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PODCAST

First Spin

Hey, I’m Hayden Thomas—musician, lifelong music fan, and the guy who still makes mixtapes for road trips.First Spin is my weekly interview show where I sit down with emerging artists who I genuinely believe are doing something special. You might not know their names yet, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to change that.This show isn’t about hype. It’s about real conversations—about the first gigs, the late-night doubts, the sound that finally clicks. It’s a space for new voices to tell

music music interviews

All Episodes

45:38

American Fraternity on masculinity, LA Hedonism, and...

First Spin ·

2026/04/13

This week I sit down with Noah Thomas who releases music under the name American Fraternity. Noah and I talked about his brief experience in Greek life, graduating college during Covid, life in Los Angeles, and the importance of displaying confidence. You can catch American Fraternity live in Los Angeles on May 13th! Songs featured in this episode: Nights Like This In Your Room Sometimes California (Is Heavy On My Mind) If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick re...

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51:34

Wesley Phipps on leaving Houston, driving to Ohio,...

First Spin ·

2026/03/30

On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Wesley Phipps, current Belmont University student who just released his first EP, "Worst Of It." Wesley and I chat about how the guitar helped him overcome depression as a kid, life since leaving Dallas for Nashville, and wanting to do it all. Songs featured in this episode: Few Reasons Drive to Ohio Curtains Leaving Houston Still Gone If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ...

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43:12

HAFFWAY (Live at The Moroccan Lounge)

First Spin ·

2026/03/16

In this special, first-of-its-kind episode, Hayden sits down with HAFFWAY (Sam Westhoff) for a conversation before his headlining show at The Moroccan Lounge on February 12, 2025. Sam talks about almost giving up, writing for himself, mental health, the recent coverage in Rolling Stone, his latest album 'Wither.' If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ways to help new listeners find the show. And if you want to hear more artists wor...

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47:38

Seth Beamer: "The Song Is In Control"

First Spin ·

2026/03/09

This week I sit down with Colorado-raised, Nashville-living, Montana-loving Seth Beamer. Seth and I talk about his time in the Denver music scene, why he left for Nashville, writing for syncs, how Spotify numbers influence things and how he balances running a business while promoting his music. Songs featured in this episode: Drive You Can't Change Me Picture Perfect Ready To Go The Runaround If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best wa...

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58:53

Tourneforte's James Uzzel on Myrtle Beach, Carolina...

First Spin ·

2026/02/23

This week I sit down with James Uzzel of the Carolina Emo band Tourneforte. James details finding his people in the Myrtle Beach music scene (not as easy as you'd hope), traveling to New Jersey to make albums, sustained growth vs. viral moments, working on an HBO series and his love of a short n' sweet pop star. Songs included in this episode: Minnesota May First Centerfold Make Good Epilogue If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the bes...

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45:55

Emily James on oversharing, romance, and continuing...

First Spin ·

2026/02/09

This week I sit down with Emily James, who's breakout song 'Brooklyn' has been on nearly every playlist I've made in the last 3 years. Emily opens up about the success of that song, her upcoming LP 'Summer Nostalgia' (and why it shares a name with last years' EP), the line between vulnerability and oversharing, and making romance out of life. Songs featured in this episode: Uncommon Sense Blueprint Brooklyn Song for Bryan Picture It Underdog If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot ...

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45:40

Welcome Stranger on Craigslist, Fleet Foxes and their...

First Spin ·

2026/01/26

This week I sit down with Zach Sweeney and Alex Forsythe of the indie-folk group, Welcome Stranger. We dive into the history of the band and the Craigslist ad that spawned it, the process of writing songs, the influence of growing up in an Evangelical Christian home, experimenting with Tik Toks, and keeping your job and music separate. Songs featured in this Episode: These Things Take Their Time Won't Be Around Half A Man You Need Me If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you...

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62:16

Ovven on the Peace Corps, OJ, and the influence of Wilco

First Spin ·

2026/01/19

This week on First Spin I sit down with Owen Burton, the creative force behind the band Ovven as he shares his journey from growing up in the Chicago burbs, his experiences in the Peace Corps, and the evolution of his music career. He reflects on the influence of classical guitar on his songwriting, the impact of a life-changing concert, and the importance of embracing personal embarrassment in his art. Owen also discusses the challenges of navigating the industry, balancing multiple roles, a...

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36:06

Nikki Falk on love songs, analog promotion, and the...

First Spin ·

2026/01/12

In this conversation, Nikki Falk, a singer-songwriter originally from Hawaii, shares her journey into music, discussing her move to California (by way of Australia), using music to connect, and the importance of community in the music scene. She reflects on the emotional connections her music creates with listeners and the vulnerability involved in performing. Nikki also addresses the impact of digital promotion in the music industry and her desire to explore more analog methods especially as...

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49:32

Will Overman on divorce, Tik Tok kids, and the...

First Spin ·

2026/01/05

In this episode, musician Will Overman shares his journey from Virginia to Nashville, detailing the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in music. Will opens up about his experiences in the service industry, the impact of his divorce, and the decision to move to Nashville to further his music career. He reflects on the evolving music industry, the role of streaming, and the importance of live performances. The conversation also delves into Will's songwriting process, his inspirations,...

