Derringer Discoveries - A Music Adventure Podcast

Hitmaker Dean Friedman (EP 74)

Attention, dear listeners! This episode carries a few advisory warnings. We're delving into content that features a song peppered with a spicy word or two and discussions that may not be appropriate for a younger audience. It's not exactly "shield your grandma's ears" material, but it's certainly not kindergarten fare. Consider this episode to have a "PG-13" rating—there's a bit of mischief, but all in good fun. Our squeaky-clean reputation? Well, it's taking a tiny holiday!
If what you hear doesn't offend you, then you may end up laughing with us. Is Derringer Discoveries now a comedy podcast? With the hitmaker Dean Friedman joining us, the answer is a definite yes! If you're not chuckling throughout this episode, perhaps it's time to see if your internal laugh meter needs a tune-up.
Additionally, we delve into Dean Friedman's 2005 UK tour, which nearly came to a halt due to a cannabis controversy! Can you say scandalous? Indeed, it was so scandalous that 39 of the 40 venues canceled upon learning of Dean's plans! We give a shout-out to the one venue in Scotland that supported Dean amidst the uproar.
But this is not the worst of it! In this episode, we analyze a song featuring a teenage protagonist who was (and may still be) a frequent visitor to the Golden Arches. A song so troubling that, in 1982, it was actually banned by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and it derailed Dean's career.
This episode also features a mix of positive, family-friendly content. For instance, we discuss how the vegetarian protagonist in Dean Friedman's international Top 40 hit "Ariel" influenced Paul Derringer's romantic life. Tune in to the episode to discover more!
We also learn of Dean's 44-year marriage to the love of his life, Alison. How many famous recording artists can make this claim? We don't know! (That's why we're asking.)
Furthermore, we reflect on Dean's illustrious 47+ year career in the music business, minus the almost 20 years he was exiled on a remote desert island (well, not an actual desert island - just New Jersey) after being banned by the BBC in 1982.
Besides the US and Canada Top 40 hit "Ariel," Dean also scored two Top 40 hits in the UK, with one reaching #3 in 1978. Interestingly, the same song banned by the BBC in 1982 was eventually covered by Canada's Barenaked Ladies and then it became a US Top 40 hit for another recording artist! That artist took it all the way to #1 in Norway.
What happens next after you've written a #1 hit? Well, if you're Dean, you license the song to one of the biggest corporations in the world and it becomes a major radio and television commercial.
To seal the deal, Dean agreed to revise the age of the person with whom the protagonist is in love, even though they were originally both the same age! Furthermore, you can no longer identify anyone in the song as a virgin. Gone is the purity! And no more polyester, which is how Dean described the clothing worn by the Golden Arches employee in the original version!
US listeners have likely heard the commercial, a snippet of which is included in this episode. It's best enjoyed with a cup of coffee, which will become clear upon listening.
After experiencing this fun-filled episode, you will have the opportunity to see Dean Friedman "live" in concert. Starting in early 2025, Dean will be on tour in the US and then the UK. Find your nearest city, buy tickets, and tell Dean that you heard him on Derringer Discoveries. You can do it right here:
Dean Friedman 2025 US Tour by Concerts, Inc. | Eventbrite
For those willing to journey to Charlottesville, Virginia (US), Dean's 2025 tour will feature a stop at Derringer Discoveries' Park Street Coffee House. Secure your tickets for the March 29th show before they're all gone.
Dean Friedman - In Concert [Charlottesville, VA] Tickets, Sat, Mar 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite
As a special bonus, attending the Charlottesville concert means you'll meet the three members of Team Derringer: Laura, Alton, and Paul, in person. We will no longer be able to hide behind our microphones! We guarantee a warm welcome that will leave you delighted you joined us. Along with boundless camaraderie, we'll present you with a commemorative poster and our exclusive Derringer Discoveries 5th Anniversary celebration sticker. These are sure to be treasured as collector's items in a thousand years! And yes, supplies are limited, so buy your tickets to the concert today, while you can!
This episode features a Spotify playlist called Dean Friedman Inspired You can make everyone happy by clicking "Like" and listening to the playlist from time to time. If you are a recording artist and you're inspired by Dean, please write us and we'll most like include your song on the playlist, as long as it has compelling vocals, solid lyrics, good production, and fits the format.
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.  You can also keep up with all things Derringer by signing up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!

