Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens

I sat down with Kevin Martin to talk about Candlebox's journey—from their explosive debut in the Seattle grunge scene of the ‘90s to their farewell album, The Long Goodbye. Kevin shares stories about the band's rise, their biggest influences, and what it was like finding his voice. We also geek out about the modern music scene, female rock powerhouses, and why some songs never get old. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Shawna Potter, the powerhouse lead singer of War on Women—a fierce punk band from Baltimore, Maryland. We talk about her journey, the impact of music, the fight for social justice, and, of course, the record that changed everything for her. A groundbreaking 90s album that inspired her to pick up a guitar and set her on the path to fronting a band that blends activism with raw energy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're sitting down with Cody Hanson, drummer and founding member of Hinder, to talk about 20 years of rock, life on the road, and what's next for the band. Cody talks about Hinder's journey, from their breakout album Extreme Behavior to their upcoming tour and new music. We dive into Cody's musical influences, growing up in Oklahoma, and what he feels is his personal 'waterproof record.' Plus, a funny discovery about hidden rap skills! Hinder is hitting the road for their Back to Life Tour—catch them live in 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're cranking up the nostalgia and breaking down the legendary Pump Up the Volume soundtrack from the 1990 cult classic starring Christian Slater. This soundtrack was a defining piece of my youth, full of iconic tracks that pushed boundaries and opened doors to the alternative music scene of the '90s. This was also the soundtrack that introduced me to lyrics and themes that were edgy enough to upset my parents and make my teenage self feel rebellious and empowered.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 2025! In this episode, we dive into my top 10 albums of 2024. From the intense energy of live performances to groundbreaking studio albums, I break down the music that defined my year. Plus, I'll share some honorable mentions and stories from the festivals and experiences that made these picks even more special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Foo Fighters' iconic second album, The Colour and the Shape. Discover the stories behind classic tracks like "Everlong," "Monkey Wrench," and "My Hero," as we unpack the band's creative process, the drama behind the recording sessions, and how Dave Grohl transformed personal struggles into unforgettable rock anthems. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're diving deep into the iconic soundscapes of Portishead's groundbreaking 1994 album, Dummy. From its eerie noir vibes to the lush trip-hop beats, this quintessential '90s masterpiece defined a genre and influenced a generation of music lovers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Around 1997, it started to feel like my music tastes were beginning to mellow and I wasn't seeking out heavy music as much anymore-- until one day when I turned on MTV and saw this band called Deftones screaming with sharks for the My Own Summer (Shove It) music video. Around the Fur would be my introduction to this alternative metal band from Sacramento, and the sexy, cool, sinister sound of loud / quiet / loud suited my tastes perfectly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After attending Best Friends Forever Festival, my mind was transported back to a time in the late 90s when I was leaving high school and entering college in Illinois. It just so happened that at the same time, the Midwestern Emo scene was blossoming all around me, and the out of body experience I would feel about these bands inspired a truly emotional episode about my time in the Midwest as a young adult.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Waterproof Records I welcome drummer Tim Dow from Shiner, Year of the Rabbit, as well as several other collaborations and side projects. Tim shares his musical journey, some of his dazed and confused inspirations as a teenager, and why becoming a sandwich drummer could very well be the next best thing.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1998 The Smashing Pumpkins returned to us in a different shape than before. Now there were only three, and what remained of the band felt like grief in a gothic gown, introspective and embracing solitude. Somehow Adore mirrored where I found myself as a young man learning to be alone for the first time, and this album has only matured over time. Join me this week as we revisit this divisive departure we found ourselves in Once Upon a Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During the early 2000s, the garage rock revival was dominating the airwaves when I first heard Cursive's 'The Ugly Organ' with a sound I'd never heard before with its blending post-hardcore punk and cello. Two decades later and Cursive, led by prolific musician/songwriter Tim Kasher, continues to churn out albums with catchy hooks and infectious energy, so I felt fortunate to catch up with Tim about what inspires him, what are some of his foundations in music, and why it's important to love what you create. