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Rome Ramirez
Rome Ramirez
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Key Information

Roman Rene Ramirez (born June 11, 1988) is an American singer and guitarist best known for playing with Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh from Sublime in the band Sublime with Rome.[1]

Early life

[edit]

Roman Rene Ramirez was born in Fremont, California on June 11, 1988.[2] Both of his parents are of Mexican heritage, his mother being from Guadalajara and his father's parents from Tijuana, but his father relocated the family to Oakland.[3] He first started playing guitar at age 11, and one of the first songs he learned was a Sublime song.

At 18, Ramirez headed to Los Angeles to focus full-time on music. There, he was introduced to one of his idols, Eric Wilson, bassist for Sublime. They became friends and started jamming together at Eric's infamous holiday parties in Long Beach. Within the year, the plan to bring back Sublime had been set into motion. [citation needed]

Sublime With Rome

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In 2008, Rome collaborated with Eric Wilson on a RAWsession video (also at 17th Street Recording Studio) where he played Sublime songs such as "Saw Red" and "Boss DJ", and eventually began to play with the band's two surviving members, Eric and Bud Gaugh.

The trio then went on tour together playing covers of original Sublime material. Sublime with Rome made its debut in 2009 at Cypress Hill's Smoke Out Festival in San Bernardino, California. Ramirez was soon touring steadily with Sublime with Rome, and the trio released their debut album Yours Truly on July 12, 2011. Gaugh performed his last show with the band on December 10, 2011. Over the next twelve years, the band performed with several different drummers, releasing an additional two albums.

On December 11, 2023, Wilson and Gaugh reunited to perform with Jakob Nowell as Sublime during a benefit show for Bad Brains vocalist H.R. at the Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles.[4] One week later, on December 18, Ramirez announced that he would be departing Sublime with Rome at the end of 2024 and moving on to focus on his solo career.[5] The next day, Ramirez announced that the band had to postpone their scheduled 2023 performances in New Zealand due to "unforeseen circumstances" but promised to reschedule the dates for 2024.[6] On February 26, 2024, Eric Wilson made an Instagram post announcing his immediate departure from Sublime with Rome.[7] After releasing their self-titled album on May 10, 2024, the band ultimately split up by the end of the year.

Songwriting and producing

[edit]

Rome Ramirez has contributed extensively to songwriting and production across a range of artists and genres, blending influences from reggae rock, alternative, hip-hop, and pop. He co-wrote the song "Lay Me Down" with The Dirty Heads, which became a breakout hit and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.[8] He continued collaborating with the band on several of their albums, including Sounds of Change, Dirty Heads, Dessert EP, and Swim Team.

Outside of the reggae and rock scenes, Ramirez contributed to Enrique Iglesias's tenth studio album, providing songwriting support. He also worked with Selena Gomez on her 2013 album Stars Dance, contributing both songwriting and guitar work.

In 2015, Ramirez co-wrote "Castaway" and "Vagabond Blues" with The Dirty Heads for Blues Traveler’s collaborative album Blow Up the Moon.

Ramirez premiered his debut solo single, "Dedication," on May 30, 2012, via the Rolling Stone website. He described the track as being about "loving someone who is struggling with getting their life together and eventually having to move on," calling it one of the most personal songs he had written.[9] His debut solo EP, also titled Dedication, was released on June 12, 2012.

Influences

[edit]

Ramirez has cited a wide range of musical influences that span multiple genres, including reggae, punk, hip-hop, and rock. His stated influences include:

Discography

[edit]

Solo releases

[edit]

Extended plays

[edit]
  • Dedication (2012)

