This week I sat down with Madison Hughes, a wildly talented artist and singer based out of Nashville, TN. From the moment we started talking, it was clear just how much she loves songs—all kinds of songs—and how deeply different genres have shaped who she is as a musician.

We dove into her latest album, All That I Am, which dropped in April, and explored what it means to make music that’s true to who you are. Madison was refreshingly open about the ups and downs of being an artist, honest about the pressures, and still manages to keep it all in perspective—never taking herself too seriously, and always staying grounded in the joy of it.

In this episode, we spin three tracks in order:
Dancing in the Dark (Cover), Waiting on You, and Losing The Grip.

This conversation stuck with me. I think it will for you too.

–– Hayden

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
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Thanks for listening—see you next week.

This week I sat down with Chris Ruwart—lead songwriter and one half of Critter Ruwart, a brother duo that started in a small town in Wyoming and is now chasing their music dreams from Michigan.

We talked about growing up in wide-open spaces, how that shaped their sound, and what it means to take a leap when you come from a place where most people play it safe. Chris shared what it’s been like to build something with his brother, the joy they’ve found recording with their current team, and the personal moments that pushed them to take music seriously.

We also play three of their tracks in this episode, in the following order:
Bar Stool, Emily, Hoppin Fences, and Echo Chamber.

They’ve got a new song coming this July—and if you haven’t heard their stuff yet, now’s the time to start listening.

This episode is about more than music. It’s about holding on to where you’re from while reaching for something bigger.

–– Hayden

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

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Thanks for listening—see you next week.

In this episode, I sit down with Pacific—also known as Will Hunter—an indie artist whose song is closing in on 2 million streams. But numbers only tell part of the story.

We talk about the real ride of being an independent musician: the momentum, the burnout, the thrill of playing live, and what touring feels like in a post-COVID world. Will doesn’t hold back when it comes to the emotional weight of doing this on your own terms—especially when the algorithms don’t always play fair.

We also dig into his latest album, how his sound’s evolved, and what keeps him grounded through it all.

This one’s for anyone who’s chasing something, building from scratch, or just trying to make sense of the dream.

–– Hayden

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:
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Thanks for listening—see you next week.

I first found Eliza Harrison Smith on TikTok a while back— singing something that felt way too honest to scroll past. Her writing hit me immediately. Sharp. Introspective. Real.

Since then, I’ve kept an eye on her journey, and this January she dropped her debut EP, The Way I’m Wired. It’s raw and catchy and full of the kind of songwriting that stays with you.

In this first episode of First Spin, we talk about where these songs came from, what it takes to put something that personal into the world, and why being that vulnerable isn’t just brave—it’s essential to writing a great song.

We also spin two tracks from the new EP:

• Backslide
• Supposed To Be Happy

🎶 Listen to Eliza:

• Spotify
• Apple Music
• Instagram

This one means a lot. Thanks for starting this journey with me.

–– Hayden

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.