A talented musician from the Isle of Wight was the star of the show last night (Wednesday) on Claudia Winkleman’s latest TV series, The Piano.
24-year-old Ventnorian, Jay Eatwell, was taking part in the new TV talent competition in the search to find four of the UK’s top amateur pianists.
Following the show, News OnTheWight spoke to Jay to find out more about the experience and what he’s been up to since.
Talent shone through
On a piano in the very busy St Pancras train station, Jay performed an original tune composed by himself called ‘Fire’, rapping lyrics on top and drawing attention from many passers-by.
He was up against some stiff competition, but the two judges – pop star Mika, and world renowned piano virtuoso, Lang Lang – decided Jay had that something special and they chose him to see perform as part of a grand finale concert at the Royal Festival Hall.
Mika: That’s the kind of stuff I was waiting to hear
After Jay’s performance, Mika said,
“That’s the kind of stuff I was waiting to hear, using the piano as this kind of power-source to tell their story in their own style, in their own way, in an unusual setting.”
Lang Lang added,
“He will show the Royal Festival Hall a completely new artform with piano.”
Eatwell: I was absolutely buzzing
Following the screening, Jay told News OnTheWight,
“It felt unreal, I had no idea, it was such an overwhelming moment.
“I really don’t know what I felt, but I was so grateful to be chosen by them.
“It meant so much to me. I was absolutely buzzing!”
Passionate about music
Music clearly runs in the family, because Jay’s Dad was the lead singer in a band and encouraged him to start playing the guitar when he was very young.
When he was 14, Jay’s parents bought him a piano,
“After that I never stopped playing it every single day, I’m obsessed with music.”
Eatwell: I practiced 24/7 and it opened up my whole world
Jay says music is his way of expressing himself and his feelings.
Several years spent at Platform One College of Music, gave Jay the space and ability to develop as a musician and even though he had a few piano lessons here and there, it’s mainly his relentless practicing that has allowed him to evolve and progress.
“I practiced 24/7 and it opened up my whole world.”
Pontin: “We are all so proud of Jay”
David Pontin, Education Director at Platform One College of Music, told News OnTheWight,
“We are all so proud of Jay. He always had such a natural talent and developed his passion for music so much when he studied with us.
“Once behind a piano there was no stopping him!
“So amazing to see him on TV.”
An album on the way
Since the airing of the show last night, Jay says it’s been non-stop. He’s been approached to appear on radio shows and is traveling around the UK to work on music with others who also took part in the show.
He finished by telling us,
“I’ve been working on my album for the last year and have over 30 songs recorded and it’s almost ready to released.
“I write music and new songs every day and have well over 500 songs I have written in my time.”
Catch up
For someone so young that’s pretty impressive and Jay is clearly someone we’re going to be hearing more about in the future. We’re looking forward to seeing the Grand Finale Concert and finding out what Jay produces for that.
If you missed last night’s episode, you can catch up on the Channel 4 Player.
You can also follow Jay’s journey on Instagram (jay_eatwell) where you can track back through his stories and posts.
Image: © Channel 4
