First Spin
First Spin
Podcast Description
Hey, I’m Hayden Thomas—musician, lifelong music fan, and the guy who still makes mixtapes for road trips.First Spin is my weekly interview show where I sit down with emerging artists who I genuinely believe are doing something special. You might not know their names yet, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to change that.This show isn’t about hype. It’s about real conversations—about the first gigs, the late-night doubts, the sound that finally clicks. It’s a space for new voices to tell their stories, and for all of us to listen a little closer.If you’re always on the hunt for the next song that’ll mean something to you—welcome. You’re in the right place.New artists. Real stories. Weekly drops. Let’s give ‘em their first spin.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The show focuses on themes of artistry and vulnerability in music, with episodes exploring the creative processes of new artists, such as Eliza Harrison Smith, and the stories behind their songs, including discussions on their debut efforts and personal reflections on the music industry.
Hey, I’m Hayden Thomas—musician, lifelong music fan, and the guy who still makes mixtapes for road trips.
First Spin is my weekly interview show where I sit down with emerging artists who I genuinely believe are doing something special. You might not know their names yet, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to change that.
This show isn’t about hype. It’s about real conversations—about the first gigs, the late-night doubts, the sound that finally clicks. It’s a space for new voices to tell their stories, and for all of us to listen a little closer.
If you’re always on the hunt for the next song that’ll mean something to you—welcome. You’re in the right place.
New artists. Real stories. Weekly drops. Let’s give ‘em their first spin.
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.
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 worth your time, follow First Spin on social:
📱 TikTok
📸 Instagram
Official Spin Podcast Spotify Playlist
Official Spin Podcast Apple Playlist
Thanks for listening—see you next week.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.