The Piano's Brad Kella says he is 'finally on right path' in career update

Paul McAuley
·3-min read
Brad Kella outside the Liverpool Philharmonic
-Credit: (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)


The Piano’s Brad Kella has said he feels he is “finally on the right path” after meeting his hero. The musician, from Bootle, is set to host a concert at the Philharmonic Hall on Friday, November 29, with special guest Daria Golovchenko.

While preparing for the evening, Brad noticed Danny Elfman was in the city for the Orchestra’s performance of his Percussion Concerto. Brad reached out and explained how he was an inspiration of his and asked if they could meet. The 23-year-old winner of the Channel 4 show met with him backstage during the interval.

Brad told the ECHO: “All my life, I have been intrigued with film music. At the age of 12, I remember watching Edward Scissor Hands and wondering who was behind such beautiful music, and that’s when I discovered Danny Elfman. I didn’t realise he was a part of so many massive movies that I had grown up watching, and I was inspired to reach those levels when I started composing myself.

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“After finally meeting the legend and speaking to him, I feel like I’m on the right path to get where I have dreamt about for so long. It was a day I’ll never forget and I hope and pray me and Danny Elfman can work together one day in something huge.”

Brad said the meeting just made him that much more excited about his home show, which is just around the corner. He added: “It’s going to be an honour to play at a sold-out Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and I can’t wait to show Liverpool what a normal lad from Liverpool can achieve with hard work and sheer dedication.”

Brad shot to fame after winning the new TV show The Piano. During his time on our screens, he spoke candidly about being raised in the care system. He said he was no stranger to adversity and lived a lifestyle “which no kid really should”.

Hollywood composer Danny Elfman and Channel 4s The Piano star Brad Kella at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
Hollywood composer Danny Elfman and Channel 4s The Piano star Brad Kella at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. -Credit:Philharmonic Hall

Brad and his twin brother Aron were taken in by foster parents Eve and Frank Kilmartin after being in the care system. His first single is named after them.

Brad faced another struggle at the age of 18 when he faced homelessness and had to stay in a hostel with his girlfriend Abbie Lewis, and their daughter, Phoebe. He said: “Obviously, it's tough, but I've faced adversity my whole life. I've always tried to come out on top. I've never let anything stop me.

Brad playing on the piano which he will use in his live show
Brad playing on the piano which he will use in his live show -Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo

“I've always manifested where I am right now. I truly believe that one day, I was going to do this. I was going to create some amazing music. It was just a matter of when and where. Being homeless with my partner and my daughter, in a way, was a blessing in disguise because I used to play public pianos.

“That's when Channel 4 spotted me on a video on the public pianos. If I weren’t in that situation, this would never have come around with the opportunity of going on the show.”

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