
Advertise on podcast: Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast
Rating
5from
This podcast has
116 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Team DerringerExplicit
No
Date created
2021/03/07
Latest episode
2026/02/01
Average duration
28 min.
Release period
23 days
Description
Get ready for a fast-paced, witty ride through the world of music! Hosted by Team Derringer—Laura, Alton, and Paul—this podcast dives into the stories behind the songs and the artists who create them. From legendary icons to rising indie stars (many of whom join us on the show), we explore the music that moves us all. Now in our 5th year and streaming in over 30 countries, Derringer Discoveries is your backstage pass to a global music journey. New episodes drop twice a month, packed with sharp commentary, music snippets, and plenty of surprises. 🎧 Subscribe to our free newsletter and never miss a beat: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/subscribe
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Check latest episodes from Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast podcast
Stevie Wonder with Kleidi from Venezuela (EP95)
2026/02/01
WHY STEVIE?
Recently, Stevie Wonder announced his 2026 World Tour — A triumphant return to the global stage, during which the iconic legend will headline 40 major shows across North America, Europe, and Asia.
So far, South America is not mentioned in the itinerary. Even so, Team Derringer heard from a listener in Caracas, Venezuela who is a dedicated fan of the consummate "Superstition" hitmaker whose amazing career has spanned more than 65 years.
STEVIE IN CARACAS
The last time Stevie Wonder toured Venezuela was January 1 to 6 of 1970 when he performed in Caracas. Since then, he continues to be revered in Venezuela's capital city.
In this episode, join Paul Derringer with newly minted Rob Derringer who pulled double-duty by subbing for both Laura Derringer and Alton Derringer who were unavailable for this session.
WHO IS KLEIDI?
Paul and Rob hold an informative discussion with singer and musician Kleidi Buroz of Caracas who conveys Stevie Wonder's influence, which started when Kleidi was a student at the National Experimental University of the Arts of Venezuela (UNEARTE).
STEVIE'S TOP FIVE
With translation help from Humberto "Berto" Oliveira Sales of the Charlottesville-based Brazilian-influenced duo Beleza, Kleidi takes Paul and Rob through a Top Five Countdown of Stevie Wonder's best of the best. Listen in to find out the Top Five from a Venezuelan's point-of-view.
WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT
More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/095
Spotify Playlist: Stevie Wonder Inspired
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
The Unknown Dylan (EP94)
2026/01/03
Yes, January 1, 2026, marks the official start of Derringer Discoveries' 6th year as a music adventure podcast!
The Three Dylans: Discovering the Talent of Peter Himmelman
In the music world, the name Dylan usually points to the legendary Bob Dylan. For others, it might evoke Bob’s son Jakob, the successful leader of The Wallflowers, which is essentially Jakob's alter ego. However, there is a third artist in the family circle who deserves your attention. Peter Himmelman, Bob Dylan’s son-in-law, is a singer-songwriter and performer whose talent rivals the family icons. With a voice and delivery that are exceptionally easy on the ears, he is the artist you have likely been missing.
THE SETTING
In this episode, Team Derringer (Laura, Alton, and Paul) will introduce you to The Unknown Dylan. To help with this daunting task, the team drafted long-time listener -- and newly minted "Honorary Derringer" -- Rob Paine, from Northern Virginia. Rob drove to Charlottesville, the corporate headquarters for Derringer Discoveries, to join Laura, Alton, and Paul in person and to save the day when Peter Himmelman was unable to join Team Derringer.
While in town, Rob and Team Derringer soaked up some local music history at Miller’s on the Downtown Mall -- where the world-famous band leader, Dave Matthews, previously worked as a bartender. The night continued at Coran Capshaw’s The Southern Café & Music Hall, where they caught an incredible live set by UK up-and-comers, The Heavy Heavy, with Nashville-based opener Laney Jones and the Spirits.
You might be interested to know that Rob is the fan who originally suggested this deep dive into Peter Himmelman’s work, and his insights provide the backbone for this episode. (Do you have an idea for an episode? Let us know!)
THE HIGHLIGHTS
The Family Tree: Rob explains how Peter became Bob Dylan’s son-in-law. (Team Derringer featured Bob Dylan in Episode 80.) The discussion further expands to Peter’s brother-in-law Jakob Dylan, leader of The Wallflowers.
