Australian Metalcore Band Ocean Sleeper Sign Global Deal With Rise Records/BMG

Sydney metalcore outfit Ocean Sleeper have signed a new global recording deal with Rise Records and BMG, the band and label announced Friday (May 15). Their new single “Break the Cycle” is out now as the first release under the partnership.

The signing represents an expansion of Ocean Sleeper’s existing relationship with BMG, which previously partnered with the band across their debut album Don’t Leave Me This Way and EPs Maybe Death Is All I Need and Is It Better Feeling Nothing. The addition of Rise Records — home to Spiritbox, Sleeping With Sirens, Sum 41, Polyphia, Dance Gavin Dance and Memphis May Fire — gives the band a significant new foothold in the international heavy music market.

“We could not be prouder to announce we have signed a new global record deal with Rise Records & BMG,” the band said in a statement. “The essence of this band has always been independent and driven by a DIY attitude, but we are ready to level up with a team who we trust with our vision. Partnering with both a powerhouse in the industry and a label behind all our core favourite bands is an absolute honour.”

Heath Johns, President of Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia at BMG, called Ocean Sleeper “one of Australian heavy music’s best kept secrets” and said the combined resources of Rise Records and BMG would be taking the band “to every corner of the planet.” Sean Heydorn, SVP of Rise Records, praised the band’s “relentless work ethic, creative ambition, and a deep connection with their audience,” adding that Ocean Sleeper have “emerged as one of Australia’s standout metalcore bands.”

Since forming, Ocean Sleeper have built a devoted international following through sold-out headline tours in Australia and the U.S., appearances at Good Things Festival, and supports alongside Northlane, Parkway Drive, Polaris, Make Them Suffer and Thornhill. The band joins a BMG Australia and New Zealand roster that includes Chet Faker, Dope Lemon, Crowded House, Hockey Dad, The Cat Empire, Pacific Avenue and Ladyhawke.