Local Hastings and Brighton rock trio HotWax have officially signed to Transgressive Records. The band is expanding its relationship with the company, having already been on Transgressive’s publishing roster for the past three years.
Since emerging with their 2023 debut EPs, A Thousand Times and Invite Me, Kindly, the three-piece has been recognized for re-energizing the alternative guitar scene.
Recent Milestones & Commercial Success
- The band’s 2025 debut album, Hot Shock, achieved a 5/5 review in NME and was recorded at the legendary Rak Studios over a frenzied two-week period.
- The record hit Number 1 on the Official Record Stores Chart and secured a spot in the main UK Top-40 Albums Chart.
- Hot Shock also landed a Top-20 position in the prestigious Rough Trade Albums of the Year list.
- The trio has built a formidable live reputation, touring globally alongside acts like Royal Blood, Nova Twins, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
- They recently completed their own sold-out UK and European headline tour at the start of 2026.
Grassroots Support & What’s Next
Beyond their commercial success, HotWax have demonstrated a strong commitment to grassroots live music by partnering with the Music Venue Trust. The band produced and starred in a new documentary about the grassroots scene, which was captured during their recent tour. Following a recent premiere at the V&A, the film will be available to stream on YouTube starting this Friday, May 22nd.
Looking ahead, the trio will be making a selection of international festival appearances this summer. Following the festival circuit, they will begin recording their highly anticipated second album, which is slated for a 2027 release.
What They’re Saying
The signing has been met with enthusiasm from both the band and their team:
“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.” — HotWax
“The past three years working with HotWax have proven remarkably rewarding, and this latest news only takes things up another gear… 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 focussed.” — Toby L, Transgressive Records
“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.” — Clare Britt and Mairead Hayden, Rip It Up Management
Author: Nick Linazasoro
Music Editor