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it wasn't long before I caught wind of The Flaming Lips-- an experimental psychedelic art-rock band rising out of our neighboring Oklahoma City. By summer of 1993, you could hear people singing 'Taaaaaangerines' along with front-man Wayne Coyne on MTV, but it was when I first purchased Transmissions from the Satellite Heart on CD that I witnessed the earliest days of this enduring band that has metamorphosized into a joyful celebration of art, music and life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1996, Jonny Polonsky greeted the world with his debut album 'Hi My Name is Jonny' on Rick Rubin's American Recordings Label. Since then, Jonny has continued to be a prolific singer/songwriter by writing catchy melodies, releasing solo albums, and collaborating with artists like Neil Diamond, Frank Black and Johnny Cash-- to name a few. That's why I was happy to invite Jonny on Waterproof Records this week to hear about the albums that changed his life, how he used the telephone to track down rock and roll mentors, and why it's always about the songwriting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sing along with the common people! Sing along and it might just get you through! In 1995, a band from Sheffield, England called Pulp finally had their day in the sun when that anthemic chorus elevated them to a different class. For many of us in the U.S., we were watching the wave of popular Britpop bands like Blur and Oasis, but Pulp wasn't getting as much of our attention on MTV. Join me as I dig into one of my favorite albums by the band, and see why it deserves all the fanfare and praise it receives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever sat down with a close friend with completely different music tastes and asked them show you their favorite songs? Or do you remember the first time you heard an artist that felt dangerous and unsafe in the best possible way? This week on Waterproof Records I welcome Julie Christmas, Brooklyn musician and vocalist from bands like Made Out of Babies, Battle of Mice and Cult of Luna. On June 14th, Julie releases her 2nd solo album called 'Ridiculous and Full of Blood,' so I sat down with her to talk about making the new album, the importance of discovering music out of your comfort zone, and why we all get a little heavy sometimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 14 seasons of the VH1 Classic's hit heavy metal talk show series, That Metal Show, Don Jamieson has continued to write, produce and perform his unique blend of comedy and music at clubs and rock tours across the country. This week I welcomed Don to Waterproof Records to talk about the stand-up comedy grind, the first album that changed his music tastes forever, and how some of the best advice in life might come from Lemmy Kilmister.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trip Hop music scene out of Bristol made its way to the U.S. in the mid-90s with artists like Portishead and Tricky, but once Massive Attack's Mezzanine arrived in early 1998, it brought with it an unexpected sensual awakening as I exited my teenage years. This week we explore why this album in particular splintered Massive Attack, how it all began with a Wild Bunch, and how Elizabeth Fraser is the tear that hangs inside Jeff Buckley's soul forever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When understanding how the band came up with the name "Garbage," Butch Vig once wrote in his 1993 studio journal about the creative process; "I hope that all this garbage will become something beautiful," and that's exactly what happened. The perfect storm brought Scotland's Shirley Manson all the way to Madison, Wisconsin to join forces with three musicians to shake things up and create something beautifully their own in the mid 1990s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were a teenager like me in the 90s you found yourself in the early 2000s dizzied by your increasing responsibilities, an entry-level work week, and trying to maintain your youthful connection to music. That's why the title of New Jersey post-hardcore band Thursday's album "Full Collapse" felt like a premonition about where I was headed when it fell in my lap and brought me a much-needed catharsis. That's why when the band announced their first new song in 13 years, I reached out to lead singer and songwriter, Geoff Rickly, to discuss their new song, his journey as a musician and author, and of course what he considers to be his personal Waterproof Record.

