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 ...
May 25
48 min
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 If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ways ...
May 4
45 min
This week I sit down with the incredibly talented Khatumu. We talk about her experience of racism with a kid at work, how she passed time during covid lockdowns, the influences that developed her unique sound, and the neighbor that heard her singing through the wall and changed her life. Songs featured in this episode: hunting days exposure therapy blackout matador psuedo doctors 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 li...
Apr 20
41 min
This week I sit down with Noah Thomas who releases music under the name American Fraternity. Noah and I talked about his brief experience in Greek life, graduating college during Covid, life in Los Angeles, and the importance of displaying confidence. You can catch American Fraternity live in Los Angeles on May 13th! Songs featured in this episode: Nights Like This In Your Room Sometimes California (Is Heavy On My Mind) If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick re...
Apr 13
45 min
On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Wesley Phipps, current Belmont University student who just released his first EP, "Worst Of It." Wesley and I chat about how the guitar helped him overcome depression as a kid, life since leaving Dallas for Nashville, and wanting to do it all. Songs featured in this episode: Few Reasons Drive to Ohio Curtains Leaving Houston Still Gone If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best ...
Mar 30
51 min
In this special, first-of-its-kind episode, Hayden sits down with HAFFWAY (Sam Westhoff) for a conversation before his headlining show at The Moroccan Lounge on February 12, 2025. Sam talks about almost giving up, writing for himself, mental health, the recent coverage in Rolling Stone, his latest album 'Wither.' 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 wort...
Mar 16
43 min
This week I sit down with Colorado-raised, Nashville-living, Montana-loving Seth Beamer. Seth and I talk about his time in the Denver music scene, why he left for Nashville, writing for syncs, how Spotify numbers influence things and how he balances running a business while promoting his music. Songs featured in this episode: Drive You Can't Change Me Picture Perfect Ready To Go The Runaround If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the best wa...
Mar 9
47 min
This week I sit down with James Uzzel of the Carolina Emo band Tourneforte. James details finding his people in the Myrtle Beach music scene (not as easy as you'd hope), traveling to New Jersey to make albums, sustained growth vs. viral moments, working on an HBO series and his love of a short n' sweet pop star. Songs included in this episode: Minnesota May First Centerfold Make Good Epilogue If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you left a quick review—it's one of the bes...
Feb 23
58 min
This week I sit down with Emily James, who's breakout song 'Brooklyn' has been on nearly every playlist I've made in the last 3 years. Emily opens up about the success of that song, her upcoming LP 'Summer Nostalgia' (and why it shares a name with last years' EP), the line between vulnerability and oversharing, and making romance out of life. Songs featured in this episode: Uncommon Sense Blueprint Brooklyn Song for Bryan Picture It Underdog If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot ...
Feb 9
45 min
This week I sit down with Zach Sweeney and Alex Forsythe of the indie-folk group, Welcome Stranger. We dive into the history of the band and the Craigslist ad that spawned it, the process of writing songs, the influence of growing up in an Evangelical Christian home, experimenting with Tik Toks, and keeping your job and music separate. Songs featured in this Episode: These Things Take Their Time Won't Be Around Half A Man You Need Me If you enjoyed this episode, it’d mean a lot if you...
Jan 26
45 min
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