Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens

Some soundtracks don't just accompany a movie. They pull you into an entirely different world.

Just in time for Halloween, we're taking a trip down David Lynch's Lost Highway and revisiting one of the darkest, strangest, and most unforgettable soundtracks of the 1990s.

Produced by Trent Reznor and featuring music from David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, and more, this 1997 soundtrack perfectly captures the eerie, dreamlike atmosphere of Lynch's filmmaking.

I'll share how The Smashing Pumpkins first drew me into this film, memories of seeing it in theaters, and why these songs still give me chills nearly 30 years later.

So turn down the lights, put on your headphones, and join me for a wonderfully strange journey into the music of Lost Highway.

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Before grunge took over the world, there was a time when soaring guitar solos, enormous choruses, and a whole lot of heartbreak ruled our Walkmans. This week on Waterproof Records, I'm revisiting my 10 favorite power ballads from the late '80s and early '90s! From Def Leppard and Skid Row to Bon Jovi, Poison, and beyond, we're traveling back to a time when a childhood crush could feel like the end of the world. Along the way, I'm sharing personal memories of roller rink romances, awkward adolescence, MTV, and the songs that somehow made all those big feelings even bigger. Grab your headphones, embrace the nostalgia, and let me know which power ballad still gets you right in the heart.

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Pantheon Media CEO Christian Swain invites you to check out the Before The Moment podcast. Legendary producer Nile Rodgers sits down with artists to explore the decisions, setbacks, and unexpected encounters that came before the breakthrough. Follow the show, you will love it!

Neil Diamond on Waterproof Records?! Yep. This is happening. In my first solo episode in six months, I’m stepping outside the usual world of 90s alternative and grunge to talk about an artist who has been part of my musical life since childhood. From hearing The Jazz Singer on family road trips to discovering just how deep Neil Diamond’s songwriting catalog really goes, this episode is about nostalgia, memory, and the music that sticks with us whether it was ever considered “cool” or not.

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Craig Wedren and Adam Wade of the legendary Shudder to Think join me on Waterproof Records!

We talk about the band’s return to making new music, their new EP Who Sent You?, and why creating together again feels different after nearly 30 years.

We also travel back through Shudder to Think’s history—from the DC scene and Dischord Records to Pony Express Record, MTV, and the wonderfully strange musical world they created along the way.

And, as always, we dig into the records that helped shape Craig and Adam when they were young, and the memories that come rushing back when you hear those albums again.

This one covers a lot of ground: punk rock, growing older, parenthood, creativity, nostalgia, and what happens when you reconnect with the music—and the people—who helped make you who you are.

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Dig frontman Scott Hackwith joins me to trace the band’s journey from the early ’90s Los Angeles music scene and the MTV success of “Believe” to their long-awaited new album, [i].

Scott shares how an album discovered during an isolated childhood became his musical escape, how a punk-rock girlfriend reshaped his world, and how Dig found its sound alongside influences like My Bloody Valentine, Fugazi, Ride and Jane’s Addiction. We also talk major-label chaos, the fear of “selling out” in the ’90s, making the “Believe” video on a shoestring budget, and why the band is creating and performing again after more than three decades.

Plus, Scott reveals the wonderfully simple origin of Dig’s name—and tells a truly unforgettable story from the road with Bad Brains.

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Kira Roessler joins me to trace a remarkable musical journey—from discovering Billie Holiday and witnessing the birth of the Los Angeles punk scene to playing bass with Black Flag, forming dos with Mike Watt, and creating her new solo album, Enigma.

We talk about the evolution of punk, surviving brutal Black Flag tours while attending UCLA, her innovative approach to intertwining bass lines, and how her award-winning career in sound editing continues to shape the way she hears and creates music.And, of course, Kira reveals the waterproof record that first made music feel like it truly belonged to her.

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This week on Waterproof Records Podcast, Petey USA joins me to talk about his journey as a musician and songwriter—and how his viral absurdist comedy introduced his work to an even wider audience. We explore the strange magic of the Midwest, the humor and vulnerability behind his music, and the formative records that helped shape his creative DNA.

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This week, Greg Katz, Mark "Echo" Edwards, and Mandy Tannen of the L.A. band Cheekface join me for a conversation about how they came together, embracing creativity without expectations, the surprising success that followed, and the albums that shaped each of their musical journeys. Along the way, we talk about art, songwriting, nostalgia, and why making something just because you love it can sometimes lead to the best results.

