October London Is Rewriting the Rules of Soul and Country One Track at a Time

Marvin Gaye has always been a massive influence on me: not just musically, but spiritually and emotionally. His voice carried truth, passion, and vulnerability, and those are all qualities I strive to bring into my own music. When I created The Rebirth of Marvin, it wasn’t about imitation; it was about continuation. It was my way of paying homage to a sound that shaped generations and still speaks to the soul today. Honouring Marvin is both humbling and powerful. It’s a responsibility I take seriously because he wasn’t just a singer, he was a messenger. To be mentioned in the same breath as him is surreal, and I don’t take it for granted. My goal is to keep that spirit alive while telling my own story through love, pain, growth, and everything in between.

Beyond Marvin Gaye, I draw inspiration from a wide range of artists and life experiences. Musically, legends like Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway, and Smokey Robinson have all played a part in shaping my sound. Their ability to tell stories, to connect deeply with emotion, and to create timeless records – that’s always been something I strive for. But my inspiration isn’t just rooted in music. Real life: love, heartbreak, growth, struggle, and joy — all of that fuels my creativity. I pull from personal experiences and from the stories of the people around me. I believe music should feel honest and lived-in. Whether it’s a smooth groove or a soulful ballad, I want listeners to feel like I’m speaking directly to them, like I understand where they are and what they’re going through.

Sam Nash is the wilder side of me: the smooth-talking, rule-breaking, late-night version that lets creativity flow without any boundaries. Where October London leans into soul and romance, Sam Nash lives in that gritty, seductive space where funk, retro vibes, and bold expression take over. He’s unapologetically cool, and he’s not afraid to push the envelope. The idea for Sam Nash came from wanting a creative outlet where I could explore different sounds and narratives without stepping outside the core of who I am. Sometimes, as artists, we feel pulled in different directions, and instead of fighting that, I embraced it. Sam Nash allows me to experiment, to tell different kinds of stories, and to tap into parts of myself that might not always come through in the music released as October London. He’s not just an alter ego — he’s another layer of my artistry. And through him, fans get to see a different perspective of the same soul.

Sam Nash is really just another extension of me – he’s the version that says what he wants, moves how he wants, and doesn’t second-guess himself. Where October London is more refined, romantic, and soulful, Sam Nash brings the edge, the grit, and a little bit of danger. But at the core, we’re the same person – both are driven by emotion, storytelling, and a love for timeless music. What connects us is the heart behind the music. Whether it’s October singing about love and vulnerability, or Sam digging into funk, lust, or freedom, both voices are honest. Both come from real places in my life. Sam might wear a different suit, but the soul inside is still mine. Creating that balance keeps things exciting for me as an artist. It lets me stretch creatively while staying grounded in what makes my sound authentic.

The most challenging part of stepping into country music, as Sam Nash has been navigating the space authentically while honouring its roots. Country music has such a rich tradition and a loyal, passionate fan base, so approaching it with respect and understanding is key. I never wanted it to feel like a gimmick or like I was just trying on a new outfit. It had to be real: from the songwriting to the storytelling to the sound itself. That took time, patience, and a lot of listening. On the flip side, the most rewarding part has been the freedom it’s given me as a songwriter and artist. Country music is rooted in storytelling, and that’s something I’ve always been drawn to. Being able to tap into that genre with Sam Nash has opened up a whole new world of expression. It’s allowed me to tell stories in a different voice, connect with new audiences, and show that soul, heart, and truth transcend genres. Seeing people embrace it, feel something from it, and relate to the music – that’s the biggest reward of all.

Black artists have been at the heart of country music from the very beginning – even if history hasn’t always given them the recognition they deserve. The roots of country are deeply intertwined with blues, gospel, and folk traditions that came from Black communities. Artists like Charley Pride, DeFord Bailey, and even unsung heroes whose names we may never know helped shape the sound and soul of the genre. So for me, stepping into country music as Sam Nash isn’t about breaking into new territory; it’s about reclaiming what was always ours. It’s about honouring those voices that came before me and continuing the story they started. I carry that with pride and responsibility. Reclaiming that space is also about showing that our narratives, our pain, our joy, and our experiences belong in every genre, including country. It’s about broadening what country music looks and sounds like, and doing it without losing the authenticity that makes it special. As Sam Nash, I’m not just singing country – I’m living in it, respecting its past, and helping shape its future.

Sam Nash brings the voice of a Black man with a layered story, one shaped by soul, struggle, resilience, and a deep connection to both city roots and country values. There’s a whole world of stories out there that don’t always get told in country music — stories of growing up between different cultures, of navigating love and loss from a different lens, of holding on to hope when the world counts you out. There’s a quiet strength in vulnerability, and I think Sam Nash has the space to explore that in ways that feel fresh but still true to the spirit of country music. He can speak to identity, to legacy, to dreams that feel just out of reach and to the joy of finally catching them. That kind of honesty, coming from a perspective that hasn’t always been centred in the genre, is what gives the music its power. I think country music is evolving — and there’s room now more than ever for voices that reflect a broader reality. With Sam Nash, I want to help widen that lens and make sure those underrepresented stories are heard, felt, and remembered.

That’s what makes this moment so special — taking a label with deep roots in hip-hop and soul like Death Row and expanding its legacy into something bold and unexpected. Snoop and I both believe in pushing creative boundaries while staying true to the soul of the music. With Sam Nash, we’re not trying to fit into a box — we’re building a new lane where storytelling, soul, and country collide. The sound we’re creating blends rich harmonies, acoustic instrumentation, and raw, heartfelt lyrics – all wrapped in that vintage feel that nods to both classic R&B and traditional country. It’s like if Al Green took a road trip through Nashville: smooth, gritty, emotional, and deeply human. What makes this fusion work is the honesty behind it. We’re not just adding a steel guitar to an R&B track and calling it country – we’re digging into the roots of both genres. Country and soul music are cousins born from struggle, love, and faith, so this blend feels organic. Snoop’s vision has always been about evolution, and with Sam Nash, we’re showing that Death Row can honour its past while rewriting its future, one heartfelt story at a time.

October London will always be the heart and soul of my music; the place where I explore love, emotion, and classic R&B vibes. Fans can absolutely expect new R&B music from me alongside the Sam Nash projects. They’re two sides of the same coin, each offering something unique but connected by the honesty and passion I bring to every song. Right now, I’m excited about balancing both worlds. Sam Nash allows me to push creative boundaries and explore country and funk-infused sounds, while October London keeps me grounded in the smooth, soulful sound my audience knows and loves. So, the focus isn’t exclusively on one or the other – it’s about growing as an artist and giving fans a diverse, authentic experience. There’s a lot coming, and I can’t wait to share it all.