Singles

[edit]
  • "Dedication" (2012)
  • "Why Me?"
  • "Forever"
  • "The Money" (featuring Juando)
  • "Normal" (featuring Jelly Roll)
  • "Trenches" (featuring y0ungdd)
  • "Chronos" (featuring Rome)
  • "Tangerine Skies"
  • "Love Is Dangerous"
  • "All I Need"
  • "Wicked Heart"
  • "Light On"
  • "Battle Scar"
  • "Been Losing Sleep"
  • "Brazila"
  • "House Party"
  • "Promise Land Dub"
  • "Sirens"
  • "Blackout"
  • "Blessings"
  • "For the Night"
  • "Goodbyes"
  • "May Day"
  • "Spiderweb"
  • "Thank U"
  • "Wild Fire"
  • "Can You Feel It"
  • "Lover’s Rock"
  • "Murdera"
  • "My World"
  • "Only"
  • "PCH"
  • "Paper Cuts"
  • "Safe and Sound"
  • "Same Old Situation"
  • "Spun"
  • "Take It or Leave It"
  • "Your Better Listen"
  • "Eighteen"
  • "Oz of Love"
  • "Hung Up"

Live recordings

[edit]
  • "Santeria" (live)
  • "Skankin’ to the Beat" (live)
  • "Wherever You Go" (live)

With Sublime with Rome

[edit]
  • Yours Truly (2011)
  • Sirens (2015)
  • Blessings (2019)
  • Sublime with Rome (2024)

Charted singles

[edit]
Title Year Artist Album US Alt.[12] US Rock US Hot 100 Notes
"Lay Me Down" 2010 The Dirty Heads featuring Rome Ramirez Any Port in a Storm 1[13] 1 93 11 weeks at No. 1 on US Alt chart
"Panic" 2011 Sublime with Rome Yours Truly 4[14] 10 Debut single
"Take It or Leave It" 2011 Sublime with Rome Yours Truly 32
"Wherever You Go" 2015 Sublime with Rome Sirens 17
"Wicked Heart" 2018 Sublime with Rome Blessings 34

Songwriting and collaborations

[edit]

With The Dirty Heads

[edit]
  • "Lay Me Down" (co-writer)
  • Sounds of Change (2014)
  • Dirty Heads (2016)
  • Dessert EP (2017)
  • Swim Team (2017)

With Blues Traveler

[edit]
  • "Castaway" (co-writer)
  • "Vagabond Blues" (co-writer)
  • Blow Up the Moon (2015)

Other songwriting credits

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rome Ramirez (born 1988) is an American singer, songwriter, and renowned for his role as the frontman of the band from 2009 to 2024. Raised in a first-generation Mexican American household in , Ramirez developed an early passion for music influenced by artists like and Sublime, beginning to play guitar as a teenager. At age 18, he relocated to , where he lived in a van while interning at a and honing his craft. In 2009, Ramirez joined forces with Sublime's surviving members Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh to form Sublime with Rome, revitalizing the band's sound with his vocals and guitar work; the group released four studio albums, including their debut Yours Truly in 2011 and a self-titled final album in 2024, before embarking on a farewell tour that year. Beyond the band, he has collaborated with artists such as Dirty Heads—co-writing their hit "Lay Me Down," which has amassed nearly 120 million Spotify streams—and contributed songs to Enrique Iglesias and Selena Gomez. Transitioning to a solo career, Ramirez relocated to Nashville during the and released his debut EP, Gemini, on September 19, 2025, co-produced with and featuring singles like "Slow & Easy" (with ) and "Why Me?," which blend , soul, hip-hop, and pop elements reflective of his West Coast roots and influences from , , and Jack Johnson. Now a family man, he continues to tour extensively, with a U.S. fall tour scheduled through November 2025, emphasizing themes of gratitude, family, and personal growth in his music.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Roman Rene Ramirez, known professionally as Rome Ramirez, was born on June 11, 1988, in . Ramirez hails from a Mexican American family, with both parents of Mexican heritage; his mother was born in Guadalajara, and his father's parents originated from , though the family relocated to . This heritage instilled a strong sense of culture, emphasizing Mexican , , and bilingualism, as his parents were fully fluent in Spanish. He was raised in Fremont in the Bay Area, immersed in a vibrant household environment where two Spanish-speaking homes fostered close-knit family dynamics and cultural traditions. From an early age, Ramirez was exposed to diverse music through his family, including rock influences like , as well as from and Latin genres, shaping his foundational musical palette. He has a younger brother, Andreas Ramirez, who is involved in media production.

Initial musical interests and development

Rome Ramirez's initial curiosity in music was nurtured in his first-generation Mexican American family in Fremont, California, where he grew up listening to Bob Marley alongside his mother's classic soul records and his father's rock albums. At age 11, Ramirez received his first guitar and began teaching himself to play through self-directed practice, quickly progressing to writing original songs on a daily basis. By his teenage years, he had become an avid fan of Sublime after discovering their music, which profoundly influenced him; one of the first songs he learned on guitar was a Sublime track, igniting his passion for their reggae-punk fusion style that blended ska, punk, and laid-back vibes. This discovery led him to immerse himself in the Bay Area's local music scenes, bouncing between Fremont and Oakland while skateboarding, experimenting with music, and jamming informally with friends. During high school in Fremont, Ramirez formed his first bands, drawing directly from Sublime's charismatic mix of punk, , and to create similar sounds, though these early groups did not achieve lasting success. Lacking any formal , he continued honing his skills as a self-taught , recording demos in his mother's garage using software like Cubase and focusing intensely on guitar through hands-on experimentation and collaboration with peers. By the end of high school, his dedication to music was absolute, prompting him to prioritize it full-time over other pursuits.

Career beginnings

Move to Los Angeles and early opportunities

In 2006, at the age of 18, Rome Ramirez relocated from the Bay Area in to to pursue a career in music full-time. He supported himself through odd jobs, including interning at a where he swept floors and occasionally lived out of his van while honing his self-taught guitar skills. By 2008, Ramirez had connected with the local music scene and was introduced to Sublime bassist Eric Wilson through a producer at 17th Street Recording Studio in Costa Mesa. This led to informal jamming sessions where Ramirez performed Sublime covers, impressing Wilson with his vocal style and knowledge of the band's catalog. Their collaboration culminated in a RAWsession video series at the studio, marking Ramirez's first professional recording experience as he covered tracks like "Saw Red" and "Take It or Leave It" alongside Wilson. These sessions, which began in late 2008, built toward an official band invitation from Wilson in early 2009. Prior to that invitation, Ramirez gained traction through early local performances, including impromptu sets at private parties hosted by Wilson in the Orange County area, where crowds of 100 to 150 people gathered to hear him play reggae-rock staples. These gigs, often featuring Sublime songs alongside punk influences like and , helped establish his reputation within the reggae-rock community as a versatile and singer capable of channeling the genre's laid-back yet energetic vibe.

Formation and role in Sublime with Rome

In 2008, Rome Ramirez began jamming with Sublime bassist Eric Wilson after the two met at a in , where Ramirez worked and Wilson was a frequent visitor; their sessions included covers of Sublime songs performed at local parties, laying the groundwork for a new collaboration. This partnership evolved into the formation of in 2009, when original Sublime drummer joined Wilson and Ramirez to revive the band's sound following the death of frontman in 1996. Within , Ramirez took on the roles of , , and primary songwriter, infusing the group's music with his influences while honoring Sublime's reggae-punk roots. Sublime with Rome debuted publicly at the 2009 Smokeout Festival in , where they performed for an audience of around 20,000, solidifying their commitment to a reggae-punk revival. The band's early days involved lineup adjustments as members navigated commitments, alongside challenges in securing fan acceptance as a legitimate successor to Sublime, including legal protests from Nowell's family over the use of the original name.

