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 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.
Podcasting since 2025 • 28 episodes
First Spin
Latest Episodes
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 a...
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45:40
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 ...
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1:02:16
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. Sh...
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36:06
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, a...
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49:32
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...
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35:38