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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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

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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

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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

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