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Newsweek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
'You Can't Out-Myth the Original Myth': Jakob Nowell's Time With Sublime
Famed ska-punk band Sublime, originally composed of the late Bradley Nowell, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh, rose to prominence in the 1990s with a multi-genre approach that blended elements of punk and reggae. But, in the decades since, things have evolved a bit. Nowell's son, Jakob, met with original members Wilson and Gaugh as part of a special charity performance. The show was so well-received that it sparked the trio to reform Sublime with Jakob as frontman. Since 2024, the group has been in the studio preparing new music, including the fresh single "Ensenada." With that in the cards, Newsweek sat with the lead singer and guitarist to talk about the reunion, channeling the Sublime vibe, and the reception to the band. Jakob Nowell of Sublime performs during the 2025 BottleRock festival at Napa Valley Expo on May 23, 2025. in Napa, California. Jakob Nowell of Sublime performs during the 2025 BottleRock festival at Napa Valley Expo on May 23, 2025. in Napa, California. Jim Bennett/WireImage When it comes to music, there can be a tendency to lean on nostalgia and want things to remain the same. The renewed Sublime trio, though, has been traveling and headlining shows across stages, including their public debut at Coachella, to much praise from fans. "If people didn't like it, we wouldn't keep doing it. I do it for the fans, truly. So Sublime for me really has to be like, 'Do the fans want this kind of thing, Is this legit enough? Is this authentic enough?' Nowell said. "And for the most part, you know, 99 percent of people are on board. You know, I see families out there in the audience. I see multigenerational. I always say that is like, every single generation is like, into Sublime right now. If you just go to any of our shows, you just see it from the teenage demographic, the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, even 60s and beyond." And, for Nowell, that reception is more than just a positive omen for the group's commercial prospects. There's something larger at play. "This is a brand of music, or a scene that just appeals to people on this unique, specific level," he said. "And my theory has always been because the music seems genuine and authentic. So we never want to put on airs or become too poppy, or change the style and sound when it comes to Sublime. Because for me, that crowd response and that reaction and people telling me how emotional it is for them and how much the music got them through their own loss, maybe their family, losing loved ones just like we have, I think we share in our trauma and our music is our song of hope and an escape too, from all of those difficult things. So for me, it feels really special to get to be a part of it." Stepping Forward Into the Spotlight Nowell joining the band seemed to be divine timing. "I was on tour with my band, Jakob's Castle, and I had this kind of cool spiritual experience at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, California, where my dad played his last show or Sublime played their last show. That coincided with me turning 28, the same age my dad was when he technically left the band," he said. "I had always said, 'I'll play Sublime songs when it's something for charity or when it can raise awareness for something or shed light on other things, but never for my own personal benefit.' And so my uncles wanted to play this benefit show for H.R. from Bad Brains. He's just like a hero to us, and good friends of Bud and Eric. Playing that show, we had just connected and we rehearsed, and it was so awesome getting to be in each other's lives that it all kind of coincided naturally." But even if something feels natural, there can still be challenges. Stepping into that frontman role once held by his father and as part of such an iconic band can be rattling, Nowell admitted. "Especially in the beginning, it's just so much pressure, because I want to prove myself," he said. "And I think we all have a little bit of impostor syndrome. Everybody out there, in every industry, we just want to fit in, and that would also feel like we legitimately belong. "And I think that the worst one was Coachella, for sure, because that was really like our first real show together in Sublime, and it's like, 'All right, your first one, go play Coachella.' You're kidding me," he laughed. "This is going to be the most publicized event. And I really shouldn't care what people's thoughts are of me, but I'm the only human and I care because, because I care, because I love Sublime, I love the music, and I respect it." Even out of the