On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Nashville-based artist Riley Smith (RYLY) to talk about the journey from Atlanta to Music City, shaping a sound that blends arena-ready indie pop/rock with songwriter roots, and what it takes to build momentum as an independent artist. We dig into writing from piano or acoustic guitar first, then “dressing up” songs in the studio, translating big arrangements to the stage (solo and with a band), and navigating the push-pull of social media while protecting your headspace.

Riley also teases new music on the way—including the forthcoming single “Somebody to Know Me”—and hints at a couple of side projects exploring different eras and flavors. If you’re into hooky melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and artists who think deeply about why the songs matter, this one’s for you.

Follow Riley and First Spin for updates—and stick around to discover a few new artists at the end.

Songs featured in this episode:

Figure It Out

Joyride

Better Alone

Sooner or Later

Young + Naive (I'm Addicted To My Phone And So Is Everyone Else)

Air

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On this episode of First Spin, I sit down with Taylor Lansdale, a Kentucky-born singer-songwriter whose heartfelt Americana sound is beginning to turn heads. Taylor talks us through his relatively new path into music, finding his voice in open mics, and slowly carving out a place for himself in Lexington’s growing music scene.

We dive into the making of his debut album Headlong and his brand-new three-song release Dance With You, exploring how these projects reflect different seasons of his life. Taylor opens up about the challenges of recording as an independent artist and how moving to a bigger city reshaped both his songwriting and his ambitions.

Along the way, he reflects on balancing music with family life, the highs and lows of social media, and learning his way around the studio. With his mix of honesty, warmth, and a genuine love of craft, Taylor shows you why he's the latest one to watch out of the Lexington, KY boom.

Songs in this episode:

Dance With You

Morehead, KY

Daffodils & Sleeping Pills

Until The Skies Are Clear

I Am Appalachia

Get On With It

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In this episode of First Spin, Hayden talks with Jack Sanders, a Springfield, Missouri–based singer-songwriter whose heartfelt country-Americana sound blends guitar-driven roots with lyrical storytelling. Jack shares how he didn’t even pick up a guitar until age 19, but quickly became obsessed—practicing for six hours a day and teaching himself via YouTube. Over time, he developed both his guitar chops and his singing voice, drawing early inspiration from Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and John Mayer’s Where the Light Is album, before fusing those influences with the raw honesty of Tyler Childers.

Jack opens up about his complicated relationship with social media and record labels, recalling viral TikToks, offers that went nowhere, and why he’s wary of the pressure to be “a brand” instead of simply a musician. Instead, he’s redefining success for himself: writing songs like Icy Cold and Evelyn, playing locally, and prioritizing joy in making music over chasing streams. He also shares how storytelling through characters (like in his song Lydia) gives him creative freedom while keeping a healthy boundary between art and personal life.

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In this episode of First Spin, Hayden sits down with Addisyn Logan, a rising singer-songwriter from Buffalo, New York. With only two songs released so far—“I Can’t Beg” and “I Hate Your Guts”—Addisyn has already built a buzz for her raw, confessional lyrics and indie-pop sound.

She opens up about her musical journey, from growing up as a competitive dancer and secretly performing Paramore songs in her living room, to rediscovering herself during the pandemic. Moving back to her childhood home, she began teaching herself ukulele and guitar, writing songs at her parents’ piano, and sharing clips on Instagram (while blocking her family from seeing them). Those quiet beginnings soon led to open mics, a full band, and eventually recording and releasing music.

Addisyn also talks about the support she’s received from her music-loving family—especially her dad, whose wide-ranging taste in everything from The Beatles to John Prine and Fleetwood Mac has shaped her own influences. She reflects on her growth in confidence as both a songwriter and collaborator, working closely with her producer and bandmate Mikey to develop her sound.

Outside of music, Addisyn shares stories about her “cool day job” working in production for the Buffalo Bills and Sabres, including the time she strummed guitar in a TikTok with Josh Allen. She also looks ahead to her upcoming EP, her new single “The Hill,” and live performances, including sets at Amy’s Place and Buffalo’s Music Is Art Festival.

Songs in this Episode:

i can't beg

i hate your guts

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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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