Cold Transmission and Darkwave Records Announce International Partnership, Sign Los Angeles Darkwave Acts FEVR and Vick Vapors
Cold Transmission Music, the German independent label known for its coldwave and post‑punk catalog, has struck a cross‑Atlantic deal with Darkwave Records, the Los Angeles‑based collective founded by Ray Arroyo and Matt Rozo. The announcement, first reported by Side‑Line Magazine on 8 November 2026, names two Los Angeles artists—FEVR and Vick Vapors—as the inaugural signees of the partnership.
The collaboration will launch with a split album that pairs FEVR’s moody synth‑driven sound with Vick Vapors’ darker, club‑ready production. The record will be pressed on vinyl and CD and distributed by both labels, setting the stage for a series of joint releases. Both artists have already indicated plans for full studio albums in 2027, which will also be released under the new alliance.
FEVR is the project of songwriter‑producer Matt Rozo. Since 2022, Rozo has dropped a string of albums, EPs and singles that fuse coldwave pulse, new‑wave melody, dark synth textures and guitar‑driven post‑punk. His catalog includes “Hidden Meadows,” “Ghost,” “Lonely Eyes,” “Mourning Rain” and “Fate.” Rozo cites The Cure as a formative influence and has collaborated with Vick Vapors and The XRAY5.
Vick Vapors, a multi‑instrumentalist and producer, blends darkwave, industrial, electro and indie dance into haunting atmospheres with club‑ready beats. The artist recently wrapped a full U.S. tour and has worked with several scene acts. A new studio album is slated for release in 2027.
Cold Transmission Music’s roster already boasts darkwave, post‑punk and coldwave acts such as OH Madonna, whose debut single “Touch,” and SIIE, whose debut album “Acmé,” have appeared on the label’s catalog. The label’s releases have been highlighted in Side‑Line’s coverage of the genre.
Darkwave Records, meanwhile, emphasizes long‑term artist development across darkwave, post‑punk, gothic rock and synthpop. According to the announcement, the partnership will fuse Darkwave’s North American strengths with Cold Transmission’s deep European roots, creating a unified international platform while preserving the independent spirit that defines the scene.
The signing of FEVR and Vick Vapors marks the first tangible step of the collaboration. The split album is scheduled for release later in 2026, with the full studio albums from both artists slated for 2027. The partnership is presented as a long‑term creative alliance built around exceptional music and artist‑first values.
Side‑Line Magazine, the outlet that first reported the announcement, is an independent music journalism platform covering releases, touring, festivals and industry developments. The magazine has called on its readership to support its open‑access journalism model.
By pooling resources and networks, Cold Transmission and Darkwave Records aim to broaden the reach of darkwave and post‑punk music, offering a stronger platform for their artists and fostering a more connected community across the Atlantic.
The next milestone is the release of the split album in 2026, followed by the full studio albums in 2027. Both releases will be available through the labels’ distribution channels and promoted across the independent music network.
The partnership is currently in its initial phase; no additional signings or tours have been announced at this time.