On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I catch up with the powerhouse duo Striking Matches (Sarah Zimmermann and Justin Davis). Our conversation weaves together their incredible journey, from garage jams in Georgia and formative years at Belmont University to charting their own artistic path on international stages.
We talk about the early sparks: how a chance pairing at Belmont led to instant musical chemistry, their first gig at the Bluebird Café, and how harmonies, slide guitar, and raw energy shaped their sound.
They share stories from their European tours, traveling light with only two acoustic guitars, and the magic of making a full band’s worth of sound as a duo. We also delve into the impact of having nine original songs placed on ABC’s hit show Nashville, a career-launching moment that opened doors to the Grand Ole Opry, the UK, and even collaborations with T-Bone Burnett and the late, great Michael Rhodes.
We reflect on the craft of songwriting: from following Nashville’s “rules” early on to breaking them with honesty and authenticity. Sarah and Justin discuss chasing their best song yet, recording and producing on their own terms, and creating studio records that capture the energy of their live shows.
There’s nostalgia too, remembering jam sessions with the Rosson family, watching musical heroes like Tommy Emmanuel, and feeling the support of mentors who helped shape their artistry. And, of course, we share plenty of laughs about gear disasters, sushi metaphors, and why less is often more when it comes to making music.
Whether you know them from
Nashville, their stirring live performances, or their new releases, this is a deep, heartfelt conversation about growth, partnership, and what it means to create music that connects.
To learn more about the duo, visit their
website.
Music from the Episode:
Six-String Baby (Striking Matches)
Insincerely (Striking Matches)
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.
What is The Bandwich Tapes?
The Bandwich Tapes is a podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with musicians for thoughtful conversations about the craft of making music.
Each episode explores the experiences, influences, and creative decisions that shape an artist’s work. From improvisation and songwriting to collaboration, recording, and life on the road, the conversations go beyond biography to focus on how music actually gets made.
Guests include instrumentalists, composers, songwriters, and producers from across the musical landscape. The tone is relaxed, curious, and musician-to-musician—an opportunity to hear artists reflect on their process, their collaborators, and the musical moments that have stayed with them.
Whether you're a seasoned musician, a die-hard music fan, or simply someone who loves a good story, The Bandwich Tapes has something for everyone. So, come along for the ride as we explore the magic of music and the incredible journeys of the people who bring it to life.