The Music of Carole King with Special Guest Victoria BeeBee (EP73)

Carole King stands out as one of the most talented songwriters of her era. Not only is she a gifted performer in her own right, but her music has also been coveted by superstars such as James Taylor and Aretha Franklin. Her compositions have remained timeless, enjoying widespread popularity for over five decades. Boasting more than 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, the enduring attraction of Carole King's music is evident. Team Derringer welcomes the talented Victoria BeeBee as their special guest to delve into Carole King's iconic music. 
Victoria is a multi-talented and gifted singer, songwriter, recording artist, producer, and vocal instructor from London, England. (And wow, does she have some pipes!) Victoria joins hosts Laura, Alton, and Paul to navigate through her favorite selections from Carole King's extensive repertoire.
Victoria recounts her global touring experiences with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, offering a glimpse into life as a Cockney Rebel. For a peek of Victoria's Cockney Rebel days, visit the detailed show notes of this episode at www.derringerdiscoveries.com/073. Also in this episode, you'll also discover how Victoria's transatlantic collaboration with songwriters Marvin Conan and Brian Muni, led to their composition winning the songwriting contest for the Special Olympics.
We laughed, we cried, and we had a rollicking good time with this episode. We think you will too!
Victoria BeeBee: www.victoriabeebee.com
Instagram: @victoriabeebeemusic
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.  You can also keep up with all things Derringer by signing up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
 

Lina Cooper (EP72) - A Planting for the Future Episode

FEATURED ARTIST
Independent recording artist, singer/songwriter, producer, and musician, Lina Cooper, joins Team Derringer from her Los Angeles studio to talk about her music, her lyrics, and her experience participating in the recent Planting for the Future livestream concert. 
Lina was born and raised in the country of Ukraine. When she was 17, she moved to the US. Now she pursues her music career in Los Angeles, California, along with her musician boyfriend Ryan Clure who performs as XNK.
Besides discussing her recent livestream performance, Lina delves into her effective use of social media to promote her music and weighs the pros and cons of participating in livestream concerts. Throughout the conversation, she shares the stories behind some of her hit songs and opens up about her inspirations and influences, including Matchbox 20, Maggie Rogers, The 1975, and Taylor Swift.
 
A devoted listener of Derringer Discoveries, Lina has contributed multiple voiceovers for the podcast in both English and Ukrainian. Team Derringer welcomes anyone reading this message to submit voiceovers—you may even hear your own voice in upcoming episodes.
GREEN MUSIC PROGRAM
To follow-up on Dan Friedman's message at the beginning of this episode, please visit the Green Music Program, a non-profit organization.
LISTENERS, ADD YOUR SONG TO A PLAYLIST!
The songs featured in this episode are included on the following playlist: Planting for the Future. Contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com to add your song!
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.  You can also keep up with all things Derringer by signing up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!

