Waterparks don’t just blur genre lines—they smear neon paint all over them and dare you to keep up. Since breaking out of Houston’s DIY scene, the trio—Awsten Knight, Geoff Wigington, and Otto Wood—have built a career on audacious hooks, surrealist humor, and a refusal to play by pop-punk’s old rules. Their songs ricochet from bubblegum choruses to teeth-gritting distortion, often in the same breath, and Knight’s hyper-self-aware lyricism turns confessions into carnival rides. Talking to the band feels like scrolling through a feed you can’t look away from: chaotic, funny, and unexpectedly raw. In this conversation with #Happens’ Shawn Alexander, Waterparks open up about their sound and influences.
Please introduce yourself and explain the message on Waterparks website: ‘The Official Website Of The Worst Person You Know’s Least Favorite Band.’
Hi I’m Awsten from Houston, widely unknown, severely talented. I don’t remember writing that tagline there but it’s true. It means if you don’t like Waterparks you’re unfun to be around and deny yourself basic joy and people are tired of hearing you whimper about it.
Who are your biggest influences?
The landlord for wanting to evict me because it pushes me to be successful enough to buy a home. Then I gotta deal with the HOA and I’ve heard they are LOVELY. I’m very competitive and critical of rock music, not because I’m a Pick Me, but because I love it and it deserves creative songs and new life! My influences are me, the pressure I apply to myself, and everyone I hate!!!!!!
What was the inspiration behind your current single, ‘RED GUITAR’?
Delusion. Being delusional enough to get what you want, or think you want. The reality of chasing something that doesn’t want you. Or doesn’t seem to most days. Anyway, you let ME know player.
What would surprise people most about you?
I used to surprise people at this haunted house I worked at— I’d pop out of the wall covered in fake blood and they would be SURPRISED. Let’s see, finding out I’m sober usually trips new people up, I can cook, I hate touching my phone, and I hope you love what I’ve made for you here today.
Interview by Shawn Alexander from #HAPPENS
#Happens Artist Discovery VIP Access