The Scale: Team Derringer requests for Rob to rank the Dylans -- Bob, Jakob, and Peter (Dylan in-law) on a one to 10 scale. Listen in to hear how Peter stacks up against the competition.
Interstellar Recommendations: Rob also tackles a bizarre question from Paul in this episode. If a life form from another planet approached him to learn about the Dylans, what would he do? Discover Rob's reaction and the specific songs he would play for an alien audience. Once you hear his recommendations, tell Derringer Discoveries if you would choose the same ones.
The Supergroup: The team dives into Bob’s time with the Traveling Wilburys and their lasting musical impact.
WHY PETER HIMMELMAN?
Team Derringer acknowledges that Peter’s last name is not Dylan, but his artistic pedigree and connection to the family make him a vital part of the story. By the end of this episode, we believe you will embrace his music with the same enthusiasm as our guest co-host, Rob Paine.
WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT
More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/094
Spotify Playlist: The Unknown Dylan
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
ROSEBUDTHORN: Bridging the Transatlantic Divide with Synth and Story (EP93)
2025/12/13
From Baltimore, Maryland to Holzminden, Germany, two independent artists have bridged five time zones to create a new transatlantic sound. In this episode of Derringer Discoveries, Paul and Alton sit down with Katie Tich and UAP (Rainer Aschemeier) -- the duo behind ROSEBUDTHORN -- to explore how their collaboration grew from remote songwriting into a full-fledged band.
Katie, a returning Honorary Derringer, shares her journey as an indie singer-songwriter and discusses two of her recent solo releases: Crossfire and her newest track, Stress Dreams. UAP, a retrowave/synthwave producer and host of the podcast, Let’s Talk Synth… Seriously!, reflects on his prolific catalog, including collaborations with Color Theory, Mikotron, and &Tilly, plus his recent soundtrack project. He also spotlights his signature solo song, City Be Your Monster, which captures the essence of his retro-synth style.
Before forming ROSEBUDTHORN, Katie and UAP released a collaborative album called Transatlantic, which featured Talita -- the very first track born from their partnership. While they have not yet released a full album as ROSEBUDTHORN, they highlight their latest single Reflection in this episode, a song that blends Katie’s layered acoustic guitars with UAP’s synth-driven soundscapes and Hammond-style organ flourishes.
Together, Katie and UAP recount their first live performance at Schloss Bevern Castle in Germany, the creation of Transatlantic, and the evolution of their unique sound -- marrying indie-pop melodies, acoustic textures, synthwave atmospheres, and heartland rock energy. Looking ahead, they hope to release a debut ROSEBUDTHORN album in the near future.
Tune in to hear snippets of Katie’s solo work (Crossfire and Stress Dreams), UAP’s signature track (so far), City Be Your Monster, their collaborative album Transatlantic, and ROSEBUDTHORN’s single Reflection, plus behind-the-scenes stories of collaboration across continents.
CONNECT WITH THE ARTISTS
Katie Tich
Instagram: @katietichmusic
Spotify: Katie Tich
YouTube: Katie Tich
Bandcamp: Katie Tich
UAP (Dr. Rainer Aschemeier)
Instagram: @uapretrosynth
Spotify: UAP
Facebook: UAP RetroSynth
YouTube: UAP RetroSynth Channel
Bandcamp: UAP Music
ROSEBUDTHORN
Instagram: @rosebudthornmusic
Spotify: ROSEBUDTHORN
WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT WITH DERRINGER DISCOVERIES
More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/093
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast!
Hayley Reardon - The Folk-Pop Storyteller Extraordinaire (EP92)
2025/11/26
In this episode, Team Derringer catches up with Hayley Reardon, a critically acclaimed folk-pop singer-songwriter whose soul-stirring lyrics and globe-trotting performances have captivated listeners worldwide. Known for her warm, storytelling voice and her extensive tours across Europe, Hayley joins us fresh off a string of U.S. shows in New York and Massachusetts before heading back overseas - especially to Germany, where she’s a frequent performer.
