The Bandwich Tapes

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with Matt Mundy to discuss his incredible musical journey, which is deeply rooted in family heritage and a love for bluegrass. We dive into the evolution of bluegrass music, breaking down the role of various instruments and how academic influences have helped shape modern sounds.

Matt opens up about his early years in music, playing with family, and the joy of making music together. He also shares some memorable stories, including his experiences playing with Wendy Bagwell and his later transition to working with Bruce Hampton and the Aquarium Rescue Unit. We talk about the significance of rhythm in bluegrass, the importance of being a team player, and how the lessons he learned from his bandmates helped shape his playing style.

We even discuss some of Matt’s collaborations with well-known musicians like Bela Fleck, the rise of jam bands, and how he handles performance anxiety—a common challenge for so many in the music world. Matt also talks about teaching as a way to understand music on a deeper level and reflects on the joy of passing on his love for music to younger players.

Music from the Episode:
Up and Running (Béla Fleck)
Goldrush (Mark & Matt Mundy)
Stomp (Mark & Matt Mundy)
Dead Presidents (Bruce Hampton & the Aquarium Rescue Unit)
The Landing (Béla Fleck)
Mo' Better Blues (Mark Mundy, Matt Mundy, Jeff Sipe, & Brad Williams)

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at [email protected]. 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 thrilled to talk with my lifelong friend, Tim Hamilton.  Tim is an incredible steel guitar player and one of the best musicians I have ever been lucky enough to play with.  We talk about his early years and how the steel guitar came into his life.  We also talk about the many mutual heroes that shaped who we are as musicians. 

Tim has a wealth of knowledge of music, and I know you will enjoy his words.

Thank you for tuning in! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. And please spread the word about the show!

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