Waterproof Records with Jacob Givens

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices