First Spin

This week's episode is a little different. Instead of featuring an up and coming artist, I sit down with someone who is genuinely trying to make the music industry a better place for artists. Duncan Greive, co-founder and CEO of Lume, a new music platform built around a simple idea: putting the album back at the heart of music. Duncan traces his path from music journalist and editor to digital media founder and, eventually, back to music with Lume. He explains how years of watching streaming ...

On this week's episode of First Spin, I chat with singer/songwriter Theo Kandel about his brand new album "A Horse Named Friday," his love of riddles, life in New York, inflation resistant Miller High Life, bowling, and his upcoming West Coast tour. Songs featured in this episode: Flight to JFK A Horse Named Friday She's Mad, She's Magic 7/10 Split The Station Ghost Lives Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White. If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a...

In this special episode of First Spin, I sit down with the three members of verygently (Tristan Bushman, Drew Erwin, and Joey Hendricks). We chatted about the origin of their name, how what started as a "what if" turned into an actual band, finding their harmonic sound, working with songwriting heroes like Ruston Kelly and Noah Gundersen, and writing heartfelt songs with fun hooks. Their debut LP, "Sorry Sarah" releases October 8, 2026. Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by...

In this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with singer-songwriter Danny Golden for a conversation about his new album, The Big Blue, and the life experiences that shaped it. The discussion centers on the emotional terrain behind the record — sobriety, surrender, grief, creative doubt, and the strange ways music can help make sense of change. Danny talks about how getting sober transformed not only his daily life, but also his relationship to songwriting, performing, and even his own inne...

This week I sit down with Dylan Grantham, who released music under the name Young Ritual. Dylan and I talk about his OCD, not rushing his music, and the trend away from short form content and towards platforms like Substack. Dylan's unique childhood set the stage for a life in music, even if it looks a bit different than his family envisioned. Hope you enjoy my conversation with the immensely talented, Dylan Grantham. Songs featured in this episode: Float You Julianna Wild Child I Coul...

In this episode of First Spin, I sit down with indie-folk artist Will McCartt for a conversation about creativity, emotional vulnerability, and the process of finding your voice as an artist. We talk about how music was always present in Will’s life — from playing guitar in church bands growing up to eventually writing a song for a major life event — but how it took years before he truly viewed songwriting as something personal and essential. What started as a hobby slowly evolved into a way ...

In this episode I sit down with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Drew White. Drew and I talk about his fantastic 2025 release, Concrete Americana, life with missionary parents, choosing kindness, battling diabetes, touring the Southeast, So Far Sounds and more. Songs featured in this episode: Medicine Concrete Americana Kings Street Blood Sugar Blues Dandelions Dreaming in the City Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White. If you enjoyed t...

This week I sit down with the incredibly talented Khatumu. We talk about her experience of racism with a kid at work, how she passed time during covid lockdowns, the influences that developed her unique sound, and the neighbor that heard her singing through the wall and changed her life. Songs featured in this episode: hunting days exposure therapy blackout matador psuedo doctors Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White. If you enjoyed this episode, i...

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) Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin gues...

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 Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White. If you enjo...

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.' Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White. If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best w...

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 Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White. If you enjoye...

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 Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White. If you en...

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 Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by ...

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 Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former...

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...

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...

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,...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

In this episode of First Spin, Hayden talks with Jack Sanders, a Springfield, Missouri–based singer-songwriter whose heartfelt country-Americana sound blends guitar-driven roots with lyrical storytelling. Jack shares how he didn’t even pick up a guitar until age 19, but quickly became obsessed—practicing for six hours a day and teaching himself via YouTube. Over time, he developed both his guitar chops and his singing voice, drawing early inspiration from Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and John M...

In this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Addisyn Logan, a rising singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. With only two songs released so far—“I Can’t Beg” and “I Hate Your Guts”—Addisyn has already built a buzz for her raw, confessional lyrics and indie-pop sound. She opens up about her musical journey, from growing up as a competitive dancer and secretly performing Paramore songs in her living room, to rediscovering herself during the pandemic. Moving back to her childhood home...

On this episode of First Spin, Hayden welcomes Ryan Taylor Price, a rising indie-folk artist whose debut album The Axe & The Tree marks him as a songwriter to watch. Blending lyrical honesty with lush, cinematic arrangements, Ryan’s music feels both intimate and expansive—like a diary entry set against a widescreen backdrop. Ryan shares the story behind The Axe & The Tree, exploring the personal experiences and emotional landscapes that shaped its songs. He reflects on the role of sto...

