DERRINGER DISCOVERIES
EP95: Stevie Wonder with Kleidi from Venezuela
Paul Derringer • February 1, 2026
e p i s o d e s
The Stevie Wonder Legacy with Kleidi from Caracas
As Stevie Wonder prepares to embark on his massive 2026 World Tour - headlining 40 major shows across North America, Europe, and Asia - the world is once again buzzing with "Wonder-mania." While South America has yet to appear on the itinerary, the legend's influence remains as vibrant as ever in the heart of Venezuela.
In this episode, Paul Derringer is joined by newly minted "Honorary Derringer" Rob Paine, filling in for Laura and Alton. Together, they welcome a very special guest: rising recording artist Kleidi Buroz, joining us directly from Caracas, Venezuela. With the help of Humberto "Berto" Oliveira Sales from the Charlottesville-based duo Beleza for translation, we dive deep into the 65-year legacy of the man who redefined the music business.
Inside the Episode
- The Caracas Connection: Stevie Wonder last performed in Caracas in January 1970, yet his music remains a cornerstone of the Venezuelan jazz scene.
- From University to "Key of Life": Kleidi shares how she discovered Stevie while studying at the Universidad Central de Venezuela and why his complexity continues to inspire her as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.
- A Musical Snapshot: Recorded in the wake of the world events of January 3, 2026, Kleidi gives us a rare look at the current music environment in Venezuela and how local musicians are navigating "live" performances during difficult times.
The Stevie Wonder Top 5 Countdown
Team Derringer and Kleidi collaborated to curate the ultimate Stevie Wonder starter pack. Did your favorite make the list?
- #5 – Sir Duke (1977): A vibrant tribute to jazz giant Duke Ellington that remains Kleidi's personal favorite for its "chromaticism" and traditional jazz harmony.
- #4 – Higher Ground (1973): A funk masterpiece with a miraculous backstory involving Stevie’s recovery from a near-fatal coma.
- #3 – Isn't She Lovely (1976): An album track so iconic it hit the charts without a single release, featuring the real-life sounds of Stevie’s daughter, Aisha Morris.
- #2 – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) (1970): The R&B smash that has been covered by everyone from Peter Frampton to Blue.
- #1 – Superstition (1972): The undisputed heavyweight champion of Stevie’s catalog and his most popular song in Venezuela.
Featured in this Episode
- Kleidi Buroz: A Caracas-based singer, songwriter, and influencer who plays the piano, guitar, and the cuatro (a traditional Venezuelan instrument).
- Berto (Humberto Oliveira Sales): One-half of the duo Beleza, providing essential translation and musical insight.
- Rob Paine: Our newest Honorary Derringer and guest from Episode 94, "The Unknown Dylan".
The theme song for Derringer Discoveries is Your Sister's Room by the band, Ho Jo Fro.
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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
In the music world, the name Dylan usually points to the legendary Bob Dylan. However, there is an 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 icon.
In this episode, Paul and Alton sit down with two independent artists have bridged five time zones to create a new transatlantic sound. Join us as we meet Katie Tich and UAP (Dr. Rainer Aschemeier), the duo behind ROSEBUDTHORN, to explore how their collaboration grew from remote songwriting into a full-fledged band.
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 . FIND HAYLEY Hayley Reardon: www.hayleyreardon.com 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
Music publicist Anne Leighton (Part 2) shares insights on Team Derringer namesake Rick Derringer, Annie Haslam's Renaissance, & Joe Deninzon (Statosphereus).
Anne Leighton joins Team Derringer to reveal the art of music publicity and share stories of Jethro Tull, Orleans, and The String Revolution.
As the rhythmic backbone of The Yardbirds, Jim McCarty, was not just part of rock history— he helped write it. The band launched three of the greatest guitarists of all time—Clapton, Beck, and Page.