Michael Daughtry (EP71) - A Planting for the Future Episode

FEATURED ARTIST
Michael Daughtry, Billboard charting adult contemporary recording artist, singer/songwriter, music coach, mentor, and punctual carpool dad joins Team Derringer from the Durham/Fayetteville area of North Carolina, US for this Planting for the Future episode.
Michael will be one of nine featured artists from three continents performing at the Planting for the Future Livestream Concert on October 5, 2024.
Michael's performance starts at 8:00 PM ET.
PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Dan Friedman, a recording artist, environmentalist, and fan of Derringer Discoveries, has established and coordinated this worldwide livestream concert for October 5, 2024, from 12 PM (noon) to 1:00 AM ET. This event is part of his Green Music Program, a non-profit organization.
Access to the full virtual concert is available with a donation of just $10 (US). The Green Music Program will donate the entire amount to two charities: Keep Durham Beautiful in Durham, North Carolina [US] and Little Free Trees in Devon, UK.
To obtain ticket access, please proceed to the GoFundMe page for the event.
For the past five "mini" episodes (including this one), Derringer Discoveries has been proudly featuring five of the artists who will perform at the Livestream Concert.
Here is the Eastern Time (ET) schedule for the concert:
12:00 PM - DUEL NATIVE, from Australia performing "live" from the UK
1:00 PM - Gabrielle Ornate performing "live" from London, UK
2:00 PM - Indigo Daydream debuting his new film and song "Be the Sunshine"
                 From London, UK
3:00 PM - Adia Clark Lay pre-recorded from Boston, MA, US
4:00 PM - At the Starlight performing "live" from South Florida, US
5:00 PM - Lina Cooper performing "live" from Los Angeles, CA, US
6-8:00 PM - Concert Break
8:00 PM - Michael Daughtry performing "live" from North Carolina, US
9:30 PM - Agaaze performing "live" from Michigan, US
12:00 AM - Elephants of Style pre-recorded from the West Coast, US
The songs featured in this episode (and all episodes connected to the October 5th Livestream Concert) are included on the following playlist: Planting for the Future Livestream Concert - 5th October 2024.
If you are a recording artist who has obtained ticket access to the concert, we will add a song of yours to the playlist. Contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com for more information.
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 sign up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!

At the Starlight (EP70) - A Planting for the Future Episode

FEATURED ARTIST
In this episode, Team Derringer features At the Starlight, a South Florida-based indie rock quartet with members hailing from Cuba, Israel, Puerto Rico, and the state of Montana!
The band At the Starlight derived their name from a song lyric by another group, which goes, "Throwing rocks at the starlight." The guitarist, Dari, was fond of the phrase and proposed it to the other band members—Anabel, Jino, and Jeremy—who agreed on it through a vote. Born from a chance online encounter, the band has grown and evolved to include some of the simplicity and polish associated with pop-rock while maintaining ties to folk influences from its roots.
PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Dan Friedman, a recording artist and fan of Derringer Discoveries, has established and coordinated a worldwide livestream concert scheduled for October 5, 2024, from 12 PM to 10 PM ET. This event, titled the "Planting for the Future Livestream Concert," is part of his Green Music Program, a non-profit organization.
Access to the full virtual concert is available with a donation of just $10 (US). The Green Music Program will donate the entire amount to two charities: Keep Durham Beautiful in North Carolina [US] and Little Free Trees in Devon, UK.
To obtain ticket access, please proceed to the GoFundMe page for the event.
Here is the Eastern Time (ET) schedule for the Livestream concert on Oct 5th:
12:00 PM - DUEL NATIVE, from Australia performing "live" from the UK
1:00 PM - Gabrielle Ornate performing "live" from London, UK
2:00 PM - Indigo Daydream debuting his new film and song "Be the Sunshine"
                 From London, UK
3:00 PM - Adia Clark Lay performing "live" from Boston, MA, US
4:00 PM - At the Starlight performing "live" from South Florida, US
5:00 PM - Lina Cooper performing "live" from Los Angeles, CA, US
6-8:30 PM - Concert Break
8:30 PM - Michael Daughtry performing "live" from North Carolina, US
9:30 PM - Agaaze performing "live" from Michigan, US
12:00 AM - Elephants of Style performing "live" from the West Coast, US
If you are a recording artist who has obtained ticket access to the concert, we will add a song of yours to the playlist. Contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com for more information.
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 sign up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!

Dan Friedman and the Green Music Program (EP69) - A Planting for the Future Episode