public eye, there's still pressure. Hitting the studio with an iconic group requires being authentic to the original sound, but Nowell is well-versed in the music. And there's an additional ace up Sublime's sleeve should any additional challenges arise. "We have a book. We call it the Skin Bible, and it has all of our notes," Nowell explained. "We check to see if things are canonical and authentic, and if someone's like, 'Well, I want to put this in there.' It's like, 'Well, prove that it was in a Sublime song. And we have to do that [to] keep us on track. But you don't want to be too rigid. But I felt like in this process, you almost did like the fun part. We can make it fun, but we kept this big Venn diagram, too, on the wall of all of the differing influences and how we wanted to stay in the middle, never on any one, two sides of this huge multi-circle Venn diagram. And so that way, if we ever want to do something that was slightly outside of it, it was very conscious and intentional." Experiences Researching and Recording To tap into the quintessence of Sublime, the frontman immersed himself in the band's catalog and emerged with a deeper reverence for the music. "There were two phases of my Sublime research," he said. "There was learning about the performance and how to portray it live, which, you know, obviously listen to all the songs in the catalog and then watch a lot of live performance videos and be like 'OK. What's the essence of this band? What is the vibe like? How am I gonna do this without just feeling like I'm copying and make it authentic?' I got really familiar with the sound of the band and their approach to playing music. "Then the second half of my training and studies was like when we decided 'Are we gonna try to write Sublime songs? How do we do that?' So we poured through all the old bootlegs, demos and unreleased material in the vaults that nobody's heard and through them, in tandem with the help of my friend Jon Joseph, who's the producer for this upcoming record, and Zane Vandevort, who was just a natural Californian fan of Sublime since birth, you know, like his favorite band. Basically, we then went to go map out what is the essence of a Sublime song, and what recurring themes, vocally, lyrically, recurring guitar parts? What's canonical? What do they do, for sure? What do they never do when it comes to instrumentation." That understanding laid the foundation for the next step: new music. Nowell described the recording process of "Ensenada" and the band's upcoming new music as "a bonding experience," saying, "I think when you're sitting in any room for eight hours, eventually it becomes sort of like a little bit of a therapy room, too. I mean, the world outside the studio doesn't stop. It's kind of like the hyperbolic time chamber. The other world slows down. You're just in there practicing our f***ing martial arts. "It's so cool when people will accept that material, too. It shows that we're doing something right and that it fits in the catalog. That's all I want. I don't think that you know. I'll knock on wood. Who knows, time will tell. I'm proud of what we did, but I don't think we were able to achieve writing like a 'Santeria' or even a 'What I Got' like, I consider those two like their big, big, just timeless rock 'n' roll classics, just without a doubt, alternative classics, and that's because those go beyond their influences. That's a riddle that we would not be able to solve without the original members. "They probably didn't know. They probably had versions of those jams 100 times, and then one recording just sort of did it time and place, bam. You know, timeless song. You can't out-legacy. You can't out-myth, the original myth. So we just wanted to create a bunch of songs that were well within the same sound genre." And, on the subject of timeless, iconic music, what is Nowell's favorite Sublime song? "Definitely the song 'All You Need.' It just is such a good example of the band's influences and capabilities," he said. "'All You Need' and Greatest Hits and 'S.T.P.,' as well." Sublime's new single "Ensenada" is available now.
San Francisco Chronicle
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
The most powerful act at Napa's La Onda festival? It's not on the main stage