Can you still feel the butterflies...? I can. Even writing out this lyric takes me right back to my college years where I was first introduced to Jimmy Eat World and their third album. As we reached the end of the 90s, the chapter of my adolescence had come to an end, and the transition into adulthood was nebulous and uncertain. It was the perfect time to find some Clarity.

Don't ask why... 16 candles down the drain! In 1994, singer/songwriter Vinnie Dombroski sang that catchy refrain in the chorus of "Molly (16 Candles)" with his Detroit rock band Sponge and their debut album, Rotting Piñata. This week I am thrilled to welcome Vinnie to Waterproof Records to hear how he soaked up a lifetime of experiences with Sponge, and what was behind that candy corn! 

Did you forget about me, Mr. Duplicity? Well I am here to remind you about that Jagged Little Pill in 1995 that first introduced us all to Alanis Morissette. An unforgettable voice, incredible song hooks and a powerful presence for women in rock in the 90s, Alanis was everywhere all at once and it was almost too much for this 20-year-old Canadian songwriter to bear. Join me as we look back on this album loaded with successful singles with one hand in our pocket and the other one hitting play on this podcast.

After the death of Andrew Wood from Mother Love Bone, Chris Cornell used his gift of music and songwriting to channel his grief. What was initially meant to be a single song released as tribute, transformed into a full album bringing together a supergroup of talented artists to capture a moment in time that would create one of the most memorable collaborations of the 1990's.

When we think of this album, we can hear that iconic opening bass riff followed by Perry Farrell crying out "Comin' down the mountain!" Nothing's Shocking came out in 1988, and I wouldn't get my hands on a copy of the album until the very first Jane's Addiction LIVE album landed in my older brother's hands as a cassette, and I was introduced to this unbridled circus of sex, drugs and rock n roll. This week I decided to combine both the first and second albums together and talk about chasing the addiction of this swirling, sensual band.

As the refrain "I'm a loser, baby..." echoed around the world in 1994, it was easy to assume that Beck might be here today, gone tomorrow as a slacker one-hit wonder on MTV's buzz clip floor. But Beck proved us wrong when he dropped Odelay in 1996, as teenagers now shouted "I've got two turntables and a microphone!" With that, Beck was here to stay showing a cohesive, weird, genre-blending album with the signature hodgepodge samples and sounds by the Dust Brothers. 

Behind my older brother's bedroom door was a giant poster of The Cure's Boys Don't Cry. I remember hearing Robert Smith's voice wailing over cavernous guitars, syncopated beats and dramatic synths... but it took me a moment to understand what it meant to be lost in The Cure. In 1992, Wish arrived with layered guitars and an album that traveled between pop, rock and haunting melodies that would open my bedroom door to this legendary band.

A lot of incredible new music released in 2023, some of which were new bands I just discovered while others were some of my favorite artists releasing new records. This week on Waterproof Records, I list off my top 10 in no particular order, as well as include 15 honorable mentions along the way.

During the many years I did stand-up comedy in Los Angeles, you tend to gravitate toward funny, like-minded people as you wait for your turn at late night open mics. Which is exactly where I first met this week's guest, Jordan Olds, before he left L.A. and made his way back east over a decade ago. Cut to 2016 when a hilarious heavy-metal themed talk show called "Two Minutes to Late Night" turns up, and I recognize a familiar face beneath the black and white corpse paint of the show's charismatic host, Gwarsenio Hall! I am so excited to sit down and laugh with Jordan/Gwarsenio on this week's Waterproof Records about our stand-up comedy history and our love of heavy music!

It was the summer of 1994. I had just finished my freshman year in high school, spent a week recording my first album with my church youth group band, and Green Day's Dookie was cranked in all of our car stereos. This week on Waterproof Records I reminisce about this very specific window of time when pop punk interrupted all the alternative music seriousness and reminded us have fun again.

This week I welcome Seattle based singer, songwriter and composer, Daniel G. Harmann, who most recently released a full cover of the Counting Crows debut album "August and Everything After." Daniel is a good friend and talented musician who has spent decades honing his craft and releasing oodles of good tunes. On this episode we discuss the twists and turns of pursuing a creative life, how an injury forced a new perspective, and how August and Everything After landed in his life at the perfect time. 

It's 1993 and the creeping bass riff of Tool's "Sober" starts to play on MTV when my eyes witness this unsettling claymation music video that features zero footage of the band... and I loved every second of it. The lyrics were intelligent and thought-provoking, and this dark, heavy sound with complex time signatures and haunting vocals sounded so different from everything else at the time. Join me this week as we explore the Undertow of Tool.

The opening bass line from "Cannonball" is an instant time warp back to 1993. I remember watching MTV and seeing Kim Deal from the Pixies on my screen and realizing she had a twin sister in this band I had never heard of called The Breeders. Decades later and Last Splash holds up as one of the standout albums of the 90s, with its unique tempo shifts, care free aesthetic and of course the sound of the harmonizing Deal sisters.

