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! 

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

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!

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

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

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

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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

FOLLOW US & STAY CONNECTED

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 

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:

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

Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries! 🎶