The Bandwich Tapes

In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter CJ Hooper to talk about building songs—and confidence—as an independent artist without rushing the process. We dig into how moving from Texas to Washington shaped his musical perspective, and why honest, story-driven country music seems to resonate no matter where you live.

CJ and I talk about releasing Over Yonder, his second album just a year after his debut, and the surprisingly self-confronting experience of hearing your own voice back in the studio. We also get into early cassette-tape influences, playing in a band with musicians decades older than him, cutting his teeth at open mics, and slowly figuring out how his original songs want to live in the world. It’s a conversation about patience, craft, and letting the work grow naturally—one song at a time.

Music from the Episode:
Burn it Down (CJ Hooper)
Lookie Over Yonder (CJ Hooper)
Rain Song (CJ Hooper)

Thank you for listening. If you have questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please email 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.