Stirring Things Up with Spoon (No Forks Allowed) What’s sleek, versatile, and responsible for some of the most addictive indie rock grooves since the early ’90s? Nope, not your favorite kitchen utensil—it’s Spoon, the band! With over 1.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a knack for sneaking their sound into movie soundtracks and music charts, Spoon has been serving up sonic brilliance from Austin, Texas since 1993. That’s more than three decades of musical flavor, folks. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just wondering why your hipster friend keeps name-dropping “Britt Daniel,” this episode is your golden ticket. Team Derringer (Laura, Alton, and Paul) is joined by the one and only Dan Friedman—musician, environmentalist, and head honcho of the Music and Planet Project—to help us dig into Spoon’s tastiest tracks and quirkiest trivia. 🎧 Never heard of Spoon? Perfect. We’ll introduce you like it’s your first indie rock crush. 🎧 Already a fan? Then riddle us this: why did Britt Daniel name the band Spoon? We’ve got the answer—and yes, it involves a 1970s hit that we’ll play a snippet of just to keep things spicy. So grab your headphones, skip the silverware drawer, and join us for a deep dive into one of indie rock’s most enduring and enigmatic bands. It’s Spoon-fed goodness, no assembly required.
ALICE COOPER, the Godfather of Shock Rock returns! Team Derringer welcomes Alice Cooper fangirl Kathy Derringer to trace Alice from his Phoenix-area origins through his chart-smashing heyday.
EPISODE OVERVIEW Get ready to celebrate the legacy of one of music’s most iconic storytellers - Billy Joel . As news breaks that the Piano Man is undergoing treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), Team Derringer takes a heartfelt and humorous dive into his extraordinary catalog. But this isn’t your typical “greatest hits” tribute. We’re joined by a very special guest: 22-year-old singer-songwriter and pianist Max Weinman from Arizona. Max doesn’t just admire Billy Joel - he channels his spirit. With a striking resemblance to a young Billy and a musical sensibility to match, Max brings a fresh, passionate perspective to Joel’s work. IN THIS EPISODE Max shares how he first discovered Billy Joel and how the Piano Man shaped his own songwriting journey. He rates his fandom on a scale from 1 to 10 (spoiler: it’s high). And he reveals his Top 3 favorite Billy Joel songs - none of which were chart-toppers. That’s right: no “Piano Man,” no “Uptown Girl,” no “Just the Way You Are.” Instead, Max takes us deep into the vault with three underrated gems that deserve the spotlight. But that’s not all. After the countdown, we flip the mic and shine a light on Max ’s own music. Laura , Paul , and Alton each choose a track from Max’s 2024 debut album - “ Julia ,” “ In Our Silence ,” and “ A Sonata for Yesterday ” - and invite Max to share the stories behind the songs. It’s a powerful moment of connection between musical generations. Whether you’re a lifelong Billy Joel fan or discovering Max Weinman for the first time, this episode is a celebration of melody, memory, and musical storytelling. 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 . SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: BILL 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!).
What do The Archies (1969), Milli Vanilli (1988–90), Sabrina Carpenter (2015–present) and The Velvet Sundown share in common? Team Derringer traces the arc of manufactured music.
EPISODE OVERVIEW If you don't immediately recognize the name Damiano David , you need to stick around—because he is clearly on the rise. Back in 2015, he was playing the streets of Rome 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. As of now, June 2025, Damiano David has a packed schedule with exciting events lined up! Here are some of his upcoming projects and performances: Major Festivals : He'll be hitting some of the biggest music festivals, including Rock Werchter in Belgium (July 3-6), Lollapalooza in Chicago (August 1-3), and Osheaga in Montreal (August 1). Solo Shows : Fans can catch him at An Evening With Damiano David in London on September 28-29. North American Tour : He has multiple solo concerts across the U.S. and Canada, including stops in Seattle (November 21), San Francisco (November 23), Los Angeles (November 25), Chicago (November 29), and Brooklyn (December 8-9). International Dates : His tour extends worldwide, with performances in cities like Milan, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, and São Paulo. SPECIAL GUEST: CAMILLA PASSANI Joining Team Derringer in this episode is special guest Camilla Passani , a longtime listener and recording artist from Rome. Back in 2016 , Camilla shared an open mic stage with Damiano in what would become a fateful night in her career. She dives into the details of that unforgettable moment and shares her three favorite songs (so far!) by the mega-superstar while we play snippets. Not only that—this episode also features music from Camilla herself, who now joins us as an Honorary Derringer, a title earned from listening to our podcast for over 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!).