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On this episode of Waterproof Records, I sit down with Mark Hennessy, the voice of Paw, an underrated band to emerge in the '90s from Lawrence, Kansas with their own special "heartland grunge" sound.

Mark shares a bit about his stage 4 cancer diagnosis, how it changed his outlook on life, rediscovering the joy of performing, and why music continues to give him purpose. It's an honest conversation about creativity, gratitude, and the power that great records still have to connect us.If you grew up on '90s alternative rock—or you're discovering Paw for the first time—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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For nearly 40 years, Greg Attonito and The Bouncing Souls have been one of punk rock's most beloved and enduring bands.

In this episode of Waterproof Records, Greg joins Jacob to talk about the band's upcoming album Born to Be, the creative process behind new music, and what it means to make uplifting, unifying art in a divided world. The conversation explores Greg's musical roots growing up in New Jersey, the records and artists that shaped him, and the surprising story behind his Waterproof Record selection. Along the way, Greg reflects on songwriting, finding inspiration in other people's stories, the lasting power of music, and the moments that first made him fall in love with being a musician.

From punk rock to the blues, from Springsteen to Robert Johnson, this is a fascinating conversation about creativity, connection, and the albums that leave a permanent mark on our lives.

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In this episode of the Waterproof Records podcast, I sit down with drummer David Glass of Christian Death to talk about the legacy of one of the most influential and controversial bands to ever emerge from the underground music scene. From the early days of the Los Angeles deathrock movement to the artistic vision of Rozz Williams, this conversation dives deep into music, rebellion, creativity, identity, and the emotional weight that art can carry across generations. We also discuss the upcoming documentary Romeo’s Distress by director Nico B, which explores the life, art, and lasting impact of Rozz Williams through interviews, rare footage, and stories from the people who knew him best.

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This episode of Waterproof Records lands on the perfect date: 5/8… which means it’s only right that I sit down with Five Eight, a staple of the Georgia indie rock scene.

In this inspiring conversation, I chat with drummer Patrick Ferguson and filmmaker Marc Pilvinsky about the documentary, Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight, surviving the chaos of the 90s alternative rock explosion, and why making art matters more than fame ever could.

What starts as a conversation about an underground band quickly becomes something much bigger — a discussion about mental health, friendship, live music, nostalgia, perseverance, and the healing power of art. The episode dives into what it felt like to come up during the golden era of indie rock, the emotional connection people have with music, and why some bands never become household names… yet still change countless lives.

If you love 90s alternative music, underground music documentaries, stories of resilience, or simply hearing passionate people talk about why music matters… this episode is for you.

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In this episode of the Waterproof Records podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Zach MacLachlan (aka Mac Glocky)—the mind behind those viral “what if this song was done by that band” videos you’ve definitely seen scrolling through your feed. From turning pop hits into heavy rock anthems to building a massive following through sheer dedication, Zach has carved out a lane that’s equal parts entertaining and seriously impressive. But behind the viral moments is something deeper—a real musician putting in real hours to bring these ideas to life. We discuss how authenticity still cuts through in a world of trends and algorithms, and how he feels about modern music creation—where new tools, shortcuts, and generative tech are changing the landscape. This isn’t about tearing anything down—it’s about highlighting the value of craft, passion, and the human element in music. The kind of stuff you can’t fake. If you love music, creativity, or just seeing someone really put in the work to master their craft… this one’s for you.

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Episode 100… I still can’t believe I’m saying that.

From the very beginning of Waterproof Records to right now—whether you’ve been here since day one or you’re just tuning in because of today’s guest—thank you for being part of this journey. This show has always been about the music that shapes us, the albums that change us, and the stories that stay with us forever.

For the first time ever in the Waterproof Records studio, I’m sitting down in person with a guest—and not just any guest.

Aaron “P-Nut” Wills of 311 joins me for Episode 100.

We talk about everything—from the early days of 311 and carving out a completely original sound, to life on the road, staying creative for decades, and what it really means to connect with music on a deeper level. We also get into those “waterproof records”—the albums that changed his DNA—and the impact of growing up in the Midwest, discovering music through MTV, and chasing that feeling we all know when something just hits.It’s a conversation about passion, longevity, creativity, and why music still matters as much as it ever did.This one means a lot to me. Hope you enjoy it.

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Episode 99 is here… and this one means everything.

After 99 episodes, the new home studio is finally dialed in—and it feels like the perfect moment to sit back, relax, and talk about one of the most important albums of my life.

Today, we’re diving into Explosions in the Sky – The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place.

