Transgressive Records is today delighted to announce the signing of fast-rising, young rock trio, HotWax.

Since arriving with their debut EPs ‘A Thousand Times’ and ‘Invite Me, Kindly’ in 2023, the Hastings and Brighton three-piece have toured the world, recorded a highly acclaimed debut album with award-winning producers Catherine Marks and Steph Marziano, and are presently leading a new generation of guitar bands that are re-energising the world’s alternative scene at a time where disruption is sorely needed.

This latest news sees the band added to Transgressive’s label roster, after being signed for publishing three years ago, further doubling down on a mutually creative and visionary connection.

‘Hot Shock’, the debut album from HotWax recorded at the legendary Rak Studios during a frenzied two week period, was released in 2025 to unanimous acclaim, including a 5/5 review in ‘NME’. It reached Number 1 in the Official Record Stores Chart, hit the main UK Top-40 Albums Chart and landed a Top-20 spot in the prestigious Rough Trade Albums of the Year list. Playing shows and touring around the world with Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Royal Blood, Nova Twins and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes introduced them to passionate audiences, before the band commenced on their own debut headline UK/European tour at the start of 2026, playing to packed and sold out audiences night after night. This summer will see a selection of international festival appearances ahead of the band recording their much-awaited second album, slated for a 2027 release.

The band’s passion for live music and small music venues has also led them to working closely with Music Venue Trust, for which they have starred in and produced a brand 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 (Friday 22nd May).

Commenting on the signing, 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.”

Transgressive’s Toby L comments: 

“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 focussed. 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.”

Clare Britt and Mairead Hayden at Rip It Up Management comment:

“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.”