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35:38

Range Life: recording studios, AI, and the influence...

First Spin ·

2025/12/15

In this conversation, Mike Chiarappa discusses the evolution of his music project, Range Life, from a solo endeavor to a collaborative band effort. He shares insights about the vibrant music scene in Asbury Park, the importance of collaboration in songwriting, and the challenges of recording music. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in music production, the dynamics of the modern music industry, and the excitement surrounding upcoming releases. Mike reflects on his influences, the ...

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39:40

Gursday: slow pitch softball, Bogeyland, and the...

First Spin ·

2025/12/01

Hayden interviews Danny and Jesse from the Long Island band Gursday about their origins, creative process, and lives outside of music. The conversation opens with the story behind the unusual band name, which started as an inside joke and became a deliberate choice to stand out in search results and avoid getting lost in the algorithm. They talk about their recent LP Bogeyland, how its title and visual aesthetic were inspired by an old film. Danny explains how most songs on the album began as...

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42:20

Louis Metric on song titles, mountaineering, and the...

First Spin ·

2025/11/17

LA singer-songwriter-producer Louis Metric drops in for a freewheeling, funny, and thoughtful convo about art, algorithms, and why brunch might be the enemy of your creative goals. We dig into why his breakout single “Take It Slow” came together in two days while other tracks marinate for months. He talks process like a builder: looping simple chords, chasing a feeling before theory, then sending mixes out when the DIY line gets too fuzzy. Louis unpacks the not-so-secret logic behind running ...

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45:01

Tennis Courts debut brand new single and vow to never...

First Spin ·

2025/11/10

This week on First Spin, Hayden is joined by Patrick and Andrew of Tennis Courts, an indie rock band born in the house-show scene of Charleston and now based in New York. The conversation traces the band’s roots back to college: chance friendships, practice spaces behind refrigerators, and the kind of chaotic “let’s just try it” energy that ended up defining how Tennis Courts works to this day. They talk about what it means to grow with a band rather than around it—navigating lineup changes, ...

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41:38

Penny Beverly on Netflix, dating in LA, and the...

First Spin ·

2025/11/03

Penny Beverly recently landed a song in Netflix’s “Black Rabbit” (starring Jude Law & Jason Bateman). Lead singer Duncan MacEachern explains the sync path and how things were quiet during the strikes, but the recent placement suddenly multiplied the bands exposure significantly. Duncan digs into DIY marketing: the TikTok push around the placement, the creative team behind their visuals and the “Act Natural” cover concept—leaning into the awkwardness of “acting natural” for social me...

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41:08

The Penske File on the challenges of touring in the USA

First Spin ·

2025/10/27

This week on First Spin, Hayden sits down with Travis Miles—vocalist/guitarist for Ontario’s long-running punk trio The Penske File—for a conversation that’s equal parts road-tested wisdom and wide-eyed love of making loud, honest songs with your best friends. Travis pulls back the curtain on why U.S. touring has become so tough for small Canadian bands and contrasts it with the radically different reality in Germany-- where indie venue culture, artist hospitality, and tight-knit communities ...

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40:36

The Dead & Down’s Taylor Burlage on Montana and using...

First Spin ·

2025/10/20

In this week’s episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Taylor Burlage, founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of The Dead and Down, a Montana-based band that’s carving out a distinctive space in the indie and rock scenes. Hayden first discovered the band at Zootown Festival in Missoula over the Fourth of July weekend, where their rain-soaked set left a lasting impression. That performance sparked the conversation you’ll hear today, covering not only the band’s evolution but also the...

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52:40

Dylan Flynn on dead poets, co-writing, and SXSW

First Spin ·

2025/10/13

On this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Irish artist Dylan Flynn, frontman of Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets. From the band’s beginnings in Limerick to building a passionate following at home and abroad, Dylan shares how the group has carved out its own space with heartfelt songwriting and a modern twist on classic rock influences. The conversation touches on the challenges and rewards of being an independent artist, the role of social media in today’s music industry, and the e...

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35:22

RYLY on creative droughts, genuine fans, and the...

First Spin ·

2025/10/06

On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Nashville-based artist Riley Smith (RYLY) to talk about the journey from Atlanta to Music City, shaping a sound that blends arena-ready indie pop/rock with songwriter roots, and what it takes to build momentum as an independent artist. We dig into writing from piano or acoustic guitar first, then “dressing up” songs in the studio, translating big arrangements to the stage (solo and with a band), and navigating the push-pull of social media while ...

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54:37

Taylor Lansdale on Appalachia, ignoring internet...

First Spin ·

2025/09/29

On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Taylor Lansdale, a Kentucky-born singer-songwriter whose heartfelt Americana sound is beginning to turn heads. Taylor talks us through his relatively new path into music, finding his voice in open mics, and slowly carving out a place for himself in Lexington’s growing music scene. We dive into the making of his debut album Headlong and his brand-new three-song release Dance With You, exploring how these projects reflect different seasons of his l...

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34 results

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