This week I sit down with Emily James, who's breakout song 'Brooklyn' has been on nearly every playlist I've made in the last 3 years. Emily opens up about the success of that song, her upcoming LP 'Summer Nostalgia' (and why it shares a name with last years' EP), the line between vulnerability and oversharing, and making romance out of life.

Songs featured in this episode:

Uncommon Sense

Blueprint

Brooklyn

Song for Bryan

Picture It

Underdog

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This week I sit down with Zach Sweeney and Alex Forsythe of the indie-folk group, Welcome Stranger. We dive into the history of the band and the Craigslist ad that spawned it, the process of writing songs, the influence of growing up in an Evangelical Christian home, experimenting with Tik Toks, and keeping your job and music separate.

Songs featured in this Episode:

These Things Take Their Time

Won't Be Around

Half A Man

You Need Me

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This week on First Spin I sit down with Owen Burton, the creative force behind the band Ovven as he shares his journey from growing up in the Chicago burbs, his experiences in the Peace Corps, and the evolution of his music career. He reflects on the influence of classical guitar on his songwriting, the impact of a life-changing concert, and the importance of embracing personal embarrassment in his art. Owen also discusses the challenges of navigating the industry, balancing multiple roles, and the significance of creating unique music that resonates with listeners.

Abbreviated

Dishes

Embarassing

Crows

Pre-save Ovven's upcoming album "Gnawing at the Cord"

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In this conversation, Nikki Falk, a singer-songwriter originally from Hawaii, shares her journey into music, discussing her move to California (by way of Australia), using music to connect, and the importance of community in the music scene. She reflects on the emotional connections her music creates with listeners and the vulnerability involved in performing. Nikki also addresses the impact of digital promotion in the music industry and her desire to explore more analog methods especially as it relates to promotion of her upcoming album.

Songs featured in this episode:

Riverbed

June Blue

Apartment

Suncatcher

Fighter Dog

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In this episode, musician Will Overman shares his journey from Virginia to Nashville, detailing the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a career in music. Will opens up about his experiences in the service industry, the impact of his divorce, and the decision to move to Nashville to further his music career. He reflects on the evolving music industry, the role of streaming, and the importance of live performances. The conversation also delves into Will's songwriting process, his inspirations, and the stories behind some of his most personal songs.

Songs in this episode:

Virginia Is For Lovers

Living Wage

Bowery

Held Up By A Woman

Funeral For A Friend

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In this conversation, Mike Chiarappa discusses the evolution of his music project, Range Life, from a solo endeavor to a collaborative band effort. He shares insights about the vibrant music scene in Asbury Park, the importance of collaboration in songwriting, and the challenges of recording music. The discussion also touches on the role of AI in music production, the dynamics of the modern music industry, and the excitement surrounding upcoming releases. Mike reflects on his influences, the recording process, and the significance of live performances.

Songs in this episode:

Out of It

Crooked Smile

Take Time

bleeding for help

Spinning Out

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Hayden interviews Danny and Jesse from the Long Island band Gursday about their origins, creative process, and lives outside of music. The conversation opens with the story behind the unusual band name, which started as an inside joke and became a deliberate choice to stand out in search results and avoid getting lost in the algorithm. They talk about their recent LP Bogeyland, how its title and visual aesthetic were inspired by an old film.

Danny explains how most songs on the album began as ideas he wrote alone before bringing them to the band, then tracking much of the record himself with the others contributing in focused sessions. They describe the evolution of the lineup, how Jesse joined on bass after previously playing guitar, and how he adjusted to switching instruments and taking on harmonies. Both reflect on the challenge many bands face: balancing jobs, relationships, and adult responsibilities while still committing to rehearsals, gigs, and regional shows, often anchored by brewery venues.

Musically, they trace their influences from ’90s grunge and alt-rock (Nirvana, Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind) through Long Island emo and more modern indie artists, and how that mix keeps their songs varied but cohesive.

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LA singer-songwriter-producer Louis Metric drops in for a freewheeling, funny, and thoughtful convo about art, algorithms, and why brunch might be the enemy of your creative goals. We dig into why his breakout single “Take It Slow” came together in two days while other tracks marinate for months. He talks process like a builder: looping simple chords, chasing a feeling before theory, then sending mixes out when the DIY line gets too fuzzy.

Louis unpacks the not-so-secret logic behind running multiple TikTok accounts, what “burner virality” looks like, and how he converts comments into real listeners—plus the weird reality where a tossed-off clip can outpace a polished shoot. As a working photographer/videographer, he’s blunt about how AI, short attention spans, and the endless content treadmill are reshaping the job—and how doing it yourself is often the only way indie artists can keep up.

There’s life in here too: summiting Mt Whitney with his dad and landing in LA before the world shut down. He shares the story behind the wry “Should’ve Been Better (My Bad),” his collab “Lower East Side” with Backtalk and the thrill/“never enough” feeling of hitting one million streams in the last 12 months. We kick around whether “pop” even means anything anymore (Harry’s House comes up), the unexpected power of nostalgia for CDs, and the odd little trends (hello, Group 7) that hijack the internet for a week.

If you’re into clever songwriting, DIY brains, and honest talk about making art in 2025-- this one’s for you.

Songs in this episode:

Take It Slow

mileycyruswouldthinkimchill

Should've Been Better (My Bad)

Lower East Side

there's no money in music

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