ABOUT HAYLEY REARDON
Hayley Reardon is a singer-songwriter and storyteller in the truest sense. Raised north of Boston, she spent three years in Nashville before taking her music global, including a six-month artist residency in Dachau, Germany. Her music has been described as "brilliantly moving folk/pop with a lyrical depth and soul" by Performer Magazine.
IN THIS EPISODE
Discover how Hayley’s international career lets her record and perform alongside legendary artists such as Lori McKenna (co-writer of “Girl Crush”), Anaïs Mitchell (creator of “Hadestown”), Rodney Crowell, and Ed Sheeran. Yes, the Ed Sheeran - the global superstar with over 92 million monthly Spotify listeners. Hayley reflects on these powerful collaborations and what they mean for her artistic growth. Most recently, she made waves by performing at Ed Sheeran’s "Old Phone Pub" pop-up in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Her latest projects, recorded in Barcelona with Spanish collaborators, showcase her evolution as a world-class artist.
Hayley’s journey is packed with authenticity, adventure, and soul - making this episode essential for anyone who loves indie and folk-pop, gripping artist stories, and the energy of live performance. Tune in for team banter, rich musical analysis, and plenty of surprises. And if you attend one of her shows, be sure to tell her Team Derringer sent you!
PLAYLIST
Check out the Derringer Discoveries playlist for this episode: Hayley Reardon - Extraordinaire.
WHERE TO FIND HAYLEY
Hayley Reardon: www.hayleyreardon.com
Tour Dates: www.hayleyreardon.com/tour
Hayley on Instagram: www.instagram.com/hayleyreardon
Hayley on Facebook: www.facebook.com/hayleyreardonmusic
MUSIC AND PLANET FUNDRAISER
Help us support four different environmental initiatives: tree planting in the Southwestern [UK], ecological restoration in Suffolk [UK], wildlife rehabilitation in Michigan [US], and solar energy and education in North Carolina [US].
Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/conservingourfuturefundraiser
WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT
More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/92
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
Anne Leighton Returns with More Rock Legends (EP91)
2025/11/02
ANNE LEIGHTON RETURNS (WITH MORE ROCK LEGENDS)
She's back! After an incredible conversation in Episode 90, newly minted "Honorary Derringer" Anne Leighton rejoins Team Derringer at the table for Part 2. As a veteran music publicist, artist representative, poet, and public speaker, Anne (of Leighton Media, Music Services, Motivation) has championed some of the most respected names in music.
In this episode, Anne pulls the curtain back even further, sharing insights and personal stories about three more artists from her rock and roll stable... including the namesake of this very podcast!
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL HEAR:
Rick Derringer: The Namesake | We finally do it. We’re talking about the man himself, the namesake for Team Derringer, the legendary Rick Derringer. While Anne didn't formally publicize Rick, she shares her notable personal connection to the rock icon who gave us "Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo." We trace his career from the #1 hit "Hang On Sloopy" with The McCoys to his production work for Edgar Winter ("Frankenstein") and even "Weird Al" Yankovic's Grammy-winning hits.
Renaissance: The Annie Haslam Era | Next, Anne discusses the symphonic-rock legends Renaissance. We clarify the connection to the original Yardbirds-era lineup (featuring Jim McCarty) and dive into the iconic version of the band fronted by the ethereal vocals of Annie Haslam. Anne shares her work with the group responsible for prog-rock classic "Carpet of the Sun."
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius: The Future of Prog | To cap it off, Anne introduces us to an artist who has been called "The Jimi Hendrix of the electric violin." Joe Deninzon is a force of nature who leads the progressive rock quartet Stratospheerius. We discuss his incredible journey, which has recently led him to his biggest gig yet: joining the legendary rock band Kansas as their new violinist, bringing his energy to timeless classics like "Carry on Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind."
DON’T MISS ANNE LEIGHTON’S FREE MUSIC & CATS SYMPOSIUM
Anne invites listeners to her two-day online symposium that explores the melodic and mysterious bond between musicians and cats. The event features segments on Jethro Tull, Renaissance, and Grand Funk Railroad’s cat rescue projects. Register for free at:
www.eventbrite.de/e/music-and-cats-online-symposium-tickets-1595714708649?aff=oddtdtcreator
PLAYLISTS
As promised: Spotify's Billons Club playist!
