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. JAN 26

    Welcome Stranger on Craigslist, Fleet Foxes and their newest single “Won’t Be Around”

    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 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.

    46 min

  2. JAN 19

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

    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, and the significance of creating unique music that resonates with listeners. Abbreviated Dishes Embarassing Crows Pre-save Ovven's upcoming album "Gnawing at the Cord" 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.

    1h 2m

  3. JAN 12

    Nikki Falk on love songs, analog promotion, and the upcoming album Fighter Dog.

    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 it relates to promotion of her upcoming album.  Songs featured in this episode: Riverbed June Blue Apartment Suncatcher Fighter Dog 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

  4. JAN 5

    Will Overman on divorce, Tik Tok kids, and the Somewhere Upstate Tour

    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, and the stories behind some of his most personal songs.  Songs in this episode: Virginia Is For Lovers Living Wage Bowery Held Up By A Woman Funeral For A Friend 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.

    50 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    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

  6. 12/01/2025

    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

  7. 11/17/2025

    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

  8. 11/10/2025

    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
See All (28)

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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 First Spin
  • Show Website
    First Spin