Sublime is currently working on their first album in nearly three decades.
Sublime is currently in the process of creating a new album alongside Jakob, the son of the late Bradley Nowell. This upcoming project will mark the band’s return to a full-length album format since the release of their self-titled record back in 1996. The news was confirmed by Jakob in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, where he detailed his experience spending time in the studio alongside blink-182’s Travis Barker and producer John Feldmann.
In his statement, Jakob expressed his admiration for Travis Barker, noting the musician’s deep-rooted appreciation and knowledge of Sublime’s musical repertoire. The collaborative atmosphere in the studio between them felt warm and familial, with a shared sentiment that the project they were embarking on was something significant and multi-generational on an emotional and spiritual level.
Travis Barker, reflecting on his personal history with Sublime, remarked on the impact the band had on his own musical journey, specifically citing the album “40oz. to Freedom” as a transformative listening experience. The opportunity to work with the members of Sublime on this new album has been a source of honor and joy for Barker. He highlighted the presence of Bradley Nowell’s spirit coming through Jakob during the creative process, evoking powerful emotions with every studio session.
Beyond crafting new music for the album, Jakob has been delving into the vast archives within his father’s studio. He emphasized the importance of distilling the essence of a Sublime song and embracing the band’s signature style. For Jakob, this exploration has been a rewarding and enlightening journey that has brought him closer to his late father on a spiritual level. He believes that their creative output contains elements of their shared DNA, leaving behind a profound legacy.
While the ultimate goal is to produce a full-length album, Jakob stressed the importance of gauging fan reactions by releasing one or two singles first. Should the response be positive and respectful of Sublime’s legacy, Jakob, along with band members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson, is eager to continue creating new music. Their dedication to honoring the band’s heritage while forging a path forward in the music industry remains a focal point of their creative process.
The announcement of this new album follows Jakob’s debut as Sublime’s frontman during a performance at Coachella last April. Fans can anticipate the release of the first single from the upcoming album later this summer, marking an exciting new chapter in Sublime’s musical journey.