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Dan Friedman, a full-time environmentalist, part-time musician, and fan of Derringer Discoveries, has established and coordinated a worldwide livestream concert scheduled for October 5, 2024, from 12 PM to 10 PM ET. This event, titled the "Planting for the Future Livestream Concert," is part of his Green Music Program, a non-profit organization.
The Green Music Program is a volunteer-led effort whose mission is to provide artists, venues, and all others involved in the industry with the resources, knowledge, and implementation support to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations and inspire a more sustainable and ecologically sound community of music listeners, followers, and fans.
Access to the full virtual concert is available with a donation of just $10 (US). The Green Music Program will donate the entire amount to two charities: Keep Durham Beautiful in North Carolina [US] and Little Free Trees in Devon, UK. Alton, Laura, and Paul of Team Derringer hope you will support of this noble cause.
To obtain ticket access, please proceed to the GoFundMe page for the event.
DAN FRIEDMAN - GREEN MUSIC PROGRAM
Team Derringer welcomes full-time environmentalist and part-time musician Dan Friedman to the podcast. Dan discusses the inception of The Green Music Program and his collaboration with Nick Cheshire, founder of Little Free Trees of Devon, England, to conceive the "Planting for the Future Livestream Concert." 
Derringer Discoveries is the proud sponsor of the forthcoming livestream concert series. Leading up to the concert on October 5th, we will feature a series of mini-episodes, each highlighting a distinct artist from the live global event covering three continents.
The songs featured in this episode (and all episodes connected to the October 5th livestream concert) are included on the following playlist: Planting for the Future Livestream Concert - 5th October 2024.
If you are a recording artist who has obtained ticket access to the concert, we will add a song of yours to the playlist. Contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com for more information.
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 sign up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!

Indigo Daydream (EP68) - A Planting for the Future Episode

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Dan Friedman, a recording artist and fan of Derringer Discoveries, has established and coordinated a worldwide livestream concert scheduled for October 5, 2024, from 12 PM to 10 PM ET. This event, titled the "Planting for the Future Livestream Concert," is part of his Green Music Program, a non-profit organization.
Access to the full virtual concert is available with a donation of just $10 (US). The Green Music Program will donate the entire amount to two charities: Keep Durham Beautiful in North Carolina [US] and Little Free Trees in Devon, UK.
To obtain ticket access, please proceed to the GoFundMe page for the event.
FEATURED ARTIST
Team Derringer welcomes indie alt-rock artist Indigo Daydream, the musical and film production project of Nick Cheshire from Devon, England, to talk about his upcoming short film "Be the Sunshine," which will debut at the "Planting for the Future Livestream Concert." Nick Cheshire is also the founder of Little Free Trees, a non-profit organization dedicated to distributing and planting trees. Lots and lots of trees! 
The short film and its accompanying soundtrack, "Be the Sunshine," produced by Indigo Daydream will premiere at 2:00 PM ET (7:00 PM BST London) on October 5th.
Derringer Discoveries proudly sponsors the upcoming livestream concert series. Up through October 5th, the day of the concert, we are featuring a series of mini episodes, each spotlighting a unique artist from the live, global event that spans three continents.
The songs featured in this episode (and all episodes connected to the October 5th livestream concert) are included on the following playlist: Planting for the Future Livestream Concert - 5th October 2024.
If you are a recording artist who has obtained ticket access to the concert, we will add a song of yours to the playlist. Contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com for more information.
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 sign up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
 

Gabrielle Ornate (EP67) - A Planting for the Future Episode

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Dan Friedman, a recording artist and fan of Derringer Discoveries, has established and coordinated a worldwide livestream concert scheduled for October 5, 2024, from 12 PM to 10 PM ET. This event, titled the "Planting for the Future Livestream Concert," is part of his Green Music Program, a non-profit organization.
Access to the full virtual concert is available with a donation of just $10 (US). The Green Music Program will donate the entire amount to two charities: Keep Durham Beautiful in North Carolina [US] and Little Free Trees in Devon, UK.
To obtain ticket access, please proceed to the GoFundMe page for the event.
FEATURED ARTIST
In this episode (EP67), Team Derringer (Laura, Alton, and Paul) interviews a second artist who will perform at the Planting for the Future Livestream Concert. Her name is Gabrielle Ornate from the United Kingdom. She is an energetic ethereal rocker with classic pop sensibilities, embodying female empowerment and deep introspection. Gabrielle crafts unique fairy tales and fables that weave into her bohemian universe.
Tom Robinson of BBC Radio 6 is quoted as saying "Remember that name. With luck, we'll be hearing a lot more of it in the future." 
During our interview, Gabrielle reveals and discusses one of her signature songs "Phantasm" while Team Derringer probes with questions and plays snippets of her music. Gabrielle also agrees that she will play a Team Derringer favorite called "Delirium" during the livestream concert. We hope she does!
Gabrielle takes the stage at 1:00 PM ET on October 5th.
Derringer Discoveries proudly sponsors the upcoming livestream concert series. Up through October 5th, the day of the concert, we are featuring a series of mini episodes, each spotlighting a unique artist from the live, global event that spans three continents.
The songs featured in this episode (and all episodes connected to the October 5th livestream concert) are included on the following playlist: Planting for the Future Livestream Concert - 5th October 2024.
If you are a recording artist who has obtained ticket access to the concert, we will add a song of yours to the playlist. Contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com for more information.
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 sign up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!
 
