On this episode of First Spin, Hayden welcomes Ryan Taylor Price, a rising indie-folk artist whose debut album The Axe & The Tree marks him as a songwriter to watch. Blending lyrical honesty with lush, cinematic arrangements, Ryan’s music feels both intimate and expansive—like a diary entry set against a widescreen backdrop.

Ryan shares the story behind The Axe & The Tree, exploring the personal experiences and emotional landscapes that shaped its songs. He reflects on the role of storytelling in his work, the balance between vulnerability and craftsmanship, and how he translates raw feeling into melodies that stick. Hayden and Ryan dig into the themes of resilience, love, and transformation that thread through the record, and how making the album became a process of self-discovery.

Along the way, Hayden and Ryan discuss the challenges of creating music in today’s landscape: finding authenticity in an age of constant content, staying grounded in the creative process, and connecting with listeners who are searching for something real.

Whether you’re already a fan of The Axe & The Tree or just discovering Ryan’s work, this episode offers a candid look at the heart of a songwriter building something meaningful. It’s a conversation full of warmth, honesty, and inspiration—perfect for anyone who believes in the power of music to tell stories that last.

Songs featured in this episode:

Old & Crazy

Angel Poets

Reckless

Half-Written Songs

Least She Deserves

Storm We Weathered

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Thanks for listening—see you next week.

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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This week I sat down with Nathaniel McCurley, bassist for Seattle’s own Magenta Wave. We talked about what it’s like to live in a house with your entire band, how much distortion is too much before you stop calling it indie, and why their track “Why Am I In Love With You” caught fire.

Nathaniel shared the story behind their move from Bellingham to Seattle, the lessons learned from producing their early songs with friends, and what it’s like to build momentum in a city stacked with serious musicians. We also dug into the band’s influences—from the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Hendrix—and how newer artists like Flipturn are shaping the way Magenta Wave thinks about their sound.

You’ll hear Magenta Wave tracks in this order:

1. Solitude
2. Why Am I In Love With You
3. Texas (Very Often)

Stick around for the Final Spin, where Nathaniel talks about opening for the Chili Peppers, why Wynton Marsalis is on his personal playlist, and his pick for an under-the-radar Seattle artist you should check out right now: Avery Cochran.

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.

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Thanks for listening—see you next week.