Sublime Signs with Atlantic Records for First Album in 30 Years

The iconic ska-punk band prepares to release new music with late frontman's son Jakob Nowell.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Legendary band Sublime has signed a deal with Atlantic Records as they prepare to release their first new album in 30 years. The album will feature original members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, as well as Jakob Nowell, the son of late frontman Bradley Nowell, who passed away in 1996. Sublime previously formed the band Sublime with Rome in 2009 with singer Rome Ramirez, but have now reformed with Jakob Nowell.

Why it matters

Sublime was one of the most influential and iconic bands of the 1990s, blending ska, punk, and reggae into a unique sound. Their return to music after 30 years, with the addition of Bradley Nowell's son, is sure to generate significant excitement and interest among longtime fans as well as a new generation discovering the band's music.

The details

In a statement, Jakob Nowell said that Atlantic Records promised to pay for his 'experimental cosmetic surgery to have the body of a goat and the head of a goat' if the band signed with them. He added that the band is 'gonna change California music history or die trying.' Sublime previously released a new single, 'Ensenada,' in 2025 which hit #1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.

  • Sublime put out a new single, 'Ensenada,' in 2025.
  • Sublime with Rome formed in 2009.
  • Bradley Nowell died in 1996, shortly before the release of Sublime's last album.

The players

Sublime

An iconic ska-punk band that rose to fame in the 1990s, known for hits like 'Santeria' and 'What I Got.'

Jakob Nowell

The son of late Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell, who has now joined the reformed band.

Bud Gaugh

Original member of Sublime, who is part of the band's reunion.

Eric Wilson

Original member of Sublime, who is part of the band's reunion.

Atlantic Records

The record label that has signed Sublime for their first new album in 30 years.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Jakob Nowell (wirx.com)

“We're gonna change California music history or die trying.”

— Jakob Nowell (wirx.com)

What’s next

The new Sublime album is due out later in 2026.

The takeaway

Sublime's return to music after 30 years, with the addition of late frontman Bradley Nowell's son Jakob, is a highly anticipated event that is sure to excite longtime fans and introduce the band's iconic sound to a new generation of listeners.