Band tenure and projects

Albums and tours with Sublime with Rome

Sublime with Rome released their debut studio album, Yours Truly, on July 12, 2011, through . The record, featuring tracks like "" and "Take It or Leave It," peaked at No. 9 on the chart, marking a strong commercial entry for the band and demonstrating Ramirez's integration into the group's sound through his co-writing contributions on several songs. Following the album's release, the band embarked on extensive U.S. tours, including appearances at the 2009 Smokeout Festival and their first full headlining run in 2010, which helped build a growing fanbase amid initial mixed reception from original Sublime enthusiasts. The band's second album, Sirens, arrived on July 17, 2015, via , with production by . It reached No. 34 on the and No. 2 on the Current Alternative Albums chart, reflecting sustained interest despite a first-week sales figure of approximately 12,000 units. During this period, the lineup saw a shift when drummer , who had joined in 2012 following Bud Gaugh's departure, continued through the recording and subsequent tours, including international performances such as a 2016 show at in . These outings, alongside U.S. festival slots like Kaaboo Del Mar, solidified the band's live reputation and evolved fan reception toward broader acceptance of their reggae-rock blend. In 2017, Carlos Verdugo replaced Freese on drums, bringing a fresh dynamic to the rhythm section as the band prepared for their third album, Blessings, released on May 31, 2019, through 5 Music/. The effort debuted at No. 2 on the Current Alternative Albums chart and No. 6 on the Independent Albums chart, underscoring the group's enduring niche appeal with tracks emphasizing positive themes. Extensive touring followed, including co-headlining runs with acts like Pepper and festival appearances, which further cemented their live draw and shifted fan perceptions from skepticism to dedicated support over the years. The band's fourth and final studio album, , was released on May 10, 2024, produced by and featuring the lead single "Love Is Dangerous." This self-titled effort arrived amid lineup adjustments, with Verdugo exiting in 2023 and Joe Tomino of Dub Trio taking over on , alongside new Brian Allen. To promote the album, launched their farewell tour on April 11, 2024, in Catoosa, , with special guests including , Bikini Trill, , and Sitting on Meadows, spanning multiple U.S. dates through late 2024 and emphasizing their legacy of high-energy performances. The tour highlighted the band's commercial resilience, as their catalog continued to amass hundreds of millions of streams on platforms like , reflecting a positive evolution in fan engagement.

Departure from the band and transition

In December 2023, Rome Ramirez announced that 2024 would mark the final year of , with his departure from the band scheduled at the close of the year following a series of farewell performances. This decision came amid the original Sublime's reunion announcement earlier that year, featuring bassist and drummer alongside Bradley Nowell's son, Jakob Nowell, as the new frontman. Ramirez expressed support for the reunion, stating in interviews that Jakob was "the right man for the job" to carry forward the band's legacy, while reflecting on his own tenure as a respectful extension of Sublime's influence over nearly 15 years. The band's trajectory shifted further in February 2024 when Eric Wilson announced his exit from , effectively dissolving the project ahead of its planned conclusion. Despite the change, Ramirez proceeded with the farewell commitments, including the release of the self-titled final album on May 10, 2024, and a nationwide "Farewell Tour" that wrapped up later that year, allowing the group to end on a high note after successful prior outings like the 2023 summer run. In statements, Ramirez highlighted the 15-year run as a "remarkable" chapter that honored Sublime's spirit through new music and global tours reaching millions of fans. By 2023, Ramirez had relocated from to Nashville with his family, a move initially begun during the but solidified to prioritize independent creative pursuits outside the band. This transition enabled him to focus on songwriting and production in Music City's collaborative environment, marking a personal pivot toward solo endeavors while cherishing the camaraderie and growth from his time with .

Solo career

Early solo releases

Rome Ramirez released his debut solo EP, Dedication, on June 12, 2012, through , marking his first independent project outside of . The four-track effort featured collaborations with producers such as Don Gilmore and Chris Seefried, blending influences with pop and R&B elements. The title track, "Dedication," premiered exclusively on the website on May 30, 2012, and explored themes of commitment in relationships amid personal struggles, reflecting Ramirez's dedication to emotional authenticity in his songwriting. Other tracks like "Seasons" and "Oz of Love" incorporated acoustic guitars, bongos, and rhythms, while "" leaned into more atmospheric pop. Initial reception for Dedication was mixed, with critics praising Ramirez's sincere vocals and reggae-rooted promise but noting overproduction in some tracks, such as unnecessary synthesizers and . Highlight Magazine highlighted "" and "Seasons" as standout listens, positioning Ramirez as a breakthrough artist with potential for broader success. The EP's themes centered on personal dedication—not only in love but also in pursuing amid life's challenges—resonating with Ramirez's own transition into a demanding career. Throughout the 2010s, Ramirez balanced these solo endeavors with his commitments to , whose extensive touring and recording schedule limited promotion for his independent releases. This piecemeal approach involved testing individual tracks at radio rather than full-scale campaigns, as evidenced by the EP's gradual rollout. Ramirez continued issuing early singles sporadically, including a feature on the 2022 track "Normal" by Stonebaby Sounds alongside Jelly Roll, which addressed struggles and the desire for normalcy through reggae-infused hip-hop. These releases underscored his ongoing exploration of personal vulnerability while maintaining a low-key profile amid band obligations.

