On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with drummer and composer Beth Goodfellow, a musician whose touch, curiosity, and musical sensitivity have made her a sought-after collaborator across genres.
We begin with her long musical relationship with Iron & Wine, and how working with Sam Beam has shaped the way she thinks about rhythm and ensemble playing. Beth shares how Sam’s drummer-minded approach to guitar creates a uniquely interactive musical space, and why that dynamic has been such a natural fit for her instincts as a drummer.
We also talk about Beth’s recent move from Los Angeles to Tucson, Arizona, a shift that has reinvigorated her creative life. After spending nearly 350 of 500 days on the road, she made the intentional decision to lower her overhead, slow down, and build space for new creative work. Tucson’s vibrant music community—connected to artists like Calexico and Giant Sand—has quickly become a new source of inspiration.
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation is Beth’s marimba looping project. What began as a pandemic experiment—exploring Steve Reich–inspired patterns she could sing over—has grown into a fully realized live performance concept. She explains her intentionally simple setup (two SM57s and a Boss looper) and how she’s now expanding the music into a band context.
Along the way, we explore her journey through trad jazz gigs in Northern California, classical percussion studies at San Jose State, touring with the Air Force National Guard Band, restaurant gigs that taught her the art of playing softly, and recording live with pianist Matt Rollings at Valentine Studios. It’s a conversation about nuance, groove, mentorship, loss, and the importance of carving out time and space to build something of your own.
Key Takeaways
- Why Beth Goodfellow’s musical chemistry with Iron & Wine works so naturally
- How moving from Los Angeles to Tucson reshaped her creative life
- The story behind her marimba looping project and minimalist gear setup
- Lessons learned from early trad jazz gigs and restaurant performances
- Recording live in the room with Matt Rollings at Valentine Studios
- What it means to step fully into your own artistic lane after years as a collaborator
People Mentioned
- Beth Goodfellow
- Sam Beam (Iron & Wine)
- Matt Rollings
- Steve Reich
- Artists connected to Calexico
- Artists connected to Giant Sand
Music from the Episode:
- Reconnecting the Disconnect (Beth Goodfellow)
- Shut Up Moon (Part 2) (Beth Goodfellow)
- Travellers Prayer (Beth Goodfellow)
- San Joaquin (Beth Goodfellow)
- Groove with a View (Matt Rollings)
About the Podcast
The Bandwich Tapes explores the craft of music through thoughtful conversations with the artists who make it. Each episode dives into creative process, collaboration, touring life, and the stories behind the music.
Connect with the Show
If you have questions, feedback, or ideas for future guests, feel free to reach out:
📧 brad@thebandwichtapes.com
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.