If you’ve ever been unsure about instrumental music… if you’ve ever thought, “I need vocals to connect”… I get it. But if you’re going to give one album a chance to change your mind, let it be this one.

This record isn’t just music—it’s emotion. It’s memory. It’s life unfolding in sound.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why this album is in my all-time top 10
• The beauty of instrumental storytelling and post-rock
• How certain songs can hit you so hard… you can’t help but feel everything
• A personal story about music, nostalgia, and choosing positivity over criticism
• And why “music lover, not critic” is the energy I want to bring into everything I create

There’s something about this album that reminds you…
the world isn’t cold and dead—it’s alive, emotional, and worth feeling deeply.

If you’ve been riding with me for a while—thank you.
If this is your first episode—welcome. You picked a meaningful one.

Hit play, lean back, and let’s get into it.

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Remember when making a mixtape meant something? You didn’t just throw songs together — you crafted a vibe. You built a story. And if you were like me, you probably spent hours deciding which track belonged where.

So that’s exactly what I did here.

This episode is Part One of my 90s B-side mixtape, a collection of deep cuts, soundtrack gems, and rare tracks from some of my favorite artists of the era. These are the kinds of songs you only discovered if you hunted down singles, B-sides, and compilation records back in the day — the songs that made you feel like you were in on a secret.

Think of this episode like the mixtape I would’ve made for you in the mid-90s… the one I hoped would make you think I had the coolest music taste in the world.

If you ever spent hours making a mixtape for a friend — or a crush — this one’s for you.

🎧 Sit back, press play, and then let’s flip the tape.

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Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power is one of those albums that didn’t just play in the background of my teenage years — it hit me square in the chest.

Released on February 25, 1992, this record arrived at a time when I was trying to figure out who I was. I was a young metalhead in Tulsa, Oklahoma, feeling awkward, small, and unsure of where I fit in. Then along came this cassette tape — Vulgar Display of Power on one side and Gish by The Smashing Pumpkins on the other — and it completely reshaped my world.

From the opening punch of “Mouth for War” to the swagger and groove of “Walk,” this album felt powerful in a way that was almost overwhelming. Songs like “A New Level” and “F***ing Hostile” gave me a place to put the rage and confusion I didn’t yet know how to articulate. And “This Love” — with its haunting clean intro exploding into sheer sonic violence — remains one of the most dynamic metal songs I’ve ever heard.

Produced by Terry Date, the sound of this record is massive. Dimebag Darrell’s guitar tone slices through everything with that unmistakable groove. Vinnie Paul’s drumming is thunderous. Phil Anselmo’s voice moves between bark, growl, and melody in a way that felt alive and unpredictable. It was heavier than anything I had really absorbed up to that point — and I couldn’t get enough.

This episode isn’t about controversy or debate. It’s about what this album meant to me in 1992 — how it felt to hear it for the first time on a Walkman, how it carried me through insecurity and bullying, and why it still hits just as hard decades later.

Whether you grew up with Pantera or you’re hearing this album for the first time, I’d love to know your experience. Where were you when you first heard Vulgar Display of Power?

Let’s talk about it.

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How did it take me 96 episodes to finally talk about Dusk by The The?! This album has lived in my heart since I was a teenager, and revisiting it now hit me in a totally different way.

In this episode of Waterproof Records, I dive deep into Matt Johnson’s 1993 masterpiece — an album that charted huge in the UK but flew under the radar here in the U.S. We talk about the haunting atmosphere of Dusk, the emotional weight of tracks like “Love Is Stronger Than Death,” “Dogs of Lust,” “This Is the Night,” and “Bluer Than Midnight,” and why this record still feels just as powerful decades later.

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On this episode of Waterproof Records, I sit down with the artist known as Two Feet (Bill Dess) for an intimate, honest, and deeply human conversation.

Recorded back at Lazy Pickle Studios, this episode dives far beyond the hits. We talk about Two Feet’s rapid rise after “I Feel Like I’m Drowning” went viral, what it’s really like navigating massive success as a DIY artist, and how that moment changed everything.

But the heart of this conversation is about sobriety, mental health, and vulnerability—especially as men in the music world. Bill opens up in a powerful way about where he’s been, what he’s learned, and how choosing honesty can literally change lives.

This episode is about music, yes—but it’s also about survival, growth, and reminding people they’re not alone. If you’ve ever found comfort in music during hard times, this one’s for you.

Thanks for being here, and if you found this episode through Two Feet—welcome. Stick around. We’re just getting started.
— Jacob

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