Recent solo work and developments

Following his departure from Sublime with Rome at the end of 2024, Rome Ramirez marked his return to independent artistry with the single "Why Me?," released on April 18, 2025. The introspective track, which explores themes of self-doubt and resilience, served as Ramirez's first major solo release after over a decade with the band and quickly gained traction on streaming platforms. Ramirez's debut full-length solo EP, GEMINI, arrived on September 19, 2025, via his independent label, co-produced with . The five-track project, featuring "Why Me?," "Slow & Easy" (with ), "New Me," "Black & Blue (Nashville Mix)," and "Got It Good," embodies a blend of , , and pop influences, reflecting Ramirez's personal duality and creative freedom post-band. In interviews, he described the EP as a pivotal reinvention, stating, "It’s been so freeing… What do I want to say? What do I want to be about?" To support GEMINI, Ramirez announced a 2025 solo tour, including headline shows on November 12 at in , New York; November 13 at in ; and November 14 at Reckless Shepherd Brewing in . These performances emphasize intimate venues and a mix of new material alongside fan favorites, fostering direct connections with audiences. Ramirez's relocation to Nashville during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shaped his evolving sound, providing a slower-paced environment conducive to deeper songwriting and production. In a Los Angeles Times interview, he noted the move's impact on his reinvention, explaining, "This thing I love to do started to feel like a job... So I asked myself, ‘Am I going to do Sublime with Rome for money, or am I going to really follow something that I believe in?’" This shift, detailed in outlets like Rock Cellar Magazine, underscores his focus on authentic, feel-good music unburdened by band expectations.

Songwriting and collaborations

Key songwriting credits

Rome Ramirez has established himself as a prolific songwriter beyond his own performances, contributing lyrics and melodies to tracks across , and reggae-infused genres. One of his breakthrough credits came in 2010 when he co-wrote "Lay Me Down" with reggae-rock band The Dirty Heads, a collaboration that originated during a casual backyard session and became their first No. 1 hit on the Alternative Airplay chart. The song's laid-back rhythm blended with hip-hop elements, highlighting Ramirez's ability to craft crossover anthems that resonated widely in the alternative scene. Expanding into mainstream pop, Ramirez provided songwriting support for Enrique Iglesias's 2014 album Sex + Love, including the track "" (featuring Pitbull), which peaked at on the . He also co-wrote "Turn the Night Up" for the same album, peaking at No. 1 on the and showcasing his versatility in producing upbeat, dance-oriented hooks. These contributions marked Ramirez's entry into high-profile pop production environments, where his reggae-rock sensibilities added a distinctive edge to Iglesias's global sound. In 2013, Ramirez co-wrote "Undercover" for Selena Gomez's album , infusing the EDM-pop track with themes of secretive romance and a pulsating that aligned with the album's electronic direction. The song, credited alongside writers like and , exemplified his skill in adapting to pop structures while maintaining melodic accessibility. Returning to reggae-rock crossovers, Ramirez co-wrote "Castaway" and "Vagabond Blues" with for Blues Traveler's 2015 collaborative album Blow Up the Moon, tracks that fused bluesy harmonica riffs with laid-back island vibes to revitalize the band's sound. These efforts underscore Ramirez's emphasis on genre-blending songwriting, with over 20 credits for other artists that often bridge influences into broader rock and pop landscapes.

