Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast

Team Derringer

Get ready for a fast-paced, witty ride through the world of music! Hosted by Team Derringer -- Laura, Alton, Paul, and newly minted co-host, Rob -- 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 6th 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

  1. 21H AGO

    ABBA-solutely Essential: Joe Matera and the 1975 Breakthrough (EP98)

    In 1975, the musical landscape changed forever when four Swedes released an eponymous album that would ignite a global phenomenon. In this episode of Derringer Discoveries, Paul, Alton, and Rob welcome a very special guest from Australia: accomplished musician, journalist, and author Joe Matera. While Laura is away for this episode, Joe stops by to discuss his 2026 book, The Making of ABBA: The Story Behind The Band's Breakthrough 1975 Album, and shares his unique perspective as someone who has not only studied the band's history but has also performed and recorded with members of ABBA’s own backing band. INSIDE THE EPISODE The Australian Connection: Discover how world-class ABBA historian, Joe Matera, went from a dedicated listener in Australia to an "Honorary Derringer."  A Record-Breaking Era: We discuss the 1975 album that hit #1 in Australia, Norway, and Sweden, marking the first time any artist released seven singles from a single record. Beyond the Vocals: While Agnetha and Frida are the voices, Joe highlights the "melodic architecture" provided by the session musicians he has worked with personally. The Korgis and "Marty Supreme": Joe talks about his time with the British band The Korgis and the recent resurgence of their hit "Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime" in the 2025 film Marty Supreme. Spotify Giants: We look at ABBA’s enduring legacy as they currently sit at #125 in the world on Spotify more than 50 years after their debut. THE MYSTERY TOP 5: WHICH TRACKS MADE THE CUT?  You know the hits, but do you know the stories behind them? Joe Matera joins the team to countdown his Top 5 Favorite Songs from the 1975 ABBA album. We aren't spoiling the list here, but listeners can look forward to: An instrumental track that Joe considers a personal favorite despite it never being released as a single. A high-energy song that found its greatest chart success in Austria. The "Big Three" hits that all reached #1 in Australia, including one track that conquered six separate charts in the United States. Expert commentary on which songs feature the unmistakable guitar work of Janne Schaffer. Tune in to the episode to find out which legendary anthem Joe crowned as his #1 pick! ABOUT JOE MATERA Joe Matera is an accomplished Australian guitarist, rock journalist, and author. With a career spanning decades, he has achieved a hit solo album in his home country and recorded with international acts like The Korgis. His deep connection to the ABBA inner circle includes performing and recording alongside Janne Schaffer, the guitarist heard on many of ABBA's greatest hits. RESOURCES AND LINKS The New Book: The Making of ABBA: The Story Behind The Band's Breakthrough 1975 Album Official Website: joematera.com Joe Matera on Spotify: Listen Here Follow Joe: Facebook | YouTube WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/098 Spotify Playlist: The ABBA-solutely Essential Joe Matera Playlist 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! Reach out. Follow us. Stream episodes. Be awesome.

    37 min
  2. APR 21

    Queen with Dani Massaad from Sweden (EP97)

    Can you pick your Top Five favorite songs by Queen? It might be harder than it sounds. After all, we’re talking about a legendary rock band that, during their heyday from 1970 to 1991, produced dozens of worldwide hits—many of which have become timeless classics. A testament to their stature as champions of the world, Queen still attracts more than 50 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with eight songs each surpassing one billion streams. That's billion with a B! Simply put, very few artists have reached this level of enduring popularity. In this episode, Team Derringer—Laura, Alton, Paul, and Rob—welcome Swedish recording artist and performer Dani Massaad as our Special Guest to count down his Top Five favorite Queen songs. What songs made Dani's list? Listen to the episode to find out! Then write to us at feedback@derringerdisoceries.com and share your own Top Five. We may even feature your picks—so choose carefully! As you listen, you’ll hear voiceovers from DD fans from around the world. We have listeners in more than 30 countries! Send us your own voiceover, and you might hear yourself on a future episode of Derringer Discoveries – A Music Adventure Podcast. MEET THE GUEST Dani Massaad is a Swedish-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist known for his impressive range and dynamic musicality. With a passion for classic rock and a technical prowess that spans multiple instruments, Dani has become a standout voice in the contemporary music scene. Contact Dani: Instagram Facebook Linktree Spotify WHERE TO LISTEN & CONNECT More info & show notes: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/097 Spotify Playlist: Queen 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!

    27 min
  3. MAR 8

    Meet Team Derringer: Laura, Paul, Alton, and Rob

    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: feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com. 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: feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com  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!

    1 min
  4. FEB 23

    Goose vs. Geese | The Battle of the Waterfowl! (EP96)

    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: How a group of friends from Stuyvesant High School went from a basement studio called “The Nest” to a bidding war over their demos. The fallout from their polarizing Saturday Night Live performance that split the internet between "rock saviors" and "derivative impostors". Their meteoric rise to over 2 million monthly listeners and critical acclaim for albums like 3D Country and Getting Killed. Goose – The Indie-Groove Torchbearers: The band’s "Big Bang" moment at the 2019 Peach Music Festival that transformed them into a national sensation overnight. Why they are considered the new leaders of the jam-band scene, blending the spirit of the Grateful Dead and Phish with a Vampire Weekend sensibility. Their impressive resume of sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden and Red Rocks.  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: feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com  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!

    33 min
  5. FEB 1

    Stevie Wonder with Kleidi from Venezuela (EP95)

    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!

    28 min
  6. JAN 3

    The Unknown Dylan (EP94)

    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!

    28 min
  7. 12/13/2025

    ROSEBUDTHORN: Bridging the Transatlantic Divide with Synth and Story (EP93)

    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!

    43 min
  8. 11/26/2025

    Hayley Reardon - The Folk-Pop Storyteller Extraordinaire (EP92)

    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!

    27 min

About

Get ready for a fast-paced, witty ride through the world of music! Hosted by Team Derringer -- Laura, Alton, Paul, and newly minted co-host, Rob -- 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 6th 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