Check out the Derringer Discoveries playlist for this episode: Anne Leighton Rocks.
WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT
More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/091
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
Rock Legends & Grammy Winners with Publicist Anne Leighton (EP90)
2025/10/12
Ever wonder who helps legendary musicians share their stories with the world? In this episode, Team Derringer (Laura, Alton, and Paul) chats with the incredible Anne Leighton, a top-tier music publicist, artist representative, poet, and public speaker from NYC. Anne pulls back the curtain on her fascinating career and gives us the inside scoop on what it’s like to work with some of the biggest names in music. She also shares tales of writing for top music mags and the art -- and heart -- of championing artists from every corner of rock and pop.
The group unpacks what a publicist actually does (think equal parts strategist, storyteller, and stubbornness), how long promoter-artist relationships can last, and why publicity is marathon work dressed up like a sprint. The hosts keep it snappy with playful banter and music snippets that prove the point.
Get ready for a walk through rock and roll history! Anne shares stories about her work with the iconic Jethro Tull and its flute-wielding frontman, Ian Anderson, the masterminds behind classics like "Aqualung" and the jaw-droppingly long 43-minute song, "Thick as a Brick." Then we groove to the 70s with tales of the band Orleans, who gave us the timeless hits "Dance with Me" and "Still the One." Plus, you'll hear some amazing trivia, like how Orleans' leader, John Hall, took a detour from music to serve in the U.S. Congress. We cap it off with the brilliant, Grammy-winning trio, The String Revolution, and discuss their stunning instrumental covers of hits like Michael Jackson's "Billy Jean" and Ozzy Osbourne's "Crazy Train."
This conversation was so good, we had to make it a two-parter! After accepting the title of Honorary Derringer, Anne agreed to come back in a few weeks to talk about three more amazing artists!
WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT
More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/090
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
The Legendary Jim McCarty of The Yardbirds (EP89)
2025/09/21
Dive into a legendary episode of Derringer Discoveries as Paul Derringer, Alton Derringer, and Dan Friedman (a.k.a. Dan Derringer) welcome the iconic Jim McCarty -- founding member and drummer of The Yardbirds and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee -- to the show. This episode unearths gripping stories behind the band's evolution and their pivotal role in shaping rock history, with Jim sharing insider tales and reflecting on 62 years in the music world. If you love classic rock, music legends, and fascinating conversations, this episode is essential listening.
MEET JIM McCARTY: LIVING YARDBIRDS LEGEND
Jim McCarty has played with every Yardbirds lineup since 1963, and is the only constant member of the band. He shares stories from The Yardbirds’ formative years, the British music scene, and personal memories you won’t find anywhere else. Hear directly from the architect of the sound that launched legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.
HIT COUNTDOWN: THE YARDBIRDS’ GREATEST SONGS
Enjoy a countdown of Jim’s Top 5 Yardbirds tracks:
"For Your Love": The Yardbirds’ first Top 40 hit, featuring Eric Clapton and Jim’s inside story on its success and impact.
"Heart Full of Soul": Jeff Beck’s soaring riffs and Jim’s drum magic -- plus behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the studio, including Jimmy Page’s cameo.
"Shapes of Things": A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame classic co-written by Jim, revealing the song’s lasting influence and live performance memories.
"Happenings Ten Years Time Ago": Featuring both Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page on guitar -- and future Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones. Discover the creation of this groundbreaking song and the origins of “The New Yardbirds.”
Jim’s special pick for #1 -- a personal selection from outside The Yardbirds with the story behind it.
EXCLUSIVE CONVERSATIONS & MUSIC HISTORY
Insights into Eric Clapton’s departure, studio sessions, touring tales, and stories about Led Zeppelin’s formation as “The New Yardbirds.”
Jim discusses his upcoming plans, touring, recording, and offers a heartfelt shout-out.
Don’t miss Jim McCarty, a true rock original, sharing unforgettable stories and songs. Hit play for a music adventure!
WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT
Episode's Spotify Playlist: The Yardbirds Inspired
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
Spoon with Eco-Warrior Dan Friedman of The Music and Planet Project (EP88)
2025/08/31
Not a fork. Not a knife. Not a spork (though underrated). We’re talking Spoon -- the legendary indie rock band from Austin, Texas, that’s been stirring up perfect soundscapes since the early ’90s. With more than 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Spoon has slipped their sharp, stylish tracks onto the charts and even into movie soundtracks over their 30+ year career.
Never heard of them? Even better -- this is your perfect crash course in Spoonology™. Already a devoted fan? Fantastic -- you’ll finally get to hear us wrestle with the eternal mystery: why on earth did founding frontman Britt Daniel name the band after, yes, a piece of silverware? Spoiler: the answer comes from an iconic ’70s song, and we’re serving up a tasty snippet.
To guide us through the Spooniverse, Team Derringer (Laura, Alton, and Paul) are joined by our good pal Dan Friedman -- a Durham-based musician, eco-warrior, and mastermind behind The Music and Planet Project. Dan brings his indie chops and environmental wisdom to the table as we dish out the very best of Spoon.
So pull up a chair, grab your beverage of choice, and let’s talk Spoon—because this isn’t just a band. It’s a lifestyle.
WANT TO JOIN THE SHOW?
Be a Special Guest
Want to be a Special Guest like Dan? All you need is enthusiasm and a love for Derringer Discoveries! (Plus, subscribing to our newsletter and listening regularly helps!)
Be a Featured Music Artist
To be featured as a Musical Artist on Derringer Discoveries, you'll need 10,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify.
How to Get Involved
Want to be a Special Guest? Drop us a line at [email protected] with the major artist you'd like us to feature, plus your Top 5 favorite songs by that artist.
Want to be a Featured Music Artist? Send us an email and include a Spotify link to your music at [email protected].
INFO & SHOW NOTES: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/088
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: SPOON INSPIRED
This episode features a Spotify playlist celebrating songs from the episode, plus other global artists who inspire us. If you're an artist inspired by this episode, send us a Spotify link to your song - if it fits the format and is a solid track, we’ll add it to the playlist (as long as you're a regular Derringer Discoveries listener!).
FOLLOW US & STAY CONNECTED
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
The Revenge of Alice Cooper (EP87)
2025/08/11
ALICE COOPER, the Godfather of Shock Rock returns! In this riff-soaked episode, Team Derringer welcomes lifelong Alice Cooper fangirl Kathy Derringer to trace the Godfather of Shock Rock from his Phoenix-area origins through his chart-smashing heyday.
IN THIS EPISODE
The Band’s Wild Origin Story: From Phoenix high school act to the Earwigs, then Spiders, Nazz, and finally Alice Cooper. It’s a name this is as deceptively innocent as the stage antics were outrageous.
Classic Albums, Shock and Awe:
Early psychedelic albums Pretties for You (1969) and Easy Action (1970). Paul Derringer labels these albums “shockingly bad” but crucial to the band's formation. (To disagree with Paul, send an email to [email protected] – ATTENTION: PAUL) 😜
Love It to Death (1971): Bob Ezrin enters the scene, producing the hit “I’m Eighteen” and transforming the band’s fortune.
Killer (1971), School’s Out (1972), and Billion Dollar Babies (1973): The band’s ascent to superstardom, with snakelike stage shows and iconic album art (including a billion-dollar bill and, yes… underwear!).
The Split and Reinvention:
Vincent Furnier legally becomes “Alice Cooper” and owns the name, launching a storied solo career with hits like "Welcome to My Nightmare" (1975).
Wild Facts & Deep Cuts:
Secrets behind the original band, vinyl album art, Cooper’s shocking collaborations, and why “Poison” is Alice’s top-streamed track today.
The Long-Awaited Reunion:
Story behind The Revenge of Alice Cooper - the first full studio album with the original band since 1973’s Muscle of Love, featuring posthumous contributions from Glen Buxton, and production wizardry from Bob Ezrin.
Preview of the first two singles: “Black Mamba” (featuring Robbie Krieger of The Doors), and “Wild Ones” – tracks that Kathy described as vintage Alice Cooper with a modern bite.
JOIN US
Whether you grew up touring amusement parks of horror or you’re new to the madness, crank up the volume and join us.
