On March 5, 2026, Regime Music Group took over Venice West for a stacked showcase featuring a mix of rising talent and established names from the extended Regime family. The lineup included XCOMM, Strange Case, Codefendants, and Jakobs Castle, each bringing their own energy to a night that felt as much like a community gathering as it did a traditional showcase.
The showcase was presented with support from SVN/BVRNT Records, SRH, KROQ Locals Only, and The Bunker, underscoring the tight-knit creative ecosystem surrounding Regime and its artists.
Opening the night, XCOMM, while not officially part of the Regime roster, proved why they’ve become close friends of the Regime family. The young band delivered a remarkably tight set that balanced ambitious covers and original material. Their deep-cut nods to Queens of the Stone Age showed impressive musical taste, while their own driving songs revealed a band already developing a confident identity. For a group this young, the level of musicianship and chemistry on stage was striking.
Next up, Strange Case locked into a groove-heavy set that blended original songs with a few unexpected crowd favorites. Their performance of Psycho Killer (by Talking Heads) had the crowd singing along, but it was their original material that stood out. The band also performed “HBK,” a recent release that has quickly become a highlight of their live set, while continuing to build momentum toward their upcoming single “Sugar.”
Things escalated quickly once Codefendants hit the stage. Known for their fusion of punk, hip-hop, and sharp political storytelling, the band delivered a relentless, high-energy performance that had the crowd moving from the first song. The set included a preview of their new track “Lonely Life,” teasing material expected to appear on their upcoming album Lifers, the follow-up to their debut This Is Crime Wave.
Closing the night, Jakobs Castle brought a powerful and emotional finish. Frontman Jakob Nowell somehow managed to channel big, arena-sized energy while still making the intimate Venice West crowd feel personally connected to every moment. One of the standout performances came when the band played “Ensenada,” the recent single from Sublime. The track recently reached No. 1 on Alternative Radio, a milestone achieved with support from Regime Music Group and its founder Kevin Zinger.
By the end of the night, it was clear that the Venice West showcase wasn’t just about promoting individual releases — it was a snapshot of a creative ecosystem. From the youthful precision of XCOMM to the explosive energy of Codefendants and the emotional pull of Jakobs Castle, the evening highlighted the wide-ranging sound and collaborative spirit that continues to define the Regime community.
All photos by Sheldon Botler
