STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00:01 HOURS WEDNESDAY 15 MARCH 2023

JAY age 25 from the Isle of Wight won in the first week at London’s King’s Cross St Pancras station and said ‘I still can’t quite believe it. I put all my energy into playing, performing is a natural high for me - and the only drug I need. I would like to thank the Judges for complimenting my music and getting me to the Final.’

Congratulations on being chosen to perform at the Royal Festival Hall, how did it feel finding out that Lang Lang and Mika had been watching and that they had chosen you to perform at their special concert?

Well it all just felt like a dream and it was very overwhelming at the time but in a good way. It took a while to process it all as it was slowly sinking in.

Tell us about your connection to the piano.

Music has always been a massive part of my life, and we used to have a piano downstairs in the family home. I was given a keyboard at about 13 and I never stopped playing it. The piano has been a constant in my life, I play all the time, and as much as I can.

When did you first start playing, are you self taught? When did you start composing your own music?

I have always been self taught and at about age 11, my brother and I would rap together. I have always been writing music and songs from that time. I left school fairly young and went to a music school at 16. I chose piano as my main instrument and I must admit I missed a few lessons at college, but never piano lessons!

How did you feel meeting Claudia for the first time at St Pancras Station, were you nervous? Were you aware of how the crowd were responding to your performance? How did it feel when you heard the applause?

Yeah I was a little bit nervous and a bit unsure at first who everyone was to be honest, I am not going to lie. Claudia put me at ease straight away and it felt really good to hear the applause and know that people were listening to my music and appreciating it.

Have you ever played the piano at a train station before? Is it the most unusual place you have played the piano?

Probably the most unusual place for me was at a station as I hadn’t played at one before. We were told we were going to be part of a documentary and I just went along with it, seeing how the day would go. I never imagined what we would be told at the end of that day!

Why did you apply to take part in The Piano?

I heard about it on social media and I was interested to take part and see what happened, little did I know ….

How did you feel about being mentored by Mika ahead of your performance at The Royal Festival Hall?

Obviously Mika has got such a good background and acclaimed history in the music industry. He also taught me some really good breathing exercises, and just to close my eyes sometimes and feel the music and not focus on what is going on around you. And most importantly, to play the piano gently!

Were you nervous ahead of performing at The Royal Festival Hall or did the adrenaline take over?

Yes! We were all sat there pretending that we weren’t nervous. But I was the first one on, and I just thought boom, get out there. The nerves and adrenaline drive was incredible and I couldn’t focus on the audience as I stepped onto the stage, as I was just so blown away by the moment.

How were your fellow pianists ahead of performing, and were you all able to support each other?

By that point we were all mates, and we kept encouraging each other to go out there and smash it, saying don’t be nervous just go for it. I do bring a little bit of rap to the Royal Festival Hall, but that’s all I am saying.

Who of your family and friends were there to see you play on such a special night? And how proud of you were they?

My mum, brother and some friends came up from the Isle of Wight and it was lovely to have their support on the night. My mum and brother were really proud and later that night I got loads of texts from my mates which was really nice.

Can you share a special moment that stands out for you from the evening?

A special moment for me was walking out onto the stage, taking in all the surroundings knowing that I would be playing at the Royal Festival Hall and its amazing acoustics. Another spesh was connecting with people on the night, some singing my song, and some even crying. I hope they were happy tears!

When you turned up at St Pancras Station you didn’t know that Lang Lang and Mika would be watching or that someone would be chosen to perform at The Royal Festival Hall…

It really did feel like one of those life changing moments, and something I have never experienced before. It will always be something that I will remember and cherish.

Do you find playing the piano therapeutic and how does it help you?

I would say the piano has taken me out of a lot of negative situations. Without music to turn to I don’t quite know what or who I would be.

How would you describe your style?

That’s a hard one, my style varies so much every day. One of my main styles of music would be a mix of classical piano, a bit of rapping and some singing.

Do you think this series will encourage people to learn to play the piano and what advice would you give to any budding pianists?

I think the series will definitely encourage people to play the piano as it glorifies it in such a good way. It depends what you are into, but it’s never too late to learn an instrument. Whatever time you put into it you get back so much more.

What do you hope is next for you? More music?

It was a bit hard getting back to the reality of labouring and bar jobs, but I feel my life has been transformed by music and songwriting now. I would like to make a career out of it and totally focus on music. I think the show has given me a new impetus to follow my dreams.

What does the piano mean to you?

Music in general is such a massive part of my life, and a few years ago I did once actually have a vivid dream of playing a piano at somewhere like the Royal Festival Hall in front of a big audience. When I play I put my heart and soul into it, and it’s just me and the piano.

Does playing the piano calm you and take you into another world?

It completely does, it takes me away from any pressures in my life, it’s kind of like a form of musical therapy and very healing.

Being involved with The Piano – has this made you a different person musically and emotionally?

Definitely. I feel I have learned so much and what I am now capable of. I feel I can cope with any pressures and could play anything thrown at me.

The Piano has been received really well do you think?

I have been amazed and gratified at the press reaction, the support from people who have been watching the show, and some lovely comments on social media. It’s all been so positive and encouraging.