INTERVIEW | "I WAS DONE WITH MUSIC, ABOUT TO GRADUATE FROM TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL" OCTOBER LONDON ON REVIVING SOUL AND MAKING HISTORY WITH DEATHROW

Photo Credit: Chris Lopez

Stepping onto UK soil as a headline act for the first time, October London is making waves in the R&B and soul scene with his rich, nostalgic sound. The singer-songwriter, whose smooth vocals have drawn comparisons to the legendary Marvin Gaye, has embarked on a tour celebrating his latest album, October Nights. We caught up with him to discuss his journey, collaborations, and the revival of Death Row Records under the leadership of Snoop Dogg.

For October, this tour is a personal and professional milestone. Previously accompanying Snoop Dogg on tour, he now relishes the spotlight as fans sing along to his lyrics, making the experience deeply fulfilling.

“The difference this time? It’s all about me,” he says. “Last time, it was about Snoop, which was amazing, but now I see people showing up just for me, knowing my lyrics, feeling the music. That means everything.”

Following his critically acclaimed Rebirth of Marvin, October Nights showcases his evolving artistry. The album is a tribute not just to the old-school greats but also to his personal growth as an artist.

“This time around, it was about making me happy,” he shares. “I recorded it at my boy Trip Cambridge’s studio, a comfortable space where I could just let the creativity flow. The last album was done in a week — this one took two. It was all about making timeless, feel-good music.”

Despite being a relatively new name in the industry, October London has already worked with heavyweights like Babyface, Ledisi, Tyrese, and Boney James. Each collaboration has shaped his sound, offering a mix of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop.

“I manifested working with Boney James,” he recalls. “I grew up listening to his music with my dad. I had just said I wanted to work with him, and a week later, he called. That moment shaped my approach to music, combining flavors, blending genres, and staying authentic.”

With his smooth falsetto and classic soul elements, October has often been compared to Marvin Gaye, a comparison he initially resisted.

“At first, I didn’t like it—I’m not trying to be Marvin, I’m trying to be me,” he admits. “But then I realised, Marvin’s influence is in my DNA. When I recorded Rebirth of Marvin, it felt like he was in the room. I embrace the comparison now but make sure to bring my own unique flavor.”

Touring with legends like Maxwell and Jazmine Sullivan has been an invaluable experience.

“The highlight? Hearing them say my name on stage,” he laughs. “Maxwell calling me his little brother? Unreal. I’ve studied their stage presence, how they engage the crowd, how they move. It’s helped me build a connection with my own audience.”

Being a flagship artist of Snoop Dogg’s revitalised Death Row Records is an unexpected but thrilling role for October London. Growing up, he never imagined being signed to such a historic label.

“I was done with music, about to graduate from truck driving school,” he reveals. “Then a friend sent my music to Jazze Pha, who played it for Snoop. The next thing I know, Snoop calls me the night before the Super Bowl in 2016, saying he wants to sign me. Originally, I was on Cadillac Music, but when Snoop acquired Death Row, he told me, ‘You’re the flagship artist.’ I was shocked — it’s a legendary hip-hop label. But he saw the vision: Death Row needed a fresh sound.”

October London’s music strikes a balance between old-school soul and contemporary R&B, appealing to a broad audience.

“I want listeners to feel something fresh yet familiar,” he says. “Even with that classic touch, I’m always evolving. I have over 60 albums’ worth of music recorded — everything from R&B to reggae, even a track with Busta Rhymes.”

His non-stop grind comes from a simple motivation: “Not wanting to be broke,” he laughs. “I’ve worked three jobs at a time before. When I met Snoop, he played a beat, left the room, and by the time he came back, I had the verse done. We knocked out a record in under an hour. That’s my process, I don’t waste time in the studio.”

Fans have been anticipating a full Snoop Dogg-October London album, and while nothing is official, he’s hoping to make it happen.

“I’ve been trying since 2016,” he says. “We’re both busy, but I want to call it Californication, though, yeah, the Red Hot Chili Peppers might have something to say about that.”

As his UK tour continues, October London hopes audiences take away one thing: authenticity. “I want them to know I’m a real artist,” he says. “I’m not chasing trends. I’m creating music that lasts.”

With his undeniable talent, relentless work ethic, and the backing of Death Row Records, October London is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music industry, one soulful note at a time.