INFO AND EPISODE: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/087
WEBSITE: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
NEWSLETTER: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/subscribe
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
If you enjoyed this episode, please "Follow" our podcast and tell others about Derringer Discoveries. Find all Derringer Discoveries episodes on our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
You can also follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, BlueSky, and X and you can keep up with all things Derringer by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
Billy Joel with Special Guest Max Weinman (EP86)
2025/07/26
IN THIS EPISODE
Get ready to celebrate the Piano Man’s incredible legacy! As Billy Joel faces treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), Team Derringer jumps in with heart and humor. We’re thrilled to welcome 22-year-old singer-songwriter and pianist Max Weinman from Phoenix, Arizona, who not only looks like a young Billy but brings fresh insights into Joel’s music. Max reveals how he fell for Joel’s tunes, and surprises with deep cuts as his favorite Billy Joel tunes - no chart-toppers here! Then we flip the spotlight: Laura, Paul, and Alton each pick a track from Max’s 2024 debut album for him to unpack.
Visit our website to see if you think Max looks like a young Billy Joel. Let us know what you think!
EPISODE SEGMENTS
Billy Joel's latest health diagnosis
Meet Max Weinman: His songwriting start, Billy Joel comparisons, and musical influences
Deep-Cut Countdown
Spotlight on Max's Trax
WANT TO JOIN THE SHOW?
Be a Special Guest
Want to be a Special Guest like Max? All you need is enthusiasm and a love for Derringer Discoveries! (Plus, subscribing to our newsletter and listening regularly helps!)
Be a Featured Music Artist
To be featured as a Musical Artist on Derringer Discoveries, you'll need 10,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify.
How to Get Involved
Want to be a Special Guest? Drop us a line at [email protected] with the major artist you'd like us to feature, plus your Top 5 favorite songs by that artist.
Want to be a Featured Music Artist? Send us an email and include a Spotify link to your music at [email protected].
INFO & SHOW NOTES: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/085
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: BILLY JOEL INSPIRED
This episode features a Spotify playlist celebrating songs from the episode, plus other global artists who inspire us. If you're an artist inspired by this episode, send us a Spotify link to your song - if it fits the format and is a solid track, we’ll add it to the playlist (as long as you're a regular Derringer Discoveries listener!).
FOLLOW US & STAY CONNECTED
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
The Rise of AI in Music: Meet The Velvet Sundown (EP85)
2025/07/19
IN THIS EPISODE
What connects a 1969 cartoon band, a Grammy-winning lip-sync scandal, a Disney star's evolution, and Spotify's latest million-streaming mystery? Join Team Derringer (Paul, Laura, and Alton) as they unravel the fascinating thread linking The Archies' bubblegum pop deception, Milli Vanilli's manufactured vocals, Sabrina Carpenter's carefully crafted career transformation, and The Velvet Sundown—the AI-generated "band" that fooled over a million listeners and sparked a media hoax within a hoax.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
After listening, share your thoughts with us! Do you think AI music should be labeled? Can algorithms create art with soul? How do we protect human artists while embracing innovation? Send us your clean, thoughtful feedback—your comments could be featured in our next episode!
Let us know what you think!
INFO & SHOW NOTES: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/085
WANT TO JOIN THE SHOW?
Be a Special Guest
Want to be a Special Guest? All you need is enthusiasm and a love for Derringer Discoveries! (Plus, subscribing to our newsletter and listening regularly helps!)
Be a Featured Music Artist
To be featured as a Musical Artist on Derringer Discoveries, you'll need 10,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify.
How to Get Involved
Want to be a Special Guest? Drop us a line at [email protected] with the major artist you'd like us to feature, plus your Top 5 favorite songs by that artist.
Want to be a Featured Music Artist? Send us an email and include a Spotify link to your music at [email protected].
FOLLOW US & STAY CONNECTED
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
The Rise of Damiano David with Special Guest Camilla Passani (EP84)
2025/06/15
EPISODE OVERVIEW
If you don't immediately recognize the name Damiano David, you need to stick around, because he is clearly on the rise. In 2015, he was playing the streets of Rome, Italy before his band Måneskin became an international sensation. With three major albums selling millions of downloads since 2017, Måneskin now has over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify, ranking among the Top 500 recording artists in the world—not just in Italy, but globally.