One of the most important performances at La Onda in Napa doesn't take place on any of the big stages. It isn't projected on jumbo screens, doesn't feature any dazzling pyrotechnics or conclude with an audience-requested encore. In fact, for the tens-of-thousands at the Napa Valley Expo on Saturday and Sunday May 31-June 1, for the second annual Latin music festival, it may happen quietly, without them ever noticing. Yet, it may arguably be the most essential act of the weekend. In the margins of the two-day festival's footprint, Callpuli Anahuak, a Northern California-based Aztec danza group, gathered in a circle and offered ancestral drumming and prayer. No microphones. No spotlights. Just feet against soil. Carlos Romero, who leads the group and has been dancing for Callpuli Anahuak for more than 20 years, describes it plainly: 'We're ceremonial.' 'It's a spiritual journey from our ancestors, from our people. When we bring ceremony, it feels like everybody connects — every culture,' he went on. 'I feel like every human being needs that.' Romero and his multi-generational dance and ceremony cohort returned after a stirring performance at La Onda's inaugural year, one that stood in quieter contrast to the festival's usual programming. Their presence, however, isn't just some cultural veneer for La Onda. According to Romero, to the organizers' credit, that was never the intention when they first approached them for the festival's inaugural year in 2024. But given the current political backdrop, all four of Callpuli Anahuak's La Onda performances (both days at 1:45 and 4:45 p.m. on the field by the Verizon Stage) may feel like a spiritual intervention, arriving at a moment when Latinx identity is being simultaneously marketed, marginalized and persecuted. It certainly served as a respite for LIlian Zepeda. A Napa native, she's Mexican and African American; watching her fellow festivalgoers cheer on the group on Saturday afternoon, she said, made her feel more at peace amid the current political climate. 'It feels like an acceptance in this country,' Zepeda said, adding that despite 'what's going on, (we're) still proud of who we are.' Perhaps inadvertent, but that's the kind of chord La Onda festival organizers hit this year. 'In these challenging times, it's gratifying to know that these Callpuli Anahuak ceremonial performances are resonating with our attendees,' Dave Graham, a partner at BottleRock Napa Valley, which also produces La Onda, told the Chronicle. The fear that lives just outside the gates of La Onda is not imagined. In the Napa Valley and greater Bay Area, anxiety has risen among the immigrant community under the Trump administration following renewed federal threats of mass deportations. It feels all the more significant since Grupo Firme — one of the most prominent and highly anticipated acts on La Onda's lineup — was forced to withdraw from the festival due to delayed visa approvals. In that context, Romero sees Callpuli Anahuak's performance not just as entertainment but a form of resistance. 'We're being attacked,' said Romero, who was born in Mexico and raised in Sonoma County. But he quickly added, 'our people never give up. We work all the hard jobs. We're the backbone of this country.' Standing on the field of the region's premier Latin music festival he also notes that Callpuli Anahuak isn't dancing this weekend in direct protest. They dance in defiance of invisibility. 'We forget to be present,' Romero said. 'We forget to be in the moment, and I think ceremony helps you with that. It reminds you that you're here, right now, and you're breathing and that's a blessing.' And presence, right now, is power. Julio Lara is a freelance writer.
San Francisco Chronicle
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
La Onda festival loses major act as Grupo Firme is denied entry to U.S.
Grupo Firme, the chart-topping regional Mexican band based in Tijuana, has canceled its appearance at this weekend's La Onda festival in Napa, after being denied entry into the United States. The group was slated to headline the closing night of the two-day celebration on Sunday, June 1, at the Napa Valley Expo, but announced the cancellation just days from their festival debut. 'Currently, visas for Grupo Firme ... are undergoing an administrative process at the US Embassy,' the band wrote on Instagram on Friday, May 30. '(It's) a situation that makes it impossible for Grupo Firme to perform at La Onda Fest as planned.' Festival organizers confirmed the cancellation and announced that rising corrido star Tito Double P will take Grupo Firme's place on the Verizon Stage on Sunday. Now in its second year, La Onda has quickly become a major celebration of Latin music and culture in Northern California, with more than 60,000 attendees at its debut in 2024. This year's event, which begins Saturday, May 31, boasts major acts such as Marco Antonio Solís, Banda MS, Pepe Aguilar, Ángela Aguilar and Alicia Villarreal. 'There was something missing in the Northern California festival scene — an authentic, large-scale festival dedicated 100% to Latino culture,' said organizer Dave Graham, whose team is also behind the annual BottleRock Napa Valley festival hosted over Memorial Day weekend.
