Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond Sublime
Sep 23, 2025
Jakob Nowell, son of Sublime's iconic frontman Bradley Nowell, takes the spotlight as he discusses his journey growing up with his father's music and stepping into the lead singer role. Bud Gaugh, the band's longtime drummer, reminisces about their early days and the vibrant Long Beach music scene. The duo touches on their guerrilla recording experiences and the evolution of their sound, culminating in a new album that honors Bradley's legacy while captivating a new generation of fans. Collaboration sparks as they share the excitement of their return to the stage.
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Long Beach's Melting-Pot Sound
- Long Beach in the 1990s was a true musical melting pot where punk, ska, reggae, hip-hop and skate culture coexisted.
- That environment let Sublime blend genres organically rather than forcing a crossover sound.
Hip‑Hop Came From Genuine Digging
- Hip-hop entered Sublime's sound through record digging and members who DJ'd, not by trend-chasing.
- That genuine exposure made their rap and reggae integrations feel authentic instead of performative.
Good Music, Not Genre Labels
- Sublime's musical identity came from liking all good music, not fitting genre boxes.
- Brad's ethos: if it makes you feel something, it's doing its job.
