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
Justin VanNiekerk of Flycatcher: On Carving a Sound That Sticks
This week I got to talk with Justin VanNiekerk, guitarist for Flycatcher, a band out of New Jersey that’s been quietly building one of the most interesting sounds I’ve heard in a while.
We talked about how Flycatcher came together, how the sound’s grown up without losing its edge, and what it means to actually find your own thing in a world full of noise. Justin listens to music like someone who really cares—and you can hear that in the way he plays. Nothing feels accidental. Every track feels like it was built with intention, but without overthinking it.
There’s a warmth and depth to what they’re doing that feels rare, and it made for a really fun, thoughtful conversation.
They’re part of the independent Memory Music Label—a small label Justin says they’re proud to be part of, and one that gives them the freedom to keep doing things their own way. Check out their tour dates here.
–– Hayden
Songs in this episode (in order):
- Brother
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Thanks for listening—see you next week.