In Conversation With Billboard Number One, Brit-Certified Pianist and Producer Jay DX

From church pews to Billboard charts, Jay DX is proving that talent, when paired with vision and drive, knows no bounds. The Grammy-nominated, Brit-certified pianist and producer from London has spent the last decade building an impressive résumé—working with household names like J Hus, TYLA, Flo, Ne-Yo, Craig David, and Wretch 32, to name a few.

With over 700 million streams, three #1 hits, and credits on globally chart-topping records—including Tyla’s self-titled album and J Hus’ “Playing Chess”—Jay DX is firmly solidifying his place among the UK’s most exciting producers.

We caught up with Jay DX to talk about his journey from the church to the world stage, the importance of staying versatile in both music and fashion, and why his latest chapter is just getting started.

For those who may not be familiar yet—can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your journey from church pianist to Billboard number one producer?

My name is Jay DX, and my journey in music began in church. I started playing piano there, learning gospel and jazz music, which laid the foundation for my musical ear and my love for complex rhythms and melodies. I’ve always been passionate about music, but it wasn’t until I was around 17 years old that I decided to fully pursue music professionally.

Over the years, I honed my skills both as a pianist and a producer, working on my craft and expanding into various genres. I started producing music more seriously and collaborating with artists, which eventually led to my first major placement with J Hus. 

Fast forward to today, I’m incredibly grateful to have earned my first Billboard number one hit and many other number ones, and awards. It’s been a journey of constant growth, learning, and pushing boundaries. What’s been key for me is staying true to my roots while also adapting to the evolving sound of today’s music industry. I’m just getting started, and I’m excited for what’s next!

You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in the game—J Hus, Tyla, FLO, Neyo, and more. What has that journey looked like, and what do you think has helped you stand out in such a competitive space?

My journey has been a mix of persistence, timing, and just staying true to my craft. Working with these artists has been surreal, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took years of dedication, consistency, and constantly pushing myself to be better. What I think has helped me stand out in this competitive space is my ability to blend different genres. I can bring the soul and complexity of gospel and jazz into modern production, which gives my sound a unique edge.

I’m also someone who deeply believes in the power of collaboration. I don’t just focus on my own vision but listen to the artists I work with, creating something that truly represents them while still incorporating my musical influences. I think that combination of skill, authenticity, and openness has played a big part in my journey so far.

Your latest release with Chy Cartier is one you co-produced—what inspired the sound behind the track, and how did the collaboration come to life?

The inspiration behind the track with Chy was a mix of both our creative energies. We wanted to create something that blended catchy melodies with emotional depth. As the co-producer, I brought the keys to the track, creating the catchy melody on the piano. I also layered in bass and other elements to really fill out the production. The goal was to give it a rich, dynamic sound that complemented Chys style and voice while keeping everything cohesive.

The collaboration happened organically when we were in the studio, vibing off each other’s ideas, and it just came together naturally. It’s definitely a project I’m proud of!

You’ve had Number 1 albums, over 700 million streams, and even a Mercury Prize shortlist—what would you say is your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment so far has to be when I achieved my first number one on the charts. It felt like all the years of hard work, late nights, and pushing through obstacles finally paid off. To see that recognition and know my music was reaching so many people was incredible. I also feel proud of the connections I’ve made along the way and the fact that I’ve been able to share my sound with artists and fans alike.

I’m really proud of myself for staying consistent and pursuing this journey, even when it wasn’t always easy. It’s been a challenge at times, but I kept pushing through, and now I can look back and see how far I’ve come. Conquering those obstacles and continuing to grow as a pianist/producer is something I’m truly proud of. It’s the result of staying focused on my goals and never giving up.

You’re also known for your presence in fashion. How does your personal style tie into your artistry, and where do you see yourself expanding next—musically or creatively?

My personal style plays a big role in how I express myself both musically and creatively. Fashion is another form of art, and just like in my music, I like to experiment and push boundaries. 

As for the future, I’m always looking to expand my horizons. Musically, I want to continue experimenting with different sounds and genres, collaborating with artists I admire, and pushing the limits of what I can create. I want to be prominent in the music industry as a producer.

My ultimate goal is to be successful, break records, and inspire others through both my music and fashion. Creatively, I’m excited to further develop my brand and style, and potentially dive deeper into fashion collaborations, design, and other creative projects.