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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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.

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This week I sat down with Raegan Gordon—drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for Leisure Hour, a band that grew out of Muncie’s DIY basements and is now grinding through a coast-to-coast run.

We talked about growing up in a 50k college town, how that community shaped their ear, and what it took to turn a one-night fill-in into a permanent spot and a voice on “Ode to Muncie.” Raegan walked me through the Richmond breakdown that ate a week, the night they refused to play when a venue wouldn’t protect fans, and the small habits—journaling, space, honesty—that make 27 shows in 30 days possible.

Leisure Hour’s headed out with Arcadia Grey toward Fest. If you haven’t pressed play yet, start here.

This episode is about more than music—it’s about claiming where you’re from, protecting your people, and betting on yourself.

—Hayden

Songs (in order): “Validation,” “Ode to Muncie,” “If I Could Kill You I Would,” “Jenny” — all by Leisure Hour.
Reagan’s recs: Cinema Stair, Moose Creek Park, Pretty Bitter, Clipboards, Summerbrews, Later Gator, Juice Falls, Final Boss Fight, No Problemo.
Tour note: Leisure Hour is out with Arcadia Grey Aug 28–Sep 28. I’m planning on Long Beach, Sep 3—say hi if you’re there.

—Hayden

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This week I finally got to sit down with the whole lineup of All the Wine—Danny, Mike, and Wes. Their debut LP Farewell Currents came out last July, and it’s been living rent-free in my top albums list ever since.

We talk about how they made it work with one member living four hours away, the story behind Empire Builder (one of my favorite songs, period), and the inspiration for 97 Astro. We get into album art, growing up in the suburbs, and why they’ll always sneak a cover or two into a setlist. And if you’re a drummer—or just someone who likes to hone in on a single part—you’re going to want to hear the story behind Concave.

Songs in this episode: 97 Astro, Empire Builder, and Concave—all from Farewell Currents.

Stick around for the Final Spin where they drop some great below-the-radar artist recommendations—and if you’re in Chicago, go see them live. Trust me on this one.

🎧 Listen if you like: The Gaslight Anthem, The Menzingers, The National.

Artists Recommended in the Final Spin

• Lobby Boxer → Listen on Spotify
• Tuff Sudz → Listen on Spotify
• Meryl Streak → Listen on Spotify

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This week I got to talk with Mike Bay of Borrowed Sparks, someone whose music I’ve loved for years. We talked about his move to Nashville—how one Springsteen concert, a job lead, and a surprise lease ending all lined up—and how that kicked off a journey he didn’t totally expect but clearly needed.

Mike opened up about growing up in the Midwest, playing in church bands, and how songwriting has always been his way of processing life—even when he didn’t know that’s what he was doing. We also talked about building community as an independent artist, how grief shows up in his work, and why putting out a record takes so much more than just hitting "upload."

Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

This one meant a lot to me. I hope it lands with you too.

Songs in this episode (in order):

• Let a Little Light In
• The Prettiest One Left
• Are You Listening

–– Hayden

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Andrew Patrick from The Carolyn jumped on the mic with me this week, and we got into a really honest, really funny conversation about what it takes to keep a band going when you’ve also got a day job, a life, and a limited supply of vacation days.

We talked about the band’s new single and upcoming album (which they announced literally right after we recorded), how they’ve never really followed the typical release playbook, and what it’s like trying to stay visible online without feeling like a walking algorithm. Andrew doesn’t fake it—he just tells it like it is. Which includes European fans who’ll give you a place to crash, feed you dinner, and then casually tell you your voice sucked that night.

We also got into the band’s sound, which pulls from a lot of directions without losing its identity, and the very unromantic origin of their name (it involves a dorm, some questionable decisions, and zero branding foresight). Somehow it all adds up.

Other things we covered:

• FEST in Gainesville and why Andrew would move there if he could
• The strange warmth of Florida punk
• Orgcore, sort of
• His love for Charli XCX (pre-brat, too)
• And a Florida band called Rutterkin you should definitely check out

I’ve been a fan of The Carolyn for a while, but this conversation made me appreciate what they’re building even more.

–– Hayden

Songs in this episode (in order):
Nosebleeds, A.M., Case Infinito

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This week I got to talk with Justin VanNiekerk, guitarist for Flycatcher, a band out of New Jersey that’s been quietly building one of the most interesting sounds I’ve heard in a while.

We talked about how Flycatcher came together, how the sound’s grown up without losing its edge, and what it means to actually find your own thing in a world full of noise. Justin listens to music like someone who really cares—and you can hear that in the way he plays. Nothing feels accidental. Every track feels like it was built with intention, but without overthinking it.

There’s a warmth and depth to what they’re doing that feels rare, and it made for a really fun, thoughtful conversation.

They’re part of the independent Memory Music Label—a small label Justin says they’re proud to be part of, and one that gives them the freedom to keep doing things their own way. Check out their tour dates here.

–– Hayden

Songs in this episode (in order):

- Brother

-Dissolve

-Sodas in the Freezer

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