Transgressive Records has signed rising rock trio HotWax.
Since releasing debut EPs A Thousand Times and Invite Me, Kindly in 2023, the Hastings and Brighton three-piece have toured the world, as well as recording debut album Hot Shock with award-winning producers Catherine Marks and Steph Marziano.
In a statement, Transgressive said HotWax are “leading a new generation of guitar bands that are re-energising the world’s alternative scene at a time where disruption is sorely needed”.
The band have been added to Transgressive’s label roster, after being signed by the company for publishing three years ago.
Hot Shock reached No.1 in the Official Record Store Chart, hit the main UK Top 40 and landed a Top 20 spot in the Rough Trade Albums Of The Year list.
As well as their own debut headline UK/European tour at the start of 2026, HotWax have played shows and toured around the world with Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Royal Blood, Nova Twins and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes.
This summer will see a selection of international festival appearances ahead of the band recording their second album, slated for a 2027 release.
The band’s passion for live music and small venues has also led them to working with Music Venue Trust, for which they have starred in and produced a new documentary about the grassroots scene, captured on their recent tour. The film premiered recently at the V&A and will appear online from this week via YouTube (May 22).
In a statement, HotWax said: “We have loved knowing and working with Toby, Tim and Lilas as our publishers, so to now be part of their inspiring and creative label is very exciting… we are itching for the next chapter.”
We’ve been privy to hearing new demos for where they head next, and honestly, we couldn’t be more elated – their vision is pure, progressive and uniquely focused
Toby L
Transgressive’s Toby L said: “The past three years working with HotWax have proven remarkably rewarding, and this latest news only takes things up another gear. From the very first gig we saw at The George Tavern, through to seeing them on huge festival stages in front of thousands of people, it’s always been the same thrill: extraordinary musicianship, compelling songwriting, and the sort of raw energy and dynamism that makes you feel anything is possible.
“We’ve been privy to hearing new demos for where they head next, and honestly, we couldn’t be more elated – their vision is pure, progressive and uniquely focused. Having joyously served as their publishers, which we will also continue to, we are thrilled to now be welcoming the band to the label as well, working closely with their incredible managers, Clare and Mairead.”
In a joint statement, Clare Britt and Mairead Hayden at Rip It Up Management said: “In these unpredictable times we feel really lucky to have the Transgressive Records team as our new label partner for HotWax. They genuinely care about artists and believe in building something long term – this felt important to us from the start when we first signed the band to them for publishing.
“Tim, Toby and Lilas have always supported the band’s vision with passion, enthusiasm and creative energy, which we deeply appreciate. They know how to nurture and inspire. They also throw a mean signing dinner - so good we did it twice. We cannot wait to hatch the next phase."
PHOTO: Alfie Sayers (HotWax), Lilas (Transgressive), Toby L (Transgressive), Lola Sam (HotWax), Tallulah Sim-Savage (HotWax), Tim Dello (Transgressive), Clare Britt (Rip It Up)
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