Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 64 - Jonny Polonsky and the 411 on Songwriting Jul 19, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 63 - Pulp - Different Class Jul 05, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 62 - Julie Christmas and the Unhinged Ladder to Imagination Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 61 - Comedy Makes the World Go Rock with Don Jamieson Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 60 - Massive Attack - Mezzanine May 24, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 59 - Garbage (1995 Debut) May 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 58 - Geoff Rickly from Thursday Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 57 - Jimmy Eat World - Clarity Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 56 - Vinnie Dombroski from Sponge Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

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!

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Ep. 55 - Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

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.

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