Trey Hensley: Feel, Fire, and Finding the Next Chapter

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with guitarist, singer, and songwriter Trey Hensley, and it’s a conversation I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. Trey has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying acoustic guitar players around, and we talk about the moment he finds himself in now—stepping back into a solo role after a decade performing as part of a duo. He’s candid about what that transition felt like at first and how embracing that shift has opened the door to new creative possibilities.

A big part of our conversation centers on feel and energy in recordings. Trey and I dig into why so many of the records we love breathe and move in ways that feel alive—often recorded without a click track—and why some of that electricity can disappear when studio perfection becomes the goal. It’s a thoughtful discussion about spontaneity, musical trust, and the value of leaving room for human feel.

We also talk about his upcoming album Can’t Outrun the Blues, releasing March 6. The record leans heavily into an acoustic-forward sound, with most of the performances captured live in the room and minimal overdubs. Trey shares how the project came together, the importance of strong songs at the center of it all, and the collaborators who helped bring the music to life.

Then we look ahead to another exciting chapter: a new electric, country-leaning project with guitarist Brian Sutton. Trey talks about what it feels like to plug in again after years of acoustic focus, the mix of intimidation and inspiration that comes from playing alongside someone like Brian, and how his time on electric guitar has quietly shaped the way he approaches the acoustic instrument.

Along the way, we also get into the realities of modern musicianship—social media and the pressure to produce “content,” stage sound challenges like wedges versus in-ears, bluegrass timing tendencies, and the ongoing challenge of simply hearing yourself onstage. It’s a conversation about music, but also about identity, growth, and trusting your instincts as an artist.

Key Takeaways

• What it’s like for Trey Hensley to return to a solo role after a decade performing in a duo.
• Why many of the most beloved recordings breathe without a click track.
• The philosophy behind recording Can’t Outrun the Blues mostly live in the room.
• How focusing on songs first shaped the direction of the new record.
• The creative spark—and challenge—of working with Brian Sutton on a more electric project.
• How playing electric guitar has influenced Trey’s acoustic phrasing and tone.
• Real-world musician topics: social media pressure, stage monitoring (wedges vs. in-ears), and bluegrass timing tendencies.

Music from the Episode

• Can’t Outrun the Blues — Trey Hensley
• One White Line at a Time — Trey Hensley
• Tucson — Trey Hensley

About the Podcast

The Bandwich Tapes is a long-form conversation podcast where host Brad Williams sits down with some of the most thoughtful musicians, composers, and artists working today. The show explores the stories behind the music—creative process, collaboration, career paths, and the human experiences that shape the sounds we love.

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