Introduction: Finding My Voice
Growing up, music wasn’t just something I listened to—it was something I lived. From the age of five, melodies and rhythms became my language, my way of understanding the world around me. Those early years planted seeds that would eventually grow into Rascal, MRMartin, and now, Nash Vandrick. Each name represents not just a different project, but a different chapter in my life—different lessons learned, different stories to tell.
As I release “REWIND” and prepare for “Stripped Emotions: Part 1,” I wanted to share the journey that brought me here. For those who’ve been with me since the beginning—thank you. For those just discovering my music—welcome. This is the story of how I found my voice, lost it, and found it again.
The Rascal Years: Finding My Footing
Fronting Rascal was my first real taste of what it meant to be an artist. There’s something magical about the energy of a band—the way different musical personalities clash and harmonize to create something bigger than any one person could. Those pop-rock days taught me about performance, about connecting with an audience, about the rush of seeing people sing your lyrics back to you.
But bands are like relationships—sometimes, despite the love and history, you realize you’re growing in different directions. The decision to leave Rascal wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I had melodies in my head that didn’t fit our sound, stories I needed to tell in my own way.
The MRMartin Era: Solo Exploration
Stepping out as MRMartin was terrifying and liberating in equal measure. Suddenly, every decision was mine to make—every success mine to celebrate, every mistake mine to own. I experimented with sounds, pushed boundaries, and discovered parts of my musical identity I never knew existed.
Those years gave me “Baby it ain’t me”—still my most streamed song on Spotify—and taught me about the business side of music. I learned that creating art and sharing art are two very different skills, both essential for an artist who wants to be heard.
But as time passed, I began to feel constrained by the identity I’d created. MRMartin had become a character I was playing rather than an authentic expression of who I was becoming as an artist and person.
Becoming Nash Vandrick: Musical Rebirth
The decision to rebrand as Nash Vandrick wasn’t about running from the past—it was about embracing the future. This name, this identity, feels like coming home to myself. It represents a more mature sound, a more confident voice, and a clearer vision of the artist I want to be.
The release of “REWIND” in April 2025 was my way of honoring where I’ve been while signaling where I’m going. These songs—with their haunting melodies, bold beats, and personal lyrics—laid the foundation for everything I’m creating now. They’re the roots from which Nash Vandrick grows.
Starting fresh hasn’t been without challenges. Building a following again from nearly zero after the name change has been humbling. But there’s something beautiful about beginning again—about the purity of connecting with people who are discovering your music for the first time, with no preconceptions.
The Stripped Emotions Era: Vulnerability as Strength
As I prepare to release “Stripped Emotions: Part 1” later this year, I’m entering the most vulnerable era of my career. This three-part journey—exploring heartbreak, healing, desire, and doubt—is me at my most raw and honest. It’s terrifying to share these pieces of myself, but I’ve learned that the music that scares me most to release is often the music that connects most deeply with others.
The surprise cover of “Angels” coming up on the 23th of June holds special significance for me. Growing up, Robbie Williams was more than just an artist I admired—he was proof that you could evolve, reinvent yourself, and still remain authentically you. Covering this song with a choir, reimagined in the Nash Vandrick style, feels like paying homage to an influence while claiming my own space.
Looking Forward: Stages and Dreams
Every artist has that vision—that moment they dream of reaching. For me, it’s standing on those big main stages, performing original music for crowds who know every word. It’s about creating those concert experiences that stay with people long after the music stops—the kind I cherished attending with my brother years ago.
The path forward isn’t always clear. Building engagement, growing followers, securing sponsorships—these are the practical challenges that sometimes feel at odds with the pure joy of creating music. But they’re all part of the same journey, all steps toward the same goal.
Conclusion
From Rascal to Nash Vandrick, every note has been part of the same song—my song. This rebranding isn’t about leaving the past behind; it’s about bringing the best parts of it with me into a future that feels more authentic and exciting than ever.
As I continue this journey with “Stripped Emotions: Part 1” and beyond, I invite you to join me—whether you’ve been here since the Rascal days or are just discovering my music now. After all, the most beautiful thing about music is that it’s never a solo journey for long. It connects us, brings us together, reminds us we’re not alone.
Thank you for being part of my story. The best is yet to come.
—Nash Vandrick