First Spin

First Spin
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

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 their stories, and for all of us to listen a little closer. If you’re always on the hunt for the next song that’ll mean something to you—welcome. You’re in the right place. New artists. Real stories. Weekly drops. Let’s give ‘em their first spin.

  1. DEC 15

    Range Life: recording studios, AI, and the influence of Phantom Planet

    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 recording process, and the significance of live performances. Songs in this episode: Out of It Crooked Smile Take Time bleeding for help Spinning Out 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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    36 min

  2. DEC 1

    Gursday: slow pitch softball, Bogeyland, and the inspiration of Nirvana

    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 ideas he wrote alone before bringing them to the band, then tracking much of the record himself with the others contributing in focused sessions. They describe the evolution of the lineup, how Jesse joined on bass after previously playing guitar, and how he adjusted to switching instruments and taking on harmonies. Both reflect on the challenge many bands face: balancing jobs, relationships, and adult responsibilities while still committing to rehearsals, gigs, and regional shows, often anchored by brewery venues. Musically, they trace their influences from ’90s grunge and alt-rock (Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind) through Long Island emo and more modern indie artists, and how that mix keeps their songs varied but cohesive.  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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    40 min

  3. NOV 17

    Louis Metric on song titles, mountaineering, and the inspiration of John Mayer.

    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 multiple TikTok accounts, what “burner virality” looks like, and how he converts comments into real listeners—plus the weird reality where a tossed-off clip can outpace a polished shoot. As a working photographer/videographer, he’s blunt about how AI, short attention spans, and the endless content treadmill are reshaping the job—and how doing it yourself is often the only way indie artists can keep up. There’s life in here too: summiting Mt Whitney with his dad and landing in LA before the world shut down. He shares the story behind the wry “Should’ve Been Better (My Bad),” his collab “Lower East Side” with Backtalk  and the thrill/“never enough” feeling of hitting one million streams in the last 12 months. We kick around whether “pop” even means anything anymore (Harry’s House comes up), the unexpected power of nostalgia for CDs, and the odd little trends (hello, Group 7) that hijack the internet for a week.  If you’re into clever songwriting, DIY brains, and honest talk about making art in 2025-- this one’s for you. Songs in this episode: Take It Slow mileycyruswouldthinkimchill Should've Been Better (My Bad) Lower East Side there's no money in music 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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    42 min

  4. NOV 10

    Tennis Courts debut brand new single and vow to never purchase another guitar pedal!

    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, learning how to write again after a long creative lull, and figuring out how to make music that feels both new and true to themselves. The band opens up about the role collaboration played in their upcoming EPs, and how working with producer Matteo DeBenedetti helped sharpen the songs without losing the heart behind them. The episode also dives into touring realities: the excitement of returning to the Southeast, the logistics of building a live band on the fly, and the humor in making it all work even when the plan is “we’ll figure it out.” There’s time spent on the new music—its sound, the themes that run through it, and why releasing two EPs made more sense than dropping a full-length record right now. At its core, this is a conversation about being in a band for the right reasons: friendship, expression, momentum, and making something you’re proud of, regardless of scale. If you’ve ever loved a small band deeply—or been in one yourself—this episode will feel like home. Songs in this episode: Keep the Car Running (out 11/11/2025) Stench  To Feel Young Jamie's Party 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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    45 min

  5. NOV 3

    Penny Beverly on Netflix, dating in LA, and the influence of Portugal. The Man

    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 media. On day-to-day socials, guitarist Shane and his partner Emmy steer strategy; the band tries to treat content as part of the art, not a chore. Musically, they cover influences and direction: a blend of indie/alt with danceable, R&B-tinted production (think hooks, 120–150 BPM, positive energy—designed to be sync-friendly). Reference points they admire include Portugal. The Man, MGMT, and Gorillaz; They talk collaborators—Gilligan Moss and Love Language in NYC—and how the Black Rabbit momentum reshuffled release plans.  There’s some life-in-LA color: a chaotic date and a sucker-punch. Duncan also shares the origin behind the name Penny Beverly. Songs in this episode: Laugh At You Jump In U & I Waiting Liminal 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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    42 min

  6. OCT 27

    The Penske File on the challenges of touring in the USA

    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 can transform a show day into something that actually feels sustainable. Along the way, he reflects on the unexpected kinship you find across oceans when a tiny subculture knows the same records you do. That sense of connection threads into the band’s brand-new album, Reprieve. Travis talks about writing through the push-and-pull of getting older: nostalgia for the early-tour years when the road felt endless, acceptance that life has stakes now, and the stubborn, hopeful belief that wonder isn’t just for the beginning. Fatherhood reframes that outlook in vivid ways, and you can hear it in the songs—restless, grateful, and determined to keep the spark. Tour stories surface, but not the usual chaos-for-chaos’ sake. Think small details that reveal how a scene functions: the volunteer who sets a tone, the post-show playlist that mirrors your record shelf, the night a venue meal turns strangers into allies. It’s the kind of lived-in texture that explains why certain places become second homes for bands like The Penske File.  Queue up the episode, then queue up Reprieve—and see why The Penske File keeps earning new believers, one honest chorus at a time. Songs in this Episode: Lions Kamikaze Kids Dead Maps Lucky Ones Rocking Chair 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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    41 min

  7. OCT 20

    The Dead & Down’s Taylor Burlage on Montana and using space to make The Black Keys a little more Bon Iver

    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 unique creative spirit of Montana that fuels their music. Taylor begins by reflecting on the importance of place. Born and raised in Montana, he explains why he and his bandmates chose to stay rooted there rather than pursue music in more traditional industry hubs. He recounts the memorable Zootown show—pouring rain, drenched fans, and the unshakable energy that pushed the band to deliver an unforgettable performance. It’s a moment that illustrates both the resilience of their audience and the commitment of the band to give everything onstage. From there, the conversation shifts to the origins of The Dead and Down. What began as a lyric idea soon became a central identity for the group. The band’s lineup has gone through multiple iterations, and Taylor is candid about the challenges of balancing creativity with real-life commitments like family and work. He discusses their shift from a larger five-piece to the current four-piece, highlighting the fresh energy brought by new members, including a female bassist/vocalist who expands their harmonies into rich three-part arrangements.  Musically, Taylor describes their transition from a rock-driven style reminiscent of The Black Keys toward a subtler, more spacious indie-rock aesthetic. He emphasizes the importance of composition and lyricism over flashy solos or excessive layering. The episode also delves into the realities of touring for an up-and-coming band. Taylor outlines their new strategy of shorter, more focused tours with ticketed shows, designed to build credibility with venues while minimizing burnout and unnecessary expenses. He explains the logistical challenges of booking, promoting, and managing a band largely on their own—juggling press, finances, van maintenance, and songwriting alongside performing. It’s a revealing look at the DIY grit required to sustain a band in today’s music landscape. Songs in this episode: Switchbacks Dead & Down Cascadel One and the Same 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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    41 min

  8. OCT 13

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

    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 excitement of preparing for their biggest shows yet. Along the way, Dylan reflects on what inspires his music, how art can shape moments of struggle, and what’s ahead for the band as they continue to grow. Songs featured in this episode: Running Away Nowhere to Live the story after they're gone The Party's Over Lately Forgiveness is a Gun 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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social: 📱 TikTok 📸 Instagram Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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 their stories, and for all of us to listen a little closer. If you’re always on the hunt for the next song that’ll mean something to you—welcome. You’re in the right place. New artists. Real stories. Weekly drops. Let’s give ‘em their first spin.

Information

  • Creator
    First Spin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 First Spin
  • Show Website
    First Spin