Casio Music UK, one of the world’s most renowned producers of electronic keyboards and digital pianos, is thrilled to announce the return of Casio Sessions, its popular singer-songwriter competition for aspiring piano-playing musicians – with applications now open.
Building on the success of last year, Casio is excited to raise the bar even higher, giving a new group of talented individuals the chance to showcase their musical abilities for the chance to win an incredible prize; a Casio PX-S7000 piano, worth £2,249 plus an exclusive mastering studio session for their winning song, with the song then pressed to a limited run of vinyl records – courtesy of competition partner and physical music manufacturer Breed Media.
Casio is inviting piano-playing singer-songwriters from all around the UK to enter online by submitting a video of themselves playing an original composition – covers will not be considered. Twelve entrants will then be handpicked to compete in a live final at the stylish Ninety One Living Room jazz bar in Brick Lane, London, on Wednesday 4th September 2024.
Finalists will perform in front of a live audience and panel of judges on Casio’s award-winning PX-S7000 in the stunning Harmonious Mustard finish, the same type of piano the winner will take home. Performances will be judged on various criteria including stage presence and writing, singing and playing ability.
Last year judges were so blown away by the calibre of original performances that they decided to award the top prize to two finalists – with the multi-talented May Payne and Stefan Mahendra both taking home a PX-S7000 piano. Performing to a packed out Ninety One, May captivated the audience with her beautifully raw and deeply personal original piece, I Hate It When You Touch Me while Stefan’s soulful performance of his song Orbit showcased his technical ability with his deep and warm voice. Since winning the competition last year, both May and Stefan have gone on to release EPs and played shows around the UK.
“We are delighted to unveil the second instalment of Casio Sessions. The exceptional talent showcased last year left us awestruck, and we eagerly anticipate the emergence of more budding piano-playing vocalists and lyricists from various regions of the United Kingdom. Casio has long been a staunch advocate of the transformative power of music across diverse demographics, and this year in collaboration with Breed Media, the winning artist will have the opportunity to have their original compositions immortalised on vinyl”
Neil Evans, Head of Casio Music UK
Expanding on the year before, the winner will get an excluding studio recording and mastering session, with their song then pressed to vinyl for a limited run. The exciting opportunity for the winner to own their song on vinyl records is provided by Breed Media, a physical music manufacturer which specialises in supporting unsigned artists.
Graham Worsfold, Head of Breed Media, said, “Casio Sessions is such a fantastic competition and we’re really proud to be supporting these upcoming artists with our vinyl production. Good luck to everyone entering!”
The winner will also take home one of Casio’s multiple award-winning PX-S7000, the flagship model from Casio’s premium Privia series. With a high specification, including a newly developed hybrid wooden hammer keyboard and a beautiful contemporary look, it’s a popular choice among pianists and jazz musicians alike. The ability to directly plug in a microphone and make use of the on-board vocal effects makes this the ideal performance instrument. This stylish instrument has graced the stage at Ninety One Living Room as the house piano for the past year, enchanting the audience through performances by esteemed artists like David Mrakpor.
David Mrakpor perform on the PX-S7000HM at Ninety One Living Room – picture credit: Ninety One Living Room / daraghexists
Entries to Casio Sessions 2024 are open now until midnight on August 6th. Musicians must all be based in the UK, and entrants are required to submit an original video audition and complete a simple form via the Casio website to be considered for the live final – all ages and musical styles welcome. The full terms and conditions, including full scoring criteria, can be found here.
