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
The Dead & Down’s Taylor Burlage on Montana and using space to make The Black Keys a little more Bon Iver
In this week’s episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Taylor Burlage, founding member, lead singer, and guitarist of The Dead and Down, a Montana-based band that’s carving out a distinctive space in the indie and rock scenes. Hayden first discovered the band at Zootown Festival in Missoula over the Fourth of July weekend, where their rain-soaked set left a lasting impression. That performance sparked the conversation you’ll hear today, covering not only the band’s evolution but also the unique creative spirit of Montana that fuels their music.
Taylor begins by reflecting on the importance of place. Born and raised in Montana, he explains why he and his bandmates chose to stay rooted there rather than pursue music in more traditional industry hubs. He recounts the memorable Zootown show—pouring rain, drenched fans, and the unshakable energy that pushed the band to deliver an unforgettable performance. It’s a moment that illustrates both the resilience of their audience and the commitment of the band to give everything onstage.
From there, the conversation shifts to the origins of The Dead and Down. What began as a lyric idea soon became a central identity for the group. The band’s lineup has gone through multiple iterations, and Taylor is candid about the challenges of balancing creativity with real-life commitments like family and work. He discusses their shift from a larger five-piece to the current four-piece, highlighting the fresh energy brought by new members, including a female bassist/vocalist who expands their harmonies into rich three-part arrangements.
Musically, Taylor describes their transition from a rock-driven style reminiscent of The Black Keys toward a subtler, more spacious indie-rock aesthetic. He emphasizes the importance of composition and lyricism over flashy solos or excessive layering.
The episode also delves into the realities of touring for an up-and-coming band. Taylor outlines their new strategy of shorter, more focused tours with ticketed shows, designed to build credibility with venues while minimizing burnout and unnecessary expenses. He explains the logistical challenges of booking, promoting, and managing a band largely on their own—juggling press, finances, van maintenance, and songwriting alongside performing. It’s a revealing look at the DIY grit required to sustain a band in today’s music landscape.
Songs in this episode:
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Thanks for listening—see you next week.