On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I am joined by my longtime friend and fantastic drummer and producer, Brian Stephens. Brian and I talk about how we met and some gigs we have played together over the years. We also discuss his drumset approach, whether live or in the studio.
Brian Stephens is the sort of creative professional who has always lived several different lives simultaneously.

For more than 25 years, Brian has been a full-time freelance drummer, audio engineer, studio producer, music educator, leading-edge technologist, AV consultant, serial entrepreneur, multimedia content creator, and brand ambassador.
When not on the road, Brian can be found tracking drums, engineering and producing music projects, and mixing and mastering all sorts of client projects at his own studio, Secret Cove Studios, in Atlanta, Georgia.

His studio work has appeared on TV, film, and radio including ABC, Disney+, Fox Sports, MTV, NPR, and Sirius/XM.

Brian currently runs his own online drum school, The Drum Corner and Fader Jocks Pro, an online training site for audio engineers. He is also teaching privately, both from his own studio and at the Buford Academy of Music in Buford, Georgia.

He is also the host of two podcasts: Dial-A-Drummer, a podcast for drummers, and Fader Jocks, a podcast specifically for anyone involved in the worlds of audio recording and live sound.

Brian is also a brand ambassador and clinician for Session Ace, Paiste cymbals, ProMark drumsticks & accessories, Evans drumheads, Puresound snare wires, and Waves Audio DAW plug-ins.

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 the incredibly talented Carolyn Kendrick—singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and all-around creative powerhouse. We dive into her musical journey and influences and get the inside scoop on her upcoming album, Each Machine. Carolyn and I chat about how technology and AI are shaping the music industry, the essential role rhythm plays in songwriting, and the unique collaborative spirit of the fiddling community. She also opens up about her creative process, the concept behind her new album, and her experiences at Berklee’s American Roots program. This conversation is a deep dive into where traditional meets modern and how community shapes the arts.

Carolyn Kendrick is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, fiddler, guitarist, and producer. After many happy years on the road as a side musician, Kendrick has blossomed as a solo artist since issuing her debut EP, Tear Things Apart, in 2020. Heralded as “hauntingly lovely” (Paste Magazine), you won’t want to miss a Carolyn Kendrick live performance.

After graduating from Berklee College of Music, Kendrick crisscrossed the country with her former duo project, The Page Turners. She has shared the stage with beloved artists such as Darol Anger, Bruce Molsky, Aoife O’Donovan, Kaia Kater, Hannah Read, Margo Price, The Clements Brothers, and Jacksonport. She has played festivals such as Newport Folk Festival, Greyfox Bluegrass Festival, Savannah Music Festival, and won awards such as the Freshgrass ‘Best Duo’ Award, The Fletcher Bright Award, and was the Fall 2023 Composer In Residence at the University of the Pacific.

In addition to her songwriting career, Kendrick is active in the Bluegrass and Old-Time fiddle scene and produced and written music for the award-winning podcasts You’re Wrong About (Podcast of the Year, iHeart Radio) and You Are Good.

Her forthcoming album, Each Machine, is a collection of traditional and original political folk songs inspired by her time researching The Satanic Panic for the history podcast You’re Wrong About. These songs are modern, electric re-imaginings of hymns, murder ballads, pagan chanting, and even songs of devil-worship. The first single, The Devil’s Nine Questions, is available for pre-order now and will be released October 1st, 2024.

The full album, both physical + digital copies, as well as an accompanying zine of behind-the scenes photography and essays, will be released 12.6.24 on High Occulture Records.

To learn more about Carolyn, please visit carolynkendrick.com.

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 am honored to speak with my friend, Wilson Braswell. Wilson is an incredible guitar player and singer and one of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of playing with. He and I worked in a band together in the mid-2000s and played many gigs together.

We discuss his beginnings, influences, and some of the formative gigs throughout his career. We discuss the evolution of musical tastes, great musicians' impact, and the joy of live performances. Wilson shares his insights on the music industry, the significance of passion, and the value of experience as we look ahead to the future of music. The conversation is filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a deep appreciation for the art of music.

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.

Hello! I am taking a short break to meet with more amazing musicians and record our conversations. The Bandwich Tapes will be back on Monday, October 14th.

In the meantime, please tell your friends to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other outlets.

Thanks for listening!

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 final 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.

We continue our discussion about the many incredible musicians and bands I have been fortunate enough to play in. We also discuss meeting George Sandler and how that relationship led to us forming The Deliverymen. We discuss my time with Across the Wide and my personal and professional love and respect for Mark Mundy & Jody Abernathy.

Lastly, we discuss playing with Shaky Jane and the incredible Steve Ward.

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 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.