Paul ‘October Reign’ Smith is a product of rural Jamaica with a global perspective on life and music. A born performer, he used to visualize himself in front of crowds from a young age in his dancing Superman briefs. His career has spanned over twenty years from first learning to play the piano at eight years old, to forming his first band as a teen, to touring with reggae heavyweights Buju Banton, Mystic Revealers, Taurrus Riley, and Luciano.  For the last fifteen years, he has been playing keyboards, writing and backing vocals for acclaimed international reggae band, Rootz Underground.

In 2000, October Reign formed his first band, Dem Man Deh. He penned, ‘She’s Mine’ a song which received much accolades and reached Top Ten popular song in Jamaica of that year. He wrote, ‘A Ras She Want,’ featured on Luciano’s album, Serious Times.

His peers affirm that October Reign’s debut solo album Soapbox Empire is well over due. “October Reign is a very talented musician. He should have done this a long time ago,” says veteran saxophonist Dean Fraser. The twelve track album takes listeners on an eclectic musical journey. From the mento tinged “Jamaica Mi Come From,” to jazzy ode to marijuana “Weedom” and groove heavy brassy “Legally” the album demonstrates October Reign’s vast range as a musician, singer, song writer and producer.

Soapbox Empire is allowing October Reign to step into the spotlight and take charge of his musical career. Dean Fraser is featured on a few tracks on this album. The video for ‘Jamaica Mi Come From’ has already garnered praises for its authenticity and world flair. The song has received heavy rotation on local radio stations.

1. What’s the inspiration for writing?
The song, “Jamaica Mi Come From”, was written by me Paul Smith, AKA October Reign. The inspiration for this song is based on the Jamaican folk song “Call and Return” type. So I wanted to have something I could engage the crowd with. But when the idea hit me it was best put together through a concept, the essence of what Jamaica is. The essence of what Jamaicans are. Sometimes we move away from nowadays. We kind of retain the old energies that we used to have. That your grandmother used to have. It’s kind of very folky.

2. What’s Next for October Reign?
I’ve just finished working on my mixtape, Soapbox Empire, which is now available on Sound Cloud. You can also find it on my page, October Reign. Scroll down you’ll see the link all over it. If you go to my Paul Smith page, you’ll also see a link to the Sound Cloud. It’s a free download. You can go and get it anytime you want. In October I will be releasing my debut album.

Be sure to follow October Reign on Facebook, Instagram, and Sound Cloud to hear more of his music.