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First Spin

First Spin

By: First Spin
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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.

© 2026 First Spin
Music
Episodes
  • Young Ritual on OCD, Substack, and the influence of Kings of Leon
    Jun 8 2026

    This week I sit down with Dylan Grantham, who released music under the name Young Ritual. Dylan and I talk about his OCD, not rushing his music, and the trend away from short form content and towards platforms like Substack. Dylan's unique childhood set the stage for a life in music, even if it looks a bit different than his family envisioned. Hope you enjoy my conversation with the immensely talented, Dylan Grantham.

    Songs featured in this episode:

    Float

    You

    Julianna

    Wild Child

    I Could Never

    Famous


    Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White.

    If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ways to help new listeners find the show.

    And if you want to hear more artists worth your time, follow First Spin on social:
    📱 TikTok
    📸 Instagram

    Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist

    Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist

    Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Will McCartt on therapy, collaborating with Northwest Stories, and the influence of Gregory Alan Isakov
    May 25 2026

    In this episode of First Spin, I sit down with indie-folk artist Will McCartt for a conversation about creativity, emotional vulnerability, and the process of finding your voice as an artist.

    We talk about how music was always present in Will’s life — from playing guitar in church bands growing up to eventually writing a song for a major life event — but how it took years before he truly viewed songwriting as something personal and essential. What started as a hobby slowly evolved into a way for him to process emotions, experiences, and seasons of life.

    Will touches on how songwriting became a space where he could finally process things honestly. That shift not only transformed the music itself, but also changed the way audiences began responding to it. We also dive into the atmospheric nature of indie folk music and discuss artists like Gregory Alan Isakov, Novo Amor, Lord Huron, and The Paper Kites. Will talks about building songs that feel immersive and cinematic — music that creates a sense of place as much as melody — and how layering textures and emotion together can completely change the way a listener experiences a song.

    Beyond the music itself, we spend time talking about the realities of trying to build a career as an independent artist today: balancing demanding day jobs, navigating social media algorithms, staying authentic online, and trying to create meaningful art in a world that constantly demands attention. Will shares the philosophy behind his TikTok presence and why he intentionally focuses more on emotional connection than traditional promotion.

    Along the way, we also get into conversations about family, marriage, creativity, growing up in Appalachia, and the strange tension between modern digital life and the desire for something slower, quieter, and more human -- discovering that honesty might be the thing connecting most powerfully with listeners.

    Songs Featured in This Episode:

    Coastline

    anymore

    Baby, Keep on Drivin'

    So Long

    With Her

    Introduction music: Blood Sugar Blues by Drew White

    Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White.

    If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ways to help new listeners find the show.

    And if you want to hear more artists worth your time, follow First Spin on social:
    📱 TikTok
    📸 Instagram

    Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist

    Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist

    Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Drew White on kindness, diabetes, and Concrete Americana
    May 4 2026

    In this episode I sit down with Nashville-based singer/songwriter Drew White. Drew and I talk about his fantastic 2025 release, Concrete Americana, life with missionary parents, choosing kindness, battling diabetes, touring the Southeast, So Far Sounds and more.

    Songs featured in this episode:

    Medicine

    Concrete Americana

    Kings Street

    Blood Sugar Blues

    Dandelions

    Dreaming in the City

    Introduction music Blood Sugar Blues by former First Spin guest, Drew White.

    If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ways to help new listeners find the show.

    And if you want to hear more artists worth your time, follow First Spin on social:
    📱 TikTok
    📸 Instagram

    Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist

    Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist

    Thanks for listening—see you next week.

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
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