Now, without breaking up the band, Damiano David launched his solo career in May 2025 with his debut album, and he's rapidly making history. Prior to its release, his solo work had 7 million monthly listeners—but since May 2025, that number has skyrocketed to 12 million monthly listeners. That’s a 5 million listener increase in just one month—an achievement few artists can claim.
SPECIAL GUEST: CAMILLA PASSANI
In this episode, our special guest is Camilla Passani, a long-time listener of Derringer Discoveries and a recording artist from Rome who, back in 2016, played an open mic night with Damiano. She tells Team Derringer about that fateful night, and she shares her three favorite songs, so far, by the mega-superstar while we play snippets. We also play snippets of songs by Camilla who is finally an Honorary Derringer after listening to our podcast for more than three years.
WANT TO JOIN THE SHOW?
Be a Special Guest
Want to be a Special Guest like Camilla? All you need is enthusiasm and a love for Derringer Discoveries! (Plus, subscribing to our newsletter and listening regularly helps!)
Be a Featured Music Artist
To be featured as a Musical Artist on Derringer Discoveries, you'll need 10,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify.
How to Get Involved:
Want to be a Special Guest? Drop us a line at [email protected] with the major artist you'd like us to feature, plus your Top 5 favorite songs by that artist.
Want to be a Featured Music Artist? Send us an email and include a Spotify link to your music at [email protected].
INFO & SHOW NOTES: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/084
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: DAMIANO DAVID INSPIRED
This episode features a Spotify playlist celebrating songs from the episode, plus other global artists who inspire us. If you're an artist inspired by this episode, send us a Spotify link to your song - if it fits the format and is a solid track, we’ll add it to the playlist (as long as you're a regular Derringer Discoveries listener!).
FOLLOW US & STAY CONNECTED
Website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
Theme Song: Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Episodes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky.
Newsletter: Stay up to date by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 🎶
We've Heard It All with Special Guest Kevin Franco of The Muster Point Project (EP83)
2025/05/16
ABOUT THE EPISODE
Join Derringer Discoveries hosts Paul, Laura, and Alton in this exciting episode where they are joined by the talented Canadian musician Kevin Franco, who records under the name of The Muster Point Project. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Kevin’s song “I’ve Heard It All,” a musical treasure trove filled with dozens of references to Canadian artists and their iconic songs who have shaped Canada’s musical identity over the years!
HIGHLIGHTS
Meet Kevin Franco and dive into the creative process behind The Muster Point Project.
Explore the meaning and inspiration behind “I’ve Heard It All”.
Discover the rich tapestry of Canadian music references woven into the song.
JOIN US
Don't miss out on the fun—listen to our latest podcast episode and uncover the hidden gems of Canadian music! And for all you music aficionados, be sure to check out the show notes for the complete lyrics to “I’ve Heard It All.” We've also included links to all the Canadian artists mentioned in Kevin’s song (we think!), so you can explore their amazing work.
Tune in, sing along, and celebrate the vibrant world of Canadian music with us!
LYRICS, LINKS, AND MORE: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/083
Visit us at our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
If you enjoyed this episode, please "Follow" our podcast and tell others about Derringer Discoveries. Find all Derringer Discoveries episodes on our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
You can also follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, BlueSky, and X and you can keep up with all things Derringer by signing up for our newsletter.
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
Troubadours of the 1960s with Brooklyn's Marv Conan (EP82)
2025/04/25
What is a troubadour? In its simplest definition, it's a poet who puts verse to music. The focus is on the lyrical content and the music is there to serve the storyline.
In present day vernacular, the term "troubadour" is usually replaced by the catch-all category "singer-songwriter."
Some troubadours are simply singers, perhaps accompanied by a guitar, interpreting another poet's songs. While other troubadours are also poets, writing and singing their own lyrics.
Regardless, a troubadour's job is to connect with the listener by bringing the song's story to life. And, after it's over, to make the listener want to hear it again and again on repeat. Because each listen reveals more of the message, it can take a thousand listens to truly know the troubadour's tale.
