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DERRINGER DISCOVERIES

EP50: R.E.M. And We Feel Fine w/ Special Guest Bryan Cooper

Alton Derringer • September 15, 2023
e p i s o d e s

College Rock exploded on the music scene somewhere between 1983 and 1984; however, the infrastructure for the musical style had been established almost 20 years earlier – not by a musician, band, or other influential figure – but by a government agency in the U.S.

Join Team Derringer as they explore the birth of College Rock and the preeminent band at its epicenter: R.E.M. The eclectic, hook-heavy, and guitar-jangly sound emerged from the new-wave and post-punk music scenes of the late 1970s spreading from Athens, Georgia, throughout the U.S. and was soon adopted by bands in the U.K. 

Laura, Alton, and Paul (Team Derringer) are joined by singer-songwriter/guitarist/recording artist Bryan Cooper from Fukuoka, Japan, by way of Yorkshire, England. All the hosts are huge fans of R.E.M. – mostly favoring the music that was the band recorded during the I.R.S. Records years.

Did R.E.M. ever Jump the Shark? If so, did they Cross the Rubicon? Listen in to find out! You can even learn how to score your very own cheese and mushroom pizza!*

*while supplies last

By Alton Derringer January 2, 2025
Aside from being fantastic artists, musicians, and performers, do you know what Nigel Olsson , Bernie Taupin , Dee Murray , Davey Johnstone , and Gus Dudgeon had in common? If you guessed that they all were integral to Elton John's fame and fortune, then you're right. If your guess landed a little off the mark (and even if it didn't), then this episode is for you! Listener and good friend of the Derringer Discoveries podcast, Dave Prine (a.k.a. DP Derringer ), joins Alton, Paul, and Laura ( Team Derringer ) to uncover some little-known facts about the artists who helped Elton John become one of the most popular artists in the world. Some would say Elton John would not have experienced his illustrious career without the collective influence of these unsung heroes. Why are they considered 'unsung heroes' by Team Derringer ? You'll have to listen in to find out! What do you think? Do you agree with Team Derringer's assessment? This episode features a Spotify playlist called Elton John's Top 5 Unsung Heroes . 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 Elton John or one of his Unsung Heroes , be sure to send your song our way. We'll include your song on the playlist, as long as we think it fits the format! 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 . Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries !
By Paul Derringer December 18, 2024
In this episode, recording artist and friend of the podcast, Patrick Oxsener from The Netherlands, joins Team Derringer to share his Top Five favorite songs by Sir Paul McCartney . In the process, Oxsener dips into The Beatles catalog. Oxsener , the lead singer of the Dutch rock band Herb's Excellent Adventure , brings his enthusiasm for Paul McCartney's music to what promises to be an exciting countdown. After listening, do you agree with Oxsener's Top Five? Or do you have your own Top Five by Paul McCartney . Write to us or post your Top Five on one of our social media channels. This episode features a Spotify playlist called McCartney Inspired . You can spread the joy by clicking "Like" and listening to the playlist from time to time. If you're a recording artist inspired by Herb's Excellent Adventure , Oxsener , or McCartney , please reach out to us . We'll include your song on the playlist as long as it has compelling vocals, solid lyrics, good production, and fits the format. 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 . Thank you for listening to Derringer Discoveries !
By Alton Derringer December 1, 2024
Formed in 1964, The Who's original lineup has been hailed as one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century. In this episode, UK recording artist and friend of the podcast, Matt Saxton, joins Team Derringer to share his top five favorite songs by the band. Matt, a self-proclaimed super-fan of The Who, brings his enthusiasm for The Who's music to what promises to be an exciting countdown.
By Paul Derringer November 16, 2024
Hitmaker Dean Friedman joins Team Derringer for a rollicking retrospective of his musical journey and body of work. They sift through songs laced with a few spicy words and engage in conversations that might not suit a younger audience. It's not quite "cover your grandma's ears" stuff, but it's definitely not for the kindergarten crowd. Think of this episode as "PG-13"—a little bit naughty, but all in the spirit of fun. Team Derringer's squeaky-clean reputation? Well, it's taking a tiny holiday!
By Alton Derringer October 29, 2024
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.
By Paul Derringer October 14, 2024
Independent recording artist, singer/songwriter, producer, musician, and native of Ukraine, 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 live stream concert.
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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.
By Alton Derringer September 22, 2024
Team Derringer welcomes environmentalist and 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."
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Derringer Discoveries interviews Gabrielle Ornate, an indie rock artist participating in the Planting for the Future Livestream event.
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This episode highlights the music project DUEL NATIVE, originating from Australia with connections to the UK and the Caribbean. DUEL NATIVE is the creation of Stephen Choi. DUEL NATIVE will be featured in the Planting for the Future Livestream event.
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