Long Beach, CA – Sublime has signed with Atlantic Records, marking a new chapter for the iconic Southern California band following an independent run that propelled their single “Ensenada” to the top of the alternative airplay charts. The deal, announced Tuesday, comes after Sublime spent eight consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart with “Ensenada,” a feat surpassing their previous record set by “What I Got” in 1996, according to reports.
The partnership sees Bud Gaugh, Eric Wilson, and frontman Jakob Nowell preparing to release the band’s first full-length album with Nowell at the helm later this year. This move follows a strategic decision by the band to initially release singles independently through Sublime Recordings, in partnership with Regime Music Group, retaining ownership of their masters and handling marketing and promotion internally. That strategy proved successful, with “Ensenada,” released under Nowell’s SVNBVRNT venture, dominating alternative radio in 2025. Prior to “Ensenada,” the collaboration with Stick Figure, “Feel Like That,” similarly achieved significant success, spending eight weeks in the Top 10 on Alternative Airplay.
According to manager Kevin Zinger, the independent approach was deliberate. “When Sublime began releasing new music, we made a highly intentional decision to release the first few singles ourselves,” Zinger said. “We had the infrastructure in place, and most importantly, we wanted the band to stay in control of their music.” He added that the success of “Ensenada” – reaching the top spot on the charts – was “more than enough reward” and a “defining moment” for the band’s legacy.
The band’s decision to partner with a major label came after numerous offers, Zinger explained. “After meeting with Atlantic, we all walked out knowing we had found the right home. The passion, the energy, and the commitment…made it clear this was the right place for the next chapter of Sublime.”
Jakob Nowell offered a characteristically unconventional accept on the signing. “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 said. “They seem like real straight shooters, and their office has bowls of Halloween candy dated March of last year, but it still tasted fine to me. We’re gonna change California music history or die trying.”
Drummer Bud Gaugh reflected on the significance of partnering with Atlantic, a label he grew up with. “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. Everything from AC/DC to Zeppelin, and so many others! 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 Eric Wilson echoed the sentiment, 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, co-manager alongside Zinger, emphasized the importance of finding the right fit. “Working with Sublime again feels like coming home,” Escalante said. “After meeting with Atlantic, we all looked at each other and knew — these are the people. There’s real respect for Sublime’s legacy and real belief in where they’re going next.”
Atlantic Records’ Johnny Minardi stated, “Sublime’s impact on music and culture is undeniable, and this next chapter carries the same fearless punk rock ethos that made them iconic. They have been one of my all-time favorite bands, so this is a defining moment for me personally. We’re honored they chose Atlantic Records to help drive this new era forward.”
Sublime, founded in Long Beach in 1988 by Wilson, Gaugh, and the late Bradley Nowell, achieved widespread success with their 1996 self-titled album, which has sold over 5 million copies and generated more than 18 million RIAA-certified album sales. The band entered a new phase in late 2023 with Jakob Nowell joining the original members, culminating in a performance at Coachella 2024. Parade reports that in 2026, Sublime will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their self-titled album with two nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (April 17-18) and launch their own touring festival brand, Sublime Me Gusta, debuting May 9 in Fort Worth, Texas.
