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 • 24 episodes
First Spin
Latest Episodes
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...
•
35:38
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 an...
•
39:40
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”
•
42:20
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:...
•
45:01
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 suddenl...
•
41:38