We are Team Derringer (Laura, Alton, and Paul) of Derringer Discoveries. In this episode, we are joined by songwriter Marv Conan of Brooklyn, New York. When you listen, you will hear that Marv is proud to be from Brooklyn and not just from NYC; although, for his voiceover at the end, we somehow got him to say NYC.
Marv Conan recently released a song called Judy Joan & Buffy that he wrote about three troubadours who each got their respective starts in the early 1960s, two from Greenwich Village in the U.S. and one arguably from Canada. Listen to the episode to learn more about the Canada controversy.
As you will hear, these three troubadours helped Marv to make it through the 1960s after Marv was drafted into the U.S. Army. Marv listened to the troubadours on repeat, back in the day of vinyl records. Recently, he decided to write the song Judy Joan & Buffy to honor these three troubadours who meant so much to him in his youth.
The three troubadours are Judy Collins, Joan Baez, and Buffy Sainte-Marie. Join Team Derringer as we talk with Marv and hear snippets of his song Judy Joan & Buffy sung by UK's Victoria BeeBee who toured with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel.
We also talk about the three troubadours while Marv picks two songs from each to remind us why Judy, Joan, and Buffy are legendary and worthy of re-discovery.
Do you want to be a Featured Artist on Derringer Discoveries? You'll need 10,000+ monthly listeners on Spotify. But if you want to be a Special Guest, like Marv Conan, all you need is a bucket of enthusiasm and a love for Derringer Discoveries (yep, you need to be a subscriber - it's free - and a regular listener!).
If you want to be a Special Guest, drop us a line at [email protected] and let us know which major artist you want us to feature, along with your Top 5 favorite songs by that artist. It's best if you pick an artist who is back in the news, so that we can make the episode relevant to the present. Write to us, and we promise to respond!
If you have 10,000 or more monthly listeners on Spotify and want to be featured on a Derringer Discoveries episode, send us an email and include a link to your music to: [email protected].
INFO and SHOW NOTES: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/082
This episode features the Spotify playlist Troubadours, which includes songs from the episode, plus other troubadours and singer-songwriters who inspire us, such as Jesse Welles, Luna Keller, Matt Saxton, Martin Kerr, and Folk B*tch Trio. If you are a recording artist inspired by troubadours, send us a Spotify link to your song. If it reasonably fits the format and is a solid song, we'll include it on the Troubadours playlist, as long as you listen to Derringer Discoveries on a regular basis.
Visit us at our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
If you enjoyed this episode, please "Follow" our podcast and tell others about Derringer Discoveries. Find all Derringer Discoveries episodes on our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
You can also follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X and you can keep up with all things Derringer by signing up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener!
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
Artists on Our Radar (EP81)
2025/03/28
Team Derringer is back with a bang! In this episode, Laura, Alton, and Paul take you on a wild ride through the music scene without a featured artist or guest host. Instead, they spotlight three amazing acts that have recently landed on their radar!
First up, we have the Swedish sensation, The Tallest Man on Earth. Spoiler alert: he's not actually the tallest man on earth, but his talent sure is towering! Next, they chat about Penelope Road, an up-and-coming young band known for harmonies so tight they’ll make your spine tingle! And don't miss out on the lowdown about Beach Bunny, a pop-rock/pop-punk powerhouse from Chicago that’s racking up over 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. What’s in the water in Chicago?!
We've addressed some burning questions like: How tall is The Tallest Man on Earth really? Which track turned Penelope Road into TikTok darlings? And who exactly is Beach Bunny's oldest fan?
As an added bonus, Team Derringer highlights a new EP recently released by friend-of-the-podcast, Bryan Cooper. You won’t want to miss his new release, Cognition by Proxy.
Craving more details? Tune in to the full episode!
Info and Show Notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/081
The Tallest Man on Earth: https://thetallestmanonearth.com
Penelope Road: https://www.instagram.com/peneloperoad
Beach Bunny: https://www.beachbunnymusic.com
Bryan Cooper: https://www.bryancooperofficial.com
Visit us at our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister's Room by the band, Ho Jo Fro.
If you enjoyed this episode, please "Follow" our podcast and tell others about Derringer Discoveries. Find all Derringer Discoveries episodes on our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
You can also follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X, and BlueSky Social and you can keep up with all things Derringer by signing up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener!
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
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