I would be a few years late to hearing 1993's Slip by Quicksand for the first time, but once "Head To Wall" landed on a gifted mixtape in the mid 90s, I was ready for more! That signature raspy voice belting out the gut-punching chorus was none other than Walter Schreifels, the legendary musician from New York Hardcore bands like Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today, who would go on several amazing bands like Quicksand, Rival Schools, and a multitude of other side projects. I was thrilled to invite Walter onto Waterproof Records to talk about coming up in the 80s hardcore scene, what inspired him to write music, and we ended up getting a little philosophical too!

From the moment the album kicks off with "Holy Wars... The Punishment Due," I was hooked. The speed, the fury, the thrash-- everything about Megadeth was turning my love of metal up to eleven.  Let's go back to 1990 when one of the best possible line-ups of this band dropped a metal masterpiece, securing it as one of my all-time favorites of the genre. 

Upbeat piano chords, distorted bass guitar and well-crafted harmonies was exactly what I needed when I stumbled upon the trio known as Ben Folds Five in 1995. The 90s music scene was always reminding us to expect the unexpected, and by the time this band hit their sophomore release titled 'Whatever and Ever Amen,' they delivered the perfect blend of humor and heart that created a timeless classic.

It was around 1998 when I first saw Dave Holmes on my television for MTV's 'Wanna Be a VJ,' competition, and I could instantly see that his love of music ran as deep as mine. Fast forward 25 years later where Dave Holmes is an accomplished writer, actor, tv host, podcaster, and Editor-at-large for Esquire. Recently I connected with Dave, so I invited him on the podcast to talk about where his love of music first began, stories from his career at MTV, and why he chose Tommy Keene's 'Songs From The Film' as his Waterproof Record. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

During one of my most challenging adolescent years, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness arrived at the right time for me to get lost in this monumental behemoth of a double album. Already my favorite band in the world, The Smashing Pumpkins presented what would be held up as one of the most incredible accomplishments by any band in the 1990s. This week we crack open the sprawling 28-track masterpiece, but these songs do stir up some teenage angst, so bear with me as despite all my rage.... well you know the rest! Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

An unforgettable cover with a New York City slacker cool, Sonic Youth's sixth studio album 'Goo' arrived just in time to make things noisy in 1990. A band defined by alternate tunings and experimental art rock, Sonic Youth had been releasing albums for nearly a decade before Goo hit. On this week's Waterproof Records we discuss the tale behind the iconic cover art, and how a Spin interview inspired a hit song. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

I discovered the music from a Chicago indie band called Into It. Over It. a few years ago, and shortly after I found myself adding multiple favorite songs to playlists. Soon after I would be fortunate enough to connect with Evan Thomas Weiss, the man responsible for this band, and get the chance to not only befriend him, but to invite him on my show to talk about our favorite music! Join me this week on Waterproof Records as we discuss Evan's fascinating journey as an independent musician and the trials and tribulations of DIY music. Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

Cue the opening guitar of Enter Sandman and let's headbang our way back to 1991 and talk about Metallica's self-titled fifth album, which would forever be referred to as 'the black album.' Now most die-hard Metallica fans will tell you, you're supposed to go back a decade before to the heavy underground thrash days of Kill Em All-- BUT, there was something so significant about how this more accessible album took the world by storm, ended up dropping 5 incredible music videos in constant rotation on MTV, and introduced small town kids like me to a collection of metal albums that would influence my music tastes for decades to come.  Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

The soaring vocal range and dynamic sounds of Jeff Buckley's music arrived in 1994 when rock was still angsty and fuzzy. I remember being stunned when I first bought Grace, as the haunting vibrato and unique song changes made me an instant fan of Buckley's all too tragically short career. On this week's Waterproof Records, we journey back to New York at Sin-é where Jeff first cut his teeth, how an estranged relationship with his father played a huge part in his music, and why sometimes a man gets carried away... Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

Allison Hagendorf is one of the few music tastemakers in our post-MTV, music streaming world. Her many years of experience working in A&R at record labels, Spotify, and a successful career as a TV personality and host interviewing rockstars has led her right where her skillset shines the most-- The Allison Hagendorf Show.  This week I welcome Allison to Waterproof Records to talk about being a psycho music fan, the album that changed her life, and all the ways she continues to seek out new and exciting music!  Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

