicate to the next generation of performers.  We discuss his path as a player and many of the overlapping people and places that have been instrumental in both of our developments as musicians.   

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please spread the word about the show!

The theme song, "Playcation," was written by Mark Mundy.

In the second installment of a three-part episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my son, Skyler, for a heartfelt and meaningful conversation about our shared musical journeys. In this episode, I dive into my gap year after high school, during which I taught drum lines and percussion ensembles. I talk about the challenges I faced as a teacher and how they shaped my understanding of communication and connection. From there, I reflect on my time at Belmont University, where I studied classical and commercial music. One standout memory from those days was playing John Cage's Third Construction and the invaluable lessons that came with it.

I also share stories from my time playing gigs on a cruise ship, a job that pushed me in ways I hadn't expected. It was demanding, but it prepared me for the next phase of my musical journey—transitioning to bass guitar. That shift opened up new opportunities and gave me a different perspective on music. I talk about how playing bass connected me with some incredible musicians and the importance of locking in with great drummers to really understand rhythm and groove.

Throughout the episode, I reflect on my experiences playing alongside musicians like Tommy Dodd and Scott Meeder. Each one left a mark on my career, teaching me lessons I carry with me to this day. I also talk about the importance of chemistry on stage and how those connections often extend beyond the music. Wrapping it all up, I share my gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met along the way.

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please spread the word about the show!

The theme song, "Playcation," was written by Mark Mundy.

In this three-part episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my son, Skyler, for a heartfelt and meaningful conversation about our shared musical journeys. I reflect on my early experiences, from singing at the Georgia Mountain Fair to my time on Star Search and recording an album in Nashville. I also talk about learning percussion and how my lessons with Tim Howard shaped my approach to music.

Skyler and I explore the balance between utility and creativity in our craft, discussing how mentorship, practice, accountability, and flexibility have contributed to our growth as musicians. We also delve into the importance of exploring different genres and attending live performances, highlighting the transformative power of music and the connections it fosters.

It’s an episode filled with personal stories, lessons learned, and the unique bond between father and son. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please spread the word about the show!

The theme song, "Playcation," was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with my long-time friend and collaborator, Shannon Wickline. We take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about our enduring friendship and all the musical projects we've worked on together. Shannon shares his journey as a music producer, explaining how he can turn simple demos into polished, professional tracks. We also dive into his impressive multi-instrumental talents—whether it's keyboards, guitar, or steel guitar, Shannon plays them all with skill and authenticity.

Our conversation touches on the role of technology in music production, but we both agree there's nothing like the genuine feel of playing real instruments. We swap stories about our experiences in various music scenes, from Atlanta to Nashville, and reflect on the gigs we've played together. I get to hear Shannon talk about working with some amazing musicians, like John McKnight and James Otto, and he even shares what it was like playing with the legendary Charlie Daniels.

As we chat, it's clear that the connection between musicians runs deep, and there's a special joy in making music together. Shannon opens up about his transition into the Charlie Daniels Band and the incredible support he's received from fans. He also discusses the thrill of playing alongside legends like Chuck Leavell and Bruce Hornsby.

In the final part of our conversation, Shannon delves into his passion for music and his drive to be as versatile as possible. He shares his love for the B3 organ and how it's become a crucial part of his sound. We wrap things up by reflecting on the power of music to evoke emotions and the pure joy that comes from connecting with other musicians.

You can find out more about Shannon on his social media profiles (@shannonwicklinemusic).

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please spread the word about the show!

The theme song, "Playcation," was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with musician Brent Paschke to dive into his music career and work in music education.

Brent Paschke is a guitarist, producer, songwriter, and author based in Los Angeles, California. He is best known as Pharrell Williams’ guitarist, having worked with the singer/songwriter/producer since 2001. Paschke accompanies Williams in the studio and on tour, and his guitar performances appear on such Pharrell projects as G I R L (2015 Grammy winner for Best Urban Contemporary Album) and Hidden Figures: The Album (2017 Golden Globe nominee for Best Original Score). Brent has also worked with Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Chris Brown, New Kids on the Block, Kelly Clarkson, and many other artists.

We talk about his time with Spymob, the educational materials he's developed, and why rhythm is such a crucial element in music. We also explore the origins of the album Memphis and how traditional country music has influenced it. Brent shares his experiences working with various bands and artists, including Spymob and N.E.R.D. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to their unique sound without compromising artistic integrity. We also discuss his transition to remote recording sessions and the advantages and challenges that come with it. Brent opens up about his working process with Pharrell Williams and the trust they've built over the years. We also discuss his recent work with Johnny Smoke and their upcoming album.

