This is Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast.

Join Team Derringer - Laura, Paul, Alton, and Rob - as they introduce themselves and explain what they each "bring to the table."

ONE MINUTE PROMO

This promo is slightly longer than one minute. If you listen from start to finish, you will help Derringer Discoveries.

OUR PLAYLISTS

Check out our playlists on Spotify under Derringer Discoveries. If you see a playlist where you think your song will fit, write to us at: [email protected].

WHAT IT TAKES

Here's what it takes to be added to a playlist:

First of all, we must agree that the song is reasonably compelling and suitable for the requested playlist. Then,

(1) Listen to our latest episode of Derringer Discoveries on any platform of your choice;

(2) Post a comment about the episode on any of our social media pages accessible through our website at www.derringerdiscoveries.com; and

(3) Subscribe to our free newsletter at www.derringerdiscoveries.com, which will also make you a member of this loose-knit adventure.

WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT

Email us: [email protected] 

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast! 

Goose vs. Geese | The Battle of the Waterfowl!

In this episode of Derringer Discoveries, we are officially “winging it” as we dive into the avian-obsessed world of rock and roll. Join Paul, Laura, Alton, and our newly minted co-host, Rob Derringer, as we settle a debate over two of the most talked-about bands in the current scene: Connecticut’s jam-band kings, Goose, and Brooklyn’s post-punk provocateurs, Geese.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

The "Apex Predators" of Bird Bands: We look at the industry’s obsession with our feathered friends, from The Eagles and The Black Crowes to The Yardbirds, The Byrds, and Wings.

We break down two very different modern rock stories: Geese, the Brooklyn post‑punk critical darlings who exploded after an SNL appearance and now boast millions of monthly listeners; and Goose, the Connecticut‑born jam‑band phenomenon whose marathon live shows and festival breakout turned them into a touring powerhouse.

Geese – The Post-Punk Anarchists:

Goose – The Indie-Groove Torchbearers:

The Final Vote

The team steps off the fence to choose their winner in the Battle of the Waterfowl. Who takes the crown: the singular Goose or the plural Geese?

Connect with Derringer Discoveries

We want to hear from you! Is "jam band" a badge of honor or a warning label? Are you Team Goose or Team Geese?

Email us: [email protected] 

WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

Yes, January 1, 2026, marks the official start of Derringer Discoveries' 6th year as a music adventure podcast!

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

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

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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

WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT WITH DERRINGER DISCOVERIES

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast! 

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

WHERE TO FIND HAYLEY

WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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:

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

WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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:

EXCLUSIVE CONVERSATIONS & MUSIC HISTORY

Don’t miss Jim McCarty, a true rock original, sharing unforgettable stories and songs. Hit play for a music adventure!

WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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

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

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!