Sublime has officially entered into a partnership with Atlantic Records, following a remarkable achievement that saw the band spend eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart with their single “Ensenada.” This Southern California trio, consisting of drummer Bud Gaugh, bassist Eric Wilson, and frontman Jakob Nowell, is set to release its first full-length album with Nowell later this year.
The decision to sign with Atlantic comes after a successful independent run, where the band released recent singles through their own label, Sublime Recordings, in collaboration with Regime Music Group. This strategy allowed them to retain ownership of their masters while managing marketing and radio promotion internally.
Record-Breaking Success Fuels Major Label Interest
The independent approach yielded significant results. The track “Ensenada,” which was released under Nowell’s brand SVNBVRNT, not only topped the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart but also became the longest-running No. 1 on alternative radio in 2025, surpassing the band’s earlier success with “What I Got,” which held the top spot for three weeks. Prior to that, “Feel Like That,” a collaboration with Stick Figure, spent eight weeks in the Top 10 on the same chart.
According to the band’s manager Kevin Zinger, this independent route was a deliberate choice. “When Sublime began releasing new music, I sat down with the band and our team at Regime and we made a very intentional decision to release the first few singles ourselves,” Zinger stated. He emphasized the importance of the band maintaining control over their music. “When ‘Ensenada’ hit #1 at Alternative radio, that was more than enough reward. It was a defining moment for all of us and Sublime’s legacy.”
As the success of “Ensenada” garnered attention, discussions about a future album intensified. Zinger noted, “Truthfully, I never assumed we would end up at a major label. But we took the meetings… After meeting with Atlantic, we all walked out knowing we had found the right home.”
Frontman and Band Members Share Excitement
Nowell reflected on the signing with characteristic humor, stating, “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.” He added, “They seem like real straight shooters… We’re gonna change California music history or die trying.”
Gaugh expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, recalling his childhood memories of Atlantic records. “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,” he said. “I am beyond excited to announce this partnership with Atlantic Records and Sublime!! So Get Ready! Here comes some new stuff for your ears to hears!”
Bassist Wilson also shared his excitement, stating, “So great to partner with Atlantic Records finally! I’m excited about our new album; it truly is an organic Sublime album… can’t wait for people to hear it.”
Joe Escalante, who co-manages the band alongside Zinger, emphasized the importance of alignment in their decision to partner with Atlantic. “Working with Sublime again feels like coming home,” he said. “As things came together, we had plenty of opportunities, but it ultimately came down to people. After meeting with Atlantic, we all looked at each other and knew — these are the people.”
From the label’s perspective, Johnny Minardi of Atlantic expressed his admiration for the band. “Sublime’s impact on music and culture is undeniable, and this next chapter carries the same fearless punk rock ethos that made them iconic,” he said. “They have been one of my all-time favorite bands, so this is a defining moment for me personally.”
Founded in Long Beach in 1988, Sublime’s self-titled album, released in 1996, achieved 5x Platinum status and has recorded over 18 million RIAA-certified album sales. The band’s legacy has recently been revitalized with performances featuring Nowell, the son of late frontman Bradley Nowell, leading to high-profile appearances including Coachella 2024.
In 2026, the band plans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their self-titled album with two nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 17 and 18, and will launch their own touring festival brand, Sublime Me Gusta, debuting on May 9 in Fort Worth, Texas.
