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Casio Music UK’s singer-songwriting competition for piano players, Casio Sessions, returned for a triumphant second year with 15 incredible finalists
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Joint winners Crispin Burton and Dilettante chosen at thrilling live final at 91 Living Room jazz bar on Brick Lane
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Both winners received a PX-S7000HM digital piano, one of Casio’s premium models worth £2,249, plus an exclusive studio mastering session and their winning song pressed to vinyl records – courtesy of Breed Media
Two hugely-talented singer-songwriters, Crispin Burton and Dilettante have been crowned the victorious winners of Casio Music UK’s highly renowned ‘Casio Sessions’ competition.
Taking place last night (Wednesday 4th September) at Brick Lane’s stylish jazz bar, Ninety One Living Room, 15 singer-songwriters performed original compositions on Casio’s flagship digital piano. The finalists played in front of judges and a captivated live audience, bidding to win an incredible prize – an award-winning, Casio PX-S7000 digital piano worth £2,249, plus an exclusive mastering studio session for their winning song, with the song then pressed to 250 7” vinyl records – courtesy of competition partner Breed Media.
For the second year in a row, Casio Sessions received an overwhelming number of entrants, so the selection of the final 15 was no easy task, let alone the decision of who had won. The judges on the night, Neil Evans Head of EMI, Dan Henry Field Sales Manager and Emsy Petersen EMI Marketing Specialist all of Casio Music UK, and Lisa Edwards, Head of Production at Breed Media were so blown away by the talent on display that once again, the award had to be split between two. The level of creativity and skill was truly inspiring, as each finalist showcased their abilities as both a performer and a gifted composer.
After much deliberation, Crispin Burton and Dilettante (aka Francesca Pidgeon) will each receive the top prize, as two very different, yet equally impressive performers. Crispin wowed the audience with his captivating and personal song ‘If You Hear My Voice’ as his rich, warm voice and technical piano ability flooded the room. Dilettante’s soulful ballad, ‘I’m In Love With Falling In Love’’, had shades of Kate Bush, with a swing that got the audience’s hips moving, as her performance showcased her impressive vocal range.
Casio Sessions 2024 winner, Crispin Burton, said: “It’s such an honour to win. I’ve never properly won a competition, so it’s nice to prove to myself that I’m going in the right direction. There was so much incredible talent, I was shocked! And I think I’ve found about 14 other new artists I’m now a fan of. Thanks so much to Casio and Breed for this amazing opportunity.”
Casio Sessions 2024 winner, Dilettante, said: “It’s very unexpected but incredibly exciting! Thanks so much to Casio and Breed – I can’t wait to get hold of the vinyl and have the PX-S7000 in the studio as it’s so nice to play. A big shout out to all the other finalists for their performances too!”
Casio Music UK is committed to championing grassroots musical talent and is delighted to elevate the careers of such inspiring musicians. The two winners from last year, May Payne and Stefan Mahendra, have since released EPs and toured the UK, demonstrating the opportunities that can arise from winning Casio Sessions. May and Stefan returned to the Sessions stage during yesterday’s final to perform two brand new songs.
Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI, said: “A massive congratulations to Crispin and Dilettante. Their performances captivated the audience and demonstrated high levels of skill, so we just had to split the award! We are delighted to award them both a PX-S7000, the exclusive mastering session and vinyl run. Tonight we watched fifteen amazing performances, showcasing the depth of talent that is out there. Casio Music is proud to give a platform to such inspiring individuals and Sessions is testament to how much talent is out there.”
Lisa Edwards, Group Head of Production at Breed Media, added: “Wow, what a fantastic evening! A huge thank you to Casio Music for letting us be part of such a special event. Choosing Crispin and Dilettante was no easy task, so I want to congratulate all the musicians who performed tonight as I was well and truly blown away by the talent on show.”
As well as taking home an award winning Casio PX-S7000 digital piano, Crispin and Dilettante will receive a mastering session at a recording studio. Their music will then be pressed to 250 7” vinyl records, with artwork, provided by competition partner, Breed Media, a physical music manufacturing and vinyl pressing platform which specialises in supporting emerging artists. All 15 finalists will receive content captured from the Casio Sessions grand final including professional photography and videography of their performances. A full list of finalists can be found here.
