Waterparks

Formed in Houston, Texas, in 2011 by Awsten Knight (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Gage Matthieu (bass), Waterparks quickly evolved beyond its initial lineup through early independent releases. The band’s first EP, “Airplane Conversations,” was released in April 2012. After Matthieu and original drummer Owen Marvin departed in 2012, Geoff Wigington (lead guitar, backing vocals) and Otto Wood (drums, backing vocals) joined, solidifying the core trio. This new formation marked a period of consistent live performances in Texas, including appearances at the Warped Tour in 2013 and 2015, and opening for artists like Aaron Carter in 2013. Their second EP, “Black Light,” was released in June 2014, showcasing their evolving sound before they secured a record deal with Equal Vision Records in November 2015. This period also saw them partnering with Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, who became their managers, contributing to the production of their third EP, “Cluster,” in January 2016.

The band’s career trajectory saw steady growth with their debut studio album, “Double Dare,” released in November 2016 under Equal Vision, which was supported by singles like “Stupid For You” and “Hawaii (Stay Awake).” They extensively toured, including the 2016 Warped Tour and supporting bands such as Never Shout Never and Sleeping with Sirens. Their second studio album, “Entertainment,” followed in January 2018, peaking at No. 98 on the Billboard 200 chart. In May 2019, Waterparks transitioned to Hopeless Records for their third studio album, “Fandom,” released in October 2019, featuring singles like “Turbulent” and “Dream Boy.” This album further cemented their presence in the pop-punk and alternative rock scene. The band expanded their reach by signing with 300 Entertainment in September 2020, leading to their fourth album, “Greatest Hits,” in May 2021, and subsequently with Fueled by Ramen for their fifth studio album, “Intellectual Property,” released in April 2023. These moves reflect their continuous ambition and adaptation within the music industry. In 2022, their song “Telephone” was featured in the British TV series “Heartstopper,” broadening their exposure.

Waterparks continues to innovate with their musical style, incorporating elements of pop-punk, pop rock, electropop, and alternative rock, and more recently venturing into hyperpop and hip hop influences. Their sound is characterized by vocal modulation, layered synthesizers, and fast vocals. The band’s commitment to releasing new material is evident through additional projects like the demo collections “1” (2020) and “2” (2024), and standalone singles such as “Sneaking Out of Heaven” (2023) and “Soulsucker” (2024). A recent significant development occurred in July 2025, when Waterparks signed a new record deal with BMG, shortly followed by the release of their single “Red Guitar.” Their ability to secure deals with major labels and maintain a prolific release schedule highlights their strategic approach to career management and artistic development.