On this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Matteo DeBenedetti, the songwriter behind Charlie & Margot—and, as of recently, the new drummer for Flycatcher. Matteo discusses the new Flycatcher release and talks about how he transitioned from filling in on tours to officially joining the band. The conversation quickly pivots to Charlie & Margot, Matteo’s solo vehicle where he writes, records, and produces from his home studio.

Matteo retraces the project’s arc from 2023’s Joyride to the self-titled Charlie & Margot (2025). He explains why the new album sheds Americana touches for a raw, overdriven, more fully realized sound: he stopped writing “for other people” and chased what felt honest. Throughout, he returns to the idea of records as snapshots—unvarnished journal entries set to melody.

They unpack several songs: “44,” born from a New Jersey winter and the running joke that it’s always 44°; “Drain,” about anticipating the return of depression and trying to stay ahead of it; and “<3,” whose driveway imagery and line “I think I’m growing up, but I’m still scared of the dark” came straight from late-night lyric sessions in the car. Matteo and Hayden reflect on anxiety, time passing, and how specificity in art creates broader connection. They also shout out The Artist’s Way and the necessity—and occasional absurdity—of making content; many of Matteo’s striking TikToks were filmed by Justin (Flycatcher).

Matteo teases an October East Coast tour and a likely LA appearance within six months. Follow Charlie & Margot and Flycatcher—and keep up with show news at @firstspinpod.

Songs in this episode:

Drain

places

Forty Four

<3

Send this to your mom :)

-- Hayden

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