Production work and notable partnerships

Ramirez played a key role in the production of the bonus track "Lay Me Down" on the 2010 special edition of ' debut album , where he co-produced alongside Cameron Webb, Lewis Richards, and the band, in addition to providing vocals and guitar. The track, released as a single, peaked at number one on the Alternative Songs chart and number three on the Rock Songs chart, significantly boosting the album's visibility and commercial performance. His partnership with The extended beyond this collaboration, encompassing additional tracks on their later releases such as Sounds of Change (2014) and Swim Team (2017), where he contributed songwriting and creative input. In 2025, Ramirez reunited with the band for the single "Slow & Easy," co-writing and performing the reggae-infused track that marked a continuation of their joint creative endeavors. Ramirez also collaborated with on their 2015 collaborative album Blow Up the Moon, co-writing and featuring on tracks including "" and "Vagabond Blues" alongside , contributing to the project's eclectic mix of rock, , and pop elements. Notable partnerships further include joint tours and festival appearances with , beginning with Sublime with Rome's debut performance at their 2009 Smokeout Festival, which helped establish Ramirez's presence in the reggae-rock and hip-hop crossover scenes. After departing Sublime with Rome in 2024, Ramirez relocated to Nashville, where he has increasingly handled production for his solo projects, incorporating techniques that fuse punk energy, hip-hop rhythms, and reggae grooves to shape his genre-fluid sound. This shift is evident in his 2025 EP GEMINI and forthcoming full-length album, emphasizing self-directed creative control in a city known for its production expertise.

Musical style and influences

Primary influences

Rome Ramirez's musical journey began in his teenage years in the Bay Area, where he discovered the band Sublime, whose self-titled 1996 album profoundly shaped his guitar playing and overall approach to blending genres. Growing up in , Ramirez immersed himself in Sublime's catalog, learning every song on the album and internalizing its fusion of ska, punk, and elements that would later define his own style. His family's diverse musical environment further broadened his palette, with his mother introducing classic soul and sounds, while his father exposed him to rock, , and hip-hop, reflecting their Mexican American heritage and the eclectic vibes of the household. This early exposure to artists like instilled a deep appreciation for reggae's rhythmic foundations and lyrical depth, which Ramirez has cited as a cornerstone of his influences. Similarly, and Latin-infused rhythms from his father's collection provided a grounding in guitar-driven storytelling. Punk rock entered Ramirez's world during high school, with bands like introducing him to aggressive, socially charged energy that contrasted yet complemented the laid-back he loved. The Bay Area's vibrant hip-hop scene, particularly early West Coast rap, also captivated him, fostering an affinity for rhythmic flows and streetwise narratives that echoed the punk ethos. Local reggae-punk acts in the Oakland area, amid the region's thriving alternative music community, reinforced these influences, encouraging Ramirez to experiment with hybrid sounds in his formative performances.

Evolution of style

Rome Ramirez's early musical style, developed during his tenure with from 2009 to 2024, centered on a reggae-punk fusion characterized by aggressive guitar riffs and lyrics addressing social issues, echoing the band's foundational sound while incorporating his personal twist. As frontman, Ramirez infused the with punk energy, often performing Sublime classics like "Santeria" with overdriven guitar effects to maintain the raw, rebellious edge of punk-reggae traditions. This approach allowed him to honor the band's legacy while evolving it for contemporary audiences, as he described it as his "best attempt at trying to put my twist on what Sublime would sound like today." In the mid-2010s, Ramirez began incorporating hip-hop elements through high-profile collaborations, broadening his reggae-punk base into more rhythmic, groove-oriented territory. Notable works included co-writing "Lay Me Down" with in 2010, which blended reggae hooks with hip-hop flows and has amassed over 122 million streams as of November 2025, and contributions to tracks such as "Undercover" for , "" (featuring Pitbull) for on , and songwriting/producing work for artists including . These partnerships exposed him to pop-hip-hop production techniques, allowing him to experiment with layered beats and urban lyricism while retaining punk-infused guitar work. Following his departure from in 2024 and relocation to Nashville in 2023, Ramirez's style shifted toward a country-soul infusion, evident in his debut solo EP GEMINI (released September 19, 2025), which added introspective depth and soulful textures to his roots. Co-produced with in Nashville studios, the EP features tracks like "New Me" and "Why Me?" that integrate Motown-inspired soul and subtle country elements, reflecting themes of personal trauma, family, and gratitude rather than overt . This evolution stems from his pandemic-era reflections, where he prioritized authentic, unboxed expression, stating, "It feels so good to not have a box that I have to try and fit in," while affirming that his punk roots persist in the EP's rhythmic drive and honest delivery.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Rome Ramirez has been married to his wife Taylor since around 2020, with the union ongoing as of September 2025. He has spoken about the profound changes fatherhood brought to his life, noting that becoming a parent shifted his priorities toward family stability. Ramirez and his wife have three children, though details such as names and ages remain private to protect their . In interviews, he has described how his children inspire his songwriting, often weaving themes of gratitude and personal growth into his lyrics to reflect experiences he wants them to appreciate later in life. For instance, during the creation of the album Blessings around 2020, Ramirez was expecting his first child, which influenced the positive, reflective tone of the tracks. The demands of touring have presented ongoing challenges for Ramirez as , particularly in balancing time away from home with parental responsibilities. He has highlighted how missing his wife and children can make extended tours feel more like an than a passion, emphasizing the emotional toll of separation. Following the 2023-2024 period, including the farewell tour with , Ramirez has placed greater emphasis on achieving stability for his family, citing these personal commitments as a key factor in transitioning to his solo career.

