The story of So-Cal rockers Sublime has been a wild ride. They hit it big with their self-titled third album, but sadly, lead singer Bradley Nowell passed away from a heroin overdose just months before its release. After his death, the remaining members continued as Sublime With Rome, with Rome Ramirez taking over vocals and guitar. Now, they’re back under the Sublime name, featuring Bradley’s son, Jakob Nowell, as the new frontman.
To learn more about Jakob, we had a chat over Zoom while he was on his way to the gym in Long Beach, California. He’s worked hard to carve out his own path in music, playing in bands like Law, Jakob’s Castle, and even a technical death metal group called Death of the Author. Now, stepping into his father’s role, Jakob approaches it with humility. “I know I’m here because of my father,” he shared, expressing his desire to carry on Sublime’s musical legacy.
Sublime has just released a new single called “Ensenada,” featuring original members Bud Gaugh and Eric Wilson. Jakob explained that they used old demos from his dad as inspiration for the song. “The seed is the same, but the plant is different,” he said. This track will be part of an upcoming album tentatively titled *Til The Sun Explodes*, which will include collaborations with various artists, including G Love from Philly.
Jakob also opened up about how addiction has impacted their lives. He emphasized that staying sober is crucial in an industry filled with temptations. They discussed Sublime’s cover of a Grateful Dead song, Rome’s departure, and a memorable photo that led to a heartfelt trip to see it as a mural. Keep an eye out for more from Jakob Nowell and Sublime!