Before you'd see an NIN patch sewn on the backpack of every scowling teenager dressed in black, Trent Reznor crafted Pretty Hate Machine during his off-hours at a recording studio in Cleveland where he worked in the late 1980s. After my first listen, I remember feeling drawn in by the angsty lyrics, eerie synths with grinding guitars and unique panning beats. Join me this week on Waterproof Records as we reminisce about this monumental album that made us all feel a little less alone.  Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

"For the life of me I cannot remember, What made us think that we were wise and we'd never compromise..." Sing it with me! We all know that song by heart and so does my guest this week, Brian Vander Ark, who is the lead singer and songwriter of the band The Verve Pipe. I was delighted to welcome Brian on the show this week to learn about his prolific career as a singer/songwriter, discover what he considers his 'waterproof record' from childhood, and what does Brian mean when he says WWSBJJD?!  Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

After a few social media messages and a winning game of rock puns, Chris Traynor and I became friends... so I was thrilled when he agreed to come on Waterproof Records and talk about his impressive career as the guitarist for bands like Orange 9mm, Helmet, and now Bush, where he has played lead guitar since 2001. Chris shares stories about his early days playing guitar as a kid, some of the songs and albums that inspired his style, and the journey that lead him to rocking on stage alongside Gavin Rossdale for nearly two decades. 

When I first met Allison Scagliotti, we were playing guitars at a music event in Los Angeles where we became fast friends. Shortly after I would learn about her acting career where she is best known for roles in Drake & Josh, Warehouse 13, and Stitchers, but I knew Allison as a musician first. So when I asked her to to be a guest on the show, Allison chose Kate Bush's 'The Dreaming,' as her most influential album of all time! This experimental and uncommercial fourth album from the iconic English singer continues to inspire Allison's creative journey to this day including her musical concept project, La Femme Pendu.  Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof La Femme Pendu official: lafemmependu.com  

What is It?! It's IT! In 1990, and for many years since, a lot of us ponder this confusing question until we and just give in and sing along to Faith No More's "Epic." I remember watching MTV and seeing the music video for the first time as Mike Patton jumped around in the rain, a fish flopped on the ground and a piano exploded-- but there was something about this band's sound that was hard to define. Was it rock or rap? It was metal but it was funky. Right before alternative rock became the mainstream, The Real Thing came from out of nowhere (see what I did there) and forged a path of genre splicing and unpredictable album choices. In a lot of ways, The Real Thing walked so that Angel Dust could run... Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

I welcome another fantastic musician this week who I found on TikTok named Dusty Gannon, who is the lead singer and guitarist of the goth rock band Vision Video. You can find Dusty online playing good music, wearing perfect goth makeup, and doing a hilariously charming character named 'Goth Dad.' But all of those things led him to where he is today... playing music for a living! I happily welcome Dusty on the show to share his story about serving in the military and becoming a fireman, what led him to making videos online, and finally his unsinkable album just so happens to be Joy Division's 1979 album, Unknown Pleasures.   Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

This week I'm being taken to hip hop school, and my instructor is none other than Patrick Hicks with his music stories. You've probably seen Patrick in a viral video or two where he begins with his signature phrase, "This is a story about..." and then proceeds to take you on a well-crafted journey of a musician's career path that led them to where they are today. Patrick and I connected over TikTok, became fast friends and it wasn't long before we started collaborating on a few videos. I asked Patrick to come on the podcast, but when he told me he wanted to talk about "Ready to Die" by The Notorious B.I.G., I knew I was out of my element. Join me as I learn a lot this talented artist who was gone too soon.  Get 30% off your first year of DistroKid, with my special VIP link: http://distrokid.com/vip/waterproof

We all remember belting out at the top of our lungs as we sang 'Whee-hen the dogs do find her' as Stone Temple Pilot's Plush played on the stereo with a group of friends in the 90s. Oh wait, I mean I still do that with my friends to this day! You've got to hand it to STP for delivering a debut album like Core, filled with Scott Weiland's unforgettable vocals and the unique guitar and bass from the Deleo brothers paired perfectly with drummer Eric Kretz. It's solid rock album, start to finish, so join me as I reminisce about each song, seeing the band live in 1993, and why music arrives at the perfect time in our lives.