Residence and lifestyle changes

In 2006, at age 18, Ramirez relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his music career, drawn by the city's thriving scene and opportunities for aspiring artists. He established a long-term base in Los Angeles during his years with Sublime with Rome, particularly in East Los Angeles, a neighborhood that resonated with his cultural roots and provided a creative hub amid the band's touring demands. Throughout this period, he owned and sold properties in upscale areas like the Hollywood Hills, reflecting the financial stability gained from his music endeavors, though he maintained ties to more community-oriented parts of the city. By 2023, Ramirez relocated from to , seeking a fresh environment to focus on his solo career and creative renewal after over a decade with the band. This move, initially sparked by regular songwriting trips to the city, aligned with the pandemic's disruptions and offered a quieter setting away from LA's intensity. The relocation was influenced by family considerations, allowing for a more grounded life in Music City's collaborative atmosphere. Following the conclusion of Sublime with Rome's activities in 2024, Ramirez's lifestyle shifted markedly from the relentless pace of global touring to a more balanced, family-centered routine in Nashville. This transition emphasized personal well-being and creative autonomy, with the slower rhythm of Nashville life fostering deeper songwriting sessions and reduced travel, marking a deliberate pivot toward sustainability after years of high-stakes performance schedules.

Discography

Solo releases

Rome Ramirez began his solo career with the release of the EP Dedication on June 12, 2012, through . The four-track project showcased his reggae-influenced songwriting and collaborations with producers, marking his first independent effort outside of . The tracklist includes:
  • "Dedication"
  • ""
  • "Oz of Love"
  • "Seasons"
In 2014, Ramirez announced his debut solo album Get Free for August release via , but it was ultimately shelved. Following Dedication, Ramirez issued numerous solo singles between 2012 and 2025, often blending , and hip-hop elements with features from artists in those genres. Notable examples include "Dedication" (2012), which served as the lead single from his debut EP; "Normal" featuring Jelly Roll (2022); "Trenches" featuring y0ungdd (2022); "Forever" (2024); "Love Is Dangerous" (2024); and "Why Me?" (2025). These releases were primarily distributed through digital platforms like and , allowing Ramirez to experiment with personal themes of gratitude, struggle, and growth without band constraints. In 2025, Ramirez released his second solo EP, GEMINI, on September 19, reflecting a period of introspection recorded in Nashville. The five-track EP features collaborations and highlights his evolving production style. The tracklist is:
  • "Why Me?" (3:44)
  • "Slow & Easy" featuring (3:01)
  • "New Me" (3:35)
  • "Black & Blue (Nashville Mix)" (4:00)
  • "Got It Good" (3:03).
As of 2025, Ramirez has not released any major solo live albums or recordings, though he has performed selections from his solo catalog in acoustic sets and standalone shows.