San Francisco Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
La Onda 2025: Napa Valley's Latin music festival returns with food, fun and rhythm
La Onda returns to Napa for its second year, celebrating Latin music, food and culture in the heart of Wine Country. The two-day event, scheduled to take place on Saturday-Sunday, May 31 and June 1 at the Napa Valley Expo, featuring an eclectic lineup that spans regional Mexican and several various sub-genres, Latin pop and so much more. Hitting the festival grounds just after BottleRock Napa Valley, a Memorial Day weekend staple, La Onda benefits from much of the same infrastructure. Attendees can expect similar perks, including multi-level seating and lounge areas, a silent disco, VIP experiences and even an on-site spa. The inaugural La Onda in 2024 drew more than 60,000 fans who enjoyed not only musical sets on the main stage but performances by roaming Mariachi bands to electrifying Lucha Libre matches. For festivalgoers looking for the perfect selfie, brightly colored lowriders served as Instagram-ready backdrops. Organizers deemed it a resounding success, with attendees lauding it for representing the vibrant diversity of Latino communities. 'There was something missing in the Northern California festival scene — an authentic, large-scale festival dedicated 100% to Latino culture,' acknowledged Dave Graham, partner at BottleRock Napa Valley which produces the La Onda. 'We saw the response from the crowd and on social media — just how much it was wanted and appreciated. We're excited to bring that same energy into year two.' Who is performing at La Onda 2025? The 2025 lineup promises big names and diverse talent within the Latin music world. On Saturday, May 31, Mexican singer-songwriter Marco Antonio Solis, Banda MS and Pepe Aguilar are expected to take the stage, while Carin León and Grupo Firme are slated to close out the festival on Sunday, June 1. Other highlights include performances by Xavi, Tito Double P, Yuridia, Eden Muñoz, Ángela Aguilar and Clave Especial. Various DJs, from Subelo Neo to Mexican Institute of Sound, will also bring the beats throughout the weekend. Other featured acts include Chino Pacas, La Receta, Camila Fernández, Los Aptos, Sonora Tropicana, MAR, Edgar Alejandro, Christian Nava, Codiciado, Oscar Maydon, Alicia Villarreal, Michelle Maciel, Reyna Tropical, Miguel Cornejo, Erre, Los De La 4, Adriana Ríos and Ysrael Barajas. Where is La Onda? The festival takes place at the Napa Valley Expo, a 26-acre venue just minutes from downtown Napa, which also hosts BottleRock Napa Valley. While La Onda uses much of the same footprint, it has its own distinct personality. 'Our team is super motivated to transform the space into something completely different,' said Justin Dragoo, chief operating officer at BottleRock. 'The decor, the vendors, the sponsors — everything had to reflect the unique spirit of this festival. We love the challenge.' Festival doors open at 11:30 a.m., with the last act ending at 10 p.m. each day. Getting to Festival La Onda 2025 Festivalgoers can easily reach the Napa Valley Expo through a variety of transportation options. Designated ride-hailing pickup and drop-off areas are located at Third and Randolph streets. Vine Transit offers free bus service throughout the weekend. Carpooling is encouraged with limited street parking available on a first-come, first-served basis, while VIP and platinum pass holders enjoy reserved parking. Free bike parking is available at 301 First St. Amtrak San Joaquins provides direct routes with festival shuttles to the venue; and out-of-town visitors can fly into nearby airports. Hotel and transportation packages, including festival shuttles, are available on the La Onda website for cities like San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and Santa Rosa. What's on the menu at La Onda? One of the festival's main attractions is its incredible culinary offerings. More than 60 renowned eateries will showcase Latin-inspired dishes, with a special focus on the local flavors of Napa Valley, Sonoma County and the greater Bay Area. In addition to the food vendors, guests can enjoy lively bars, wine cabanas and specialty drinks throughout the festival grounds. 'This is a festival designed by Latinos, for Latinos,' said Graham. 'The food, the music, the atmosphere — it's all about celebrating our culture in the heart of one of the best food and wine regions in the world.'
San Francisco Chronicle
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
BottleRock 2025: Inside Napa Valley's premier music festival
BottleRock Napa Valley, the Bay Area's most luxurious music festival, kicks off its 12th edition this Memorial Day weekend. The Napa Valley Expo will host more than 80 musical acts, gourmet food experiences and celebrity chef appearances in the heart of California's Wine Country from Friday-Sunday, May 23-25. Since its debut in 2013, BottleRock has transformed Napa into a sought-after destination for music lovers, with an expected crowd of 120,000 attendees over the holiday weekend. This year's headliners include East Bay rock legends Green Day, pop sensation Justin Timberlake, folk-pop star Noah Kahan, indie rockers Benson Boone, reggae veterans Sublime and the genre-blending Khruangbin. The diverse lineup also includes actress and singer Kate Hudson, alternative rockers Cage the Elephant, electronic dance superstar Kaskade, Latin music sensation Carín León and rap veterans Public Enemy, Ice Cube and the Bay Area's own E-40. In addition to the performances, the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage will showcase cooking demonstrations by a star-studded roster of chefs and musicians, including Bobby Flay, Kristen Kish, Serena Williams and even Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis. Check back for highlights from the weekend.
