ArtistDirect News
Cold Transmission Music and Darkwave Records Announce International Collaboration for Los Angeles Artists FEVR and Vick Vapors
Cold Transmission Music, a German independent label, and Darkwave Records, a Los Angeles‑based collective, announced on November 8, 2026 that they will jointly sign Los Angeles acts FEVR and Vick Vapors. The partnership is designed to fortify the darkwave and post‑punk community across the Atlantic and to provide a platform for artist development on both sides of the ocean.
The first joint project will be a split album that features tracks from FEVR and Vick Vapors in a range of physical formats. Both artists have confirmed that full studio albums will follow in 2027. Darkwave co‑founder Ray Arroyo described the collaboration as a “long‑term creative partnership built around exceptional music and artist‑first values.”
FEVR is the solo project of songwriter and producer Matt Rozo. His sound blends coldwave rhythms, new‑wave melodies, dark synth textures, and guitar‑driven post‑punk elements, drawing on The Cure as a formative influence. Since 2022, Rozo has released singles and EPs such as “Hidden Meadows,” “Ghost,” “Lonely Eyes,” “Mourning Rain,” and “Fate,” and he has worked with Vick Vapors and the band The XRAY5.
Vick Vapors is a multi‑instrumentalist and producer whose catalog spans darkwave, industrial, electro, and indie dance. A recent full U.S. tour expanded his reach within the underground scene.
Cold Transmission Music’s catalog focuses on darkwave, post‑punk, and coldwave acts. The label has been featured in Side‑Line Magazine for releases like OH Madonna’s debut single “Touch” and SIIE’s debut album “Acmé.” Darkwave Records, founded by Ray Arroyo and Matt Rozo, operates as an artist‑driven collective that emphasizes collaboration and long‑term development for artists in darkwave, post‑punk, gothic rock, and synthpop.
The signing of FEVR and Vick Vapors marks the start of a formal partnership between the two labels. According to the announcement, the collaboration extends beyond a shared release strategy and seeks to offer a unified international platform while preserving the independent spirit that characterizes the scene.
Industry observers note that the split album format has a long history in underground circles, allowing two artists to share production costs and fan bases while showcasing distinct sounds. Releasing the split in multiple physical formats—vinyl, CD, and cassette—aligns with current trends in the niche market, where collectors value tangible media.
The planned 2027 studio albums for both FEVR and Vick Vapors suggest a coordinated release schedule that could position the artists for broader exposure. While exact release dates and titles remain undisclosed, the commitment to new material indicates a sustained investment from both labels.
From a business perspective, the partnership leverages Cold Transmission’s deep roots in Europe and Darkwave’s established presence in Los Angeles. This geographic synergy could open touring opportunities across both regions and facilitate cross‑promotion on streaming platforms and social media.
The announcement also reflects a broader movement within the darkwave and post‑punk communities to foster international collaboration. By aligning resources and networks, the labels aim to create a more resilient ecosystem for artists who operate outside mainstream commercial channels.
In summary, Cold Transmission Music and Darkwave Records have formalized a partnership that will launch a split album featuring FEVR and Vick Vapors and set the stage for new studio releases in 2027. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in sustaining niche music scenes and highlights the continued relevance of physical media in underground markets.
The split album is expected to be available in the coming months, with the 2027 studio projects slated for later in the year. Fans of both artists can anticipate a coordinated rollout that will bring fresh material to the darkwave and post‑punk audiences worldwide.
The first joint project will be a split album that features tracks from FEVR and Vick Vapors in a range of physical formats. Both artists have confirmed that full studio albums will follow in 2027. Darkwave co‑founder Ray Arroyo described the collaboration as a “long‑term creative partnership built around exceptional music and artist‑first values.”
FEVR is the solo project of songwriter and producer Matt Rozo. His sound blends coldwave rhythms, new‑wave melodies, dark synth textures, and guitar‑driven post‑punk elements, drawing on The Cure as a formative influence. Since 2022, Rozo has released singles and EPs such as “Hidden Meadows,” “Ghost,” “Lonely Eyes,” “Mourning Rain,” and “Fate,” and he has worked with Vick Vapors and the band The XRAY5.
Vick Vapors is a multi‑instrumentalist and producer whose catalog spans darkwave, industrial, electro, and indie dance. A recent full U.S. tour expanded his reach within the underground scene.
Cold Transmission Music’s catalog focuses on darkwave, post‑punk, and coldwave acts. The label has been featured in Side‑Line Magazine for releases like OH Madonna’s debut single “Touch” and SIIE’s debut album “Acmé.” Darkwave Records, founded by Ray Arroyo and Matt Rozo, operates as an artist‑driven collective that emphasizes collaboration and long‑term development for artists in darkwave, post‑punk, gothic rock, and synthpop.
The signing of FEVR and Vick Vapors marks the start of a formal partnership between the two labels. According to the announcement, the collaboration extends beyond a shared release strategy and seeks to offer a unified international platform while preserving the independent spirit that characterizes the scene.
Industry observers note that the split album format has a long history in underground circles, allowing two artists to share production costs and fan bases while showcasing distinct sounds. Releasing the split in multiple physical formats—vinyl, CD, and cassette—aligns with current trends in the niche market, where collectors value tangible media.
The planned 2027 studio albums for both FEVR and Vick Vapors suggest a coordinated release schedule that could position the artists for broader exposure. While exact release dates and titles remain undisclosed, the commitment to new material indicates a sustained investment from both labels.
From a business perspective, the partnership leverages Cold Transmission’s deep roots in Europe and Darkwave’s established presence in Los Angeles. This geographic synergy could open touring opportunities across both regions and facilitate cross‑promotion on streaming platforms and social media.
The announcement also reflects a broader movement within the darkwave and post‑punk communities to foster international collaboration. By aligning resources and networks, the labels aim to create a more resilient ecosystem for artists who operate outside mainstream commercial channels.
In summary, Cold Transmission Music and Darkwave Records have formalized a partnership that will launch a split album featuring FEVR and Vick Vapors and set the stage for new studio releases in 2027. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in sustaining niche music scenes and highlights the continued relevance of physical media in underground markets.
The split album is expected to be available in the coming months, with the 2027 studio projects slated for later in the year. Fans of both artists can anticipate a coordinated rollout that will bring fresh material to the darkwave and post‑punk audiences worldwide.