Sublime Partners with Atlantic Records for New Era

Sublime, the iconic Southern California band, has signed a partnership with Atlantic Records following a successful independent run that saw their single “Ensenada” reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart for eight consecutive weeks. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the band, which consists of Bud Gaugh, Eric Wilson, and frontman Jakob Nowell, as they prepare to release their first full-length album with Nowell later this year.

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Prior to the signing, Sublime independently released singles through Sublime Recordings in collaboration with Regime Music Group, allowing them to retain ownership of their masters and manage marketing and radio promotion internally. This strategy proved effective, as “Ensenada” surpassed the band's previous record set by “What I Got,” which held the top spot for three weeks. Manager Kevin Zinger noted that the decision to release music independently was intentional, aimed at maintaining control over their artistic output.

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Jakob Nowell expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, humorously referencing Atlantic's offer to fund his cosmetic surgery. He stated, “We’re gonna change California music history or die trying.” Drummer Bud Gaugh reflected on the significance of joining Atlantic, recalling his childhood admiration for the label's artists. Bassist Eric Wilson described the upcoming album as an “organic Sublime album,” expressing excitement for fans to hear it. Joe Escalante, co-manager of the band, emphasized the importance of alignment with Atlantic, stating, “After meeting with Atlantic, we all looked at each other and knew — these are the people.”

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Johnny Minardi from Atlantic Records acknowledged Sublime's cultural impact, stating, “This next chapter carries the same fearless punk rock ethos that made them iconic.”

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The signing with Atlantic Records represents a pivotal moment in Sublime's history, marking a transition from independent releases to a major label partnership. Founded in 1988, the band has a storied legacy, with their self-titled album achieving 5x Platinum status and over 18 million RIAA-certified album sales. The partnership is expected to enhance their reach and influence in the music industry as they prepare for high-profile performances, including a reunion at Coachella 2024 and a 30th-anniversary celebration of their self-titled album in 2026.

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Sublime is set to launch its own touring festival brand, Sublime Me Gusta, debuting on May 9, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. This festival, along with their anniversary performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 17-18, 2026, signifies the band's commitment to evolving their legacy while engaging with fans in new and exciting ways.

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• “Atlantic told us that if we signed with them they would pay for my experimental cosmetic surgery to have the body of a goat and the head of a goat.” — Jakob Nowell, Frontman

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• “ Drummer Bud Gaugh reflected on the label’s legacy, adding: “You have no idea how many records I had growing up as a kid watching them spin around and around with the Atlantic Records label on them.” — Bud Gaugh, Drummer

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• “Working with Sublime again feels like coming home.” — Joe Escalante, Co-manager

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