 

DUEL NATIVE (EP66) - A Planting for the Future Episode

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Dan Friedman, a recording artist and fan of Derringer Discoveries, has established and coordinated a worldwide livestream concert scheduled for October 5, 2024, from 12 PM to 10 PM ET. This event, titled the "Planting for the Future Livestream Concert," is part of his Green Music Program, a non-profit organization.
Access to the full virtual concert is available with a donation of just $10 (US). The Green Music Program will donate the entire amount to two charities: Keep Durham Beautiful in North Carolina [US] and Little Free Trees in Devon, UK. To obtain your ticket, please proceed to the GoFundMe page for the event.
Derringer Discoveries proudly sponsors the upcoming livestream concert series. From this episode through October 5th, we're featuring a series of mini episodes, each spotlighting a unique artist from the live, global event that already spans three continents.
FEATURED ARTIST
This episode highlights the music project DUEL NATIVE. The artist is originally from the UK, currently lives in Australia, and has family roots in the Caribbean and Hong Kong. DUEL NATIVE is the creation of Stephen Choi. He is set to open the livestream concert from the UK on October 5th at 12 noon ET (5:00 PM UK time).
In this episode, while presenting three of his outstanding songs for the concert, DUEL NATIVE, also known as Stephen, discusses his contribution to developing an eco-friendly substitute for the plastic in vinyl records. Additionally, he incorporates audio samples from the GreenPeace organization into one of his new tracks. Curious about the sound of an ant amplified to the maximum? Tune in to this episode for the reveal!
The songs featured in this episode (and all episodes connected to the October 5th livestream concert) are included on the following playlist: Planting for the Future Livestream Concert - 5th October 2024. If you are a recording artist who has obtained ticket access to the concert, we will add a song of yours to the playlist, if you contact us at feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com.
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Derringer Discoveries episodes are usually released bi-weekly. However, September will be different! Find all Derringer Discoveries episodes on our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes.
If you enjoyed this episode, please click "Follow" on your favorite digital-streaming platform to support the Derringer Discoveries podcast (it's free). In addition, you can follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X and sign up for our newsletter. We appreciate every listener! 
Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries!

Discovering Fox and Bones (EP65)

Blending rock, country, power-pop, and indie-rock, the Portland, Oregon-based duo Fox and Bones joins Team Derringer (Laura, Alton, and Paul) to discuss the stories behind their songs, life on tour, and the daily challenges of succeeding in the modern music industry. Comprising talented singer-songwriters Sarah Vitort and Scott Gilmore, Fox and Bones have released four albums filled with soulful, deeply relatable indie-rock treasures.
Team Derringer recently had the pleasure of experiencing Fox and Bones live as they made a stop in Charlottesville, Virginia, during their east coast tour, opening for Fantastic Cat. It's safe to say that Fox and Bones deliver an immensely entertaining performance, complete with soulful, catchy tunes. Don't miss the chance to see them live at a music venue near you.  
Episode: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/065Fox and Bones: www.foxandbones.com
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister's Room by Ho Jo Fro.
Derringer Discoveries episodes are released bi-monthly. Find all Derringer Discoveries episodes on our website: www.derringerdiscoveries.com/episodes. 
Subscribe to the Derringer Discoveries podcast so you’ll never miss an episode. You can follow us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and X. To stay in touch with Team Derringer, sign up for our newsletter. We sure would appreciate it! 
Thanks for listening to Derringer Discoveries!