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
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)
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! 

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! 
 

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! 

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

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 feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com – 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!
 

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

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

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 feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com 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 feedback@derringerdiscoveries.com.
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! 🎶

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!