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please spread the word about the show!

Our theme song, "Playcation," was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I had the pleasure of sitting down with singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Krahula. I recently stumbled upon his music and was instantly hooked.

Matt Krahula, currently based in Honolulu, HI, is a true musical talent. He’s the bassist for Grammy-nominated artist Henry Kapono, the lead singer of The Nightmare River Band, and one half of the Chamber Folk duo Beyond Hope, alongside Canadian singer-fiddler Sierra Noble. After years of touring across the mainland and immersing himself in New York City’s vibrant music scene, Matt decided to plant new roots in sunny Waikiki. Since 2018, he’s become one of Hawaii's most sought-after artists, securing residencies at some of Oahu’s top venues and opening for major acts like Silver Sun Pickups, Frank Turner, Mike Love, Jerry Santos, and Keola Beamer.

Matt's musical journey began at the Purchase Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Classical Music Performance on Upright Bass. Over the past 15 years, he’s toured extensively, written, and recorded music, playing over 500 shows with his band. He’s shared the stage with acts like Old Man Markley, The Last Bandoleros, Boy & Bear, Matt Simons, Tokyo Police Club, and Robert Ellis. His talent has earned him a nomination for an Independent Music Award for Best Alt-Folk Song of the Year, and his music has been featured in TV shows like 9-1-1 on Fox, American Pickers, Showtime's Gigolos, NHL broadcasts, and various commercial campaigns.

Since making Hawaii his home, Matt has built a solid reputation as a dependable sideman. He’s a full-time member of Henry Kapono's legendary Wild Hawaiian Band and the resident bassist for Hawaii's premier bluegrass band, Hook + Line, as well as the indie rockers, 7 Pairs of Iron Shoes.
He’s also had the privilege of playing with celebrated artists such as Sistah Robi Kahakalau (Grammy Nominee), Tavana, Josh Tatofi (Hoku Award Winner), Kimie Miner (Grammy Nominee), Alx Kawakami, John Cruz, Keola Beamer, and Brother Noland (of Pineapple Express fame).

You can check out more about Matt at krahula.com.  

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, feel free to reach out to me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. And please, spread the word about the show!

Our theme song, "Playcation," was written by Mark Mundy.

In this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I speak with my friend, Kenny Head, a talented musician and keyboard player. We reminisce about how we met and the years of playing music together. Kenny shares his experiences playing with different bands and emphasizes the importance of enjoying the gigs and appreciating fellow musicians. We also discuss his musical influences like Floyd Cramer, Chuck Leavell, and Billy Preston. Kenny reflects on his early years as a musician and his move to Tampa. We also discuss his gigs with artists like John Berry and The Georgia Satellites.

We recall past gigs, the talented musicians we've played with, the challenges of performing live, and the importance of staying sharp and prepared. Kenny shares his approach to playing piano and the significance of ear training. We discuss the influence of artists like Joni Mitchell and Crosby, Stills, and Nash on our music. The conversation ends with a heartfelt appreciation for each other and a desire to continue playing music together.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I'm catching up with Drew Simpson, one of my favorite drummers on the planet. We're diving into our musical journey together, reminiscing how Drew first got into percussion playing in his dad's band and his early lessons. We then reflect on our time playing together in Mount Pisgah and the profound impact of our drummer-bass player dynamic.

Drew shares some incredible stories from his touring days with Blast and Aida, giving us a peek into the theatrical magic of those performances. We also delve into his adventures touring in China, discussing the unique challenges and unforgettable moments on stage there.

Later, Drew opens up about his experiences playing in Broadway musicals like Blast and navigating the intricacies of being a sub in such demanding productions. He also touches on his fulfilling time teaching elementary school music, emphasizing the role of singing and percussion instruments in shaping young musicians' foundations. It's a conversation packed with insights and fond musical memories that I'm excited to share.

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am thrilled to talk with my friend Kevin Wyglad.  Kevin and I met years ago and have since played many gigs together.  He is a talented multi-instrumentalist and an incredible singer. 

We discuss his musical beginnings and the people and experiences that shaped his musical skills and tastes. We also talk about our friendship and the importance of relationships in music. It is one of the most honest and heartfelt conversations on the podcast. I am sure you will take something away from Kevin's wise words. 

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please get in touch with me at brad@thebandwichtapes.com. Please tell your friends about the show.

The theme song, Playcation, was written by Mark Mundy.