On this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Matteo DeBenedetti, the songwriter behind Charlie & Margot—and, as of recently, the new drummer for Flycatcher. Matteo discusses the new Flycatcher release and talks about how he transitioned from filling in on tours to officially joining the band. The conversation quickly pivots to Charlie & Margot, Matteo’s solo vehicle where he writes, records, and produces from his home studio. Matteo retraces the project’s arc from 2023’s Joyri...

This week I sat down with Nathaniel McCurley, bassist for Seattle’s own Magenta Wave. We talked about what it’s like to live in a house with your entire band, how much distortion is too much before you stop calling it indie, and why their track “Why Am I In Love With You” caught fire. Nathaniel shared the story behind their move from Bellingham to Seattle, the lessons learned from producing their early songs with friends, and what it’s like to build momentum in a city stacked with serious mus...

This week I sat down with Raegan Gordon—drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for Leisure Hour, a band that grew out of Muncie’s DIY basements and is now grinding through a coast-to-coast run. We talked about growing up in a 50k college town, how that community shaped their ear, and what it took to turn a one-night fill-in into a permanent spot and a voice on “Ode to Muncie.” Raegan walked me through the Richmond breakdown that ate a week, the night they refused to play when a venue wouldn’t prot...

This week I finally got to sit down with the whole lineup of All the Wine—Danny, Mike, and Wes. Their debut LP Farewell Currents came out last July, and it’s been living rent-free in my top albums list ever since. We talk about how they made it work with one member living four hours away, the story behind Empire Builder (one of my favorite songs, period), and the inspiration for 97 Astro. We get into album art, growing up in the suburbs, and why they’ll always sneak a cover or two into a setl...

This week I got to talk with Mike Bay of Borrowed Sparks, someone whose music I’ve loved for years. We talked about his move to Nashville—how one Springsteen concert, a job lead, and a surprise lease ending all lined up—and how that kicked off a journey he didn’t totally expect but clearly needed. Mike opened up about growing up in the Midwest, playing in church bands, and how songwriting has always been his way of processing life—even when he didn’t know that’s what he was doing. We also tal...

Andrew Patrick from The Carolyn jumped on the mic with me this week, and we got into a really honest, really funny conversation about what it takes to keep a band going when you’ve also got a day job, a life, and a limited supply of vacation days. We talked about the band’s new single and upcoming album (which they announced literally right after we recorded), how they’ve never really followed the typical release playbook, and what it’s like trying to stay visible online without feeling like ...

This week I got to talk with Justin VanNiekerk, guitarist for Flycatcher, a band out of New Jersey that’s been quietly building one of the most interesting sounds I’ve heard in a while. We talked about how Flycatcher came together, how the sound’s grown up without losing its edge, and what it means to actually find your own thing in a world full of noise. Justin listens to music like someone who really cares—and you can hear that in the way he plays. Nothing feels accidental. Every track feel...

This week I sat down with Madison Hughes, a wildly talented artist and singer based out of Nashville, TN. From the moment we started talking, it was clear just how much she loves songs—all kinds of songs—and how deeply different genres have shaped who she is as a musician. We dove into her latest album, All That I Am, which dropped in April, and explored what it means to make music that’s true to who you are. Madison was refreshingly open about the ups and downs of being an artist, honest abo...

This week I sat down with Chris Ruwart—lead songwriter and one half of Critter Ruwart, a brother duo that started in a small town in Wyoming and is now chasing their music dreams from Michigan. We talked about growing up in wide-open spaces, how that shaped their sound, and what it means to take a leap when you come from a place where most people play it safe. Chris shared what it’s been like to build something with his brother, the joy they’ve found recording with their current team, and the...

In this episode, I sit down with Pacific—also known as Will Hunter—an indie artist whose song is closing in on 2 million streams. But numbers only tell part of the story. We talk about the real ride of being an independent musician: the momentum, the burnout, the thrill of playing live, and what touring feels like in a post-COVID world. Will doesn’t hold back when it comes to the emotional weight of doing this on your own terms—especially when the algorithms don’t always play fair. We also di...

I first found Eliza Harrison Smith on TikTok a while back— singing something that felt way too honest to scroll past. Her writing hit me immediately. Sharp. Introspective. Real. Since then, I’ve kept an eye on her journey, and this January she dropped her debut EP, The Way I’m Wired. It’s raw and catchy and full of the kind of songwriting that stays with you. In this first episode of First Spin, we talk about where these songs came from, what it takes to put something that personal into the w...