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.
First Spin
Critter Ruwart: On Brotherhood, Small-Town Roots, and Chasing Big Sounds
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 personal moments that pushed them to take music seriously.
We also play three of their tracks in this episode, in the following order:
Bar Stool, Emily, Hoppin Fences, and Echo Chamber.
They’ve got a new song coming this July—and if you haven’t heard their stuff yet, now’s the time to start listening.
This episode is about more than music. It’s about holding on to where you’re from while reaching for something bigger.
–– Hayden
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Thanks for listening—see you next week.