Beth Goodfellow: Time, Space, and the Sound of Reinvention
The Bandwich Tapes · Mar 5, 2026 · 58:10
The Bandwich Tapes · Mar 5, 2026 · 58:10
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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.
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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