Releases with Sublime with Rome

Sublime with Rome released their debut studio album, Yours Truly, on July 12, 2011, through . The album, produced by , featured Rome Ramirez on lead vocals and guitar alongside original Sublime members Eric Wilson and . It included 12 tracks blending and influences.
No.TitleDuration
1Panic2:24
2Only2:41
33:26
4Murdera4:26
5My World2:29
6Paper Cuts1:53
7PCH3:23
8Same Old Situation3:44
9Take It or Leave It3:52
10You Better Listen3:30
11Spun3:17
12Can You Feel It3:25
Associated singles from Yours Truly included "," released May 10, 2011; "," released June 29, 2011; and "Take It or Leave It," released October 2011. The band's second studio album, Sirens, followed on July 17, 2015, via , with on drums replacing Gaugh. Produced by , the 11-track release emphasized and dub elements.
No.TitleDuration
1Sirens (feat. )3:15
2Wherever You Go3:32
3Brazilia3:25
4House Party3:31
5Been Losing Sleep3:40
6Promise Land Dub5:27
7Best of Me2:17
8Put Down Your Weapon2:11
9Run and Hide1:15
10Skankin2:18
113:05
"Sirens" yielded the single "Wherever You Go," released in 2015. Blessings, the third studio album, arrived on May 31, 2019, under 5 Music, marking the first release with drummer Carlos Verdugo. Produced by Rob Cavallo, its 11 tracks explored themes of gratitude and resilience.
No.TitleDuration
1Blessings3:31
2Light On3:26
3Wild Fire2:29
4Spiderweb3:05
5Blackout3:42
6Wicked Heart3:15
7Survive3:04
8May Day2:58
9One Day at a Time (feat. Eddie Zuko)3:19
10Thank U3:12
11For the Night3:10
Preceding Blessings were singles "Wicked Heart" (July 27, 2018) and "Light On" (April 26, 2019). The band's final self-titled studio , Sublime with Rome, was released on May 10, 2024, via 5 Music, serving as a farewell project. Ramirez co-wrote and performed on all tracks, reflecting on the band's journey. The 10-track effort incorporated collaborations and capped 15 years of activity.
No.TitleDuration
1Cool & Collected (feat. )3:13
2Tangerine Skies (feat. )3:01
3Battle Scar (feat. )2:52
4All I Need2:45
5Who Do You Love2:56
6Mind Control3:00
73:02
8Rewind2:50
9California Radio2:40
10Love Is Dangerous2:37

Charting singles and collaborations

Rome Ramirez has achieved notable commercial success through his performances on several charting singles, both as a featured artist and as the lead vocalist of . His breakthrough came with the 2010 collaboration "Lay Me Down" by the , where he provided vocals, marking his first entry on major . Subsequent releases with in the built on this momentum, with tracks peaking in the top 40 of the chart. By 2025, Ramirez's solo work under the moniker continued this trajectory, with new collaborations re-entering alternative radio rotations. The following table summarizes key charting singles involving Ramirez as a performer, focusing on peak positions on Billboard's , Mainstream Rock Airplay, and Hot 100 charts where applicable:
YearTitleArtist/BandAlternative Airplay PeakMainstream Rock PeakHot 100 PeakCertifications
2010Lay Me DownThe feat. Rome#1 (11 weeks)#1#93 (RIAA)
2011Panic#4
2011Take It or Leave It#23
2015Wherever You Go#17
2018Wicked Heart#34
2025Slow & EasyROME feat. Top 20
"Lay Me Down" stands out for its enduring impact, holding the record for the longest-running No. 1 on the chart by an independent release in and earning RIAA Gold certification for 500,000 units sold in the U.S. This track's crossover appeal extended to the Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock charts, highlighting Ramirez's versatility in blending reggae-rock with broader rock formats. Beyond his performance credits, Ramirez has contributed as a songwriter to charting collaborations, notably co-writing tracks for . For instance, "I'm a Freak" (2014, feat. Pitbull) peaked at No. 43 on the Hot 100 and No. 1 on the chart, while "Turn the Night Up" (2014) reached No. 84 on the Hot 100. These efforts underscore his influence in pop and dance genres outside his core reggae-rock base. As of November 2025, Ramirez's solo career has seen renewed charting activity with the release of his debut EP GEMINI, which includes "Slow & Easy" as a . This track, reuniting him with the , has garnered significant alternative radio play, entering the Top 20 on and reflecting his ongoing commercial viability post-Sublime with Rome. Overall, Ramirez's charting history spans over 15 years, with at least six singles reaching the chart, emphasizing his role in sustaining reggae-infused rock's mainstream presence.

References

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