The Custom Keys Challenge has officially come to a close. Following an outstanding global response and an exceptionally high standard of submissions, we are proud to announce Todd Pentney as the winner of the Custom Keys Challenge. From the very first listen, Todd’s submission captivated us with its musicality, originality, and refined sense of atmosphere. His composition demonstrated not only technical excellence, but also a strong artistic voice - a piece that felt both contemporary and timeless, unmistakably rooted in the expressive character of the Rhodes.

Meet Rhodes Custom Keys Challenge Finalist, Todd Pentney. Todd Pentney, aka HiFiLo, is a JUNO Award–winning Toronto-based producer, pianist, and keyboardist whose music seamlessly merges contrasting genres into a singular sound - blending modern production with live performance and improvisation. A highly sought-after session musician and creative collaborator, Todd has performed and recorded with artists including the Allison Au Quartet, Skratch Bastid, Kount Koal, Shad, sndtrak, Tanika Charles, Ski Beatz, re.verse, Justin Gray, Matt Dusk, Thom Gill, Lauren Falls, Maya Killtron, and William Carn, among others.

Meet Rhodes Custom Keys Challenge Finalist, Israel Jabar. Born and raised in Salvador, Brazil, Israel Jabar is a Brazilian musician and composer based in Germany, whose work reflects both the rich musical traditions of his hometown and his international experiences. His sound bridges continents, combining the rhythmic and cultural heritage of Brazil with broader international influences and contemporary production approaches.

Meet Rhodes Custom Keys Challenge Finalist, Engelen Kristof.  With a strong academic background rooted in classical training and further studies in jazz piano and ensemble performance, Engelen Kristof brings a balanced and informed approach to the keys. Their playing reflects both technical grounding and a clear sense of musical feel.

Meet Rhodes Custom Keys Challenge Finalist, Attila Pascay. Attila Pacsay is an award-winning Hungarian film and theatre composer, widely recognised for his work in contemporary film music. He gained international attention as the composer of Maestro (2005), the Academy Award–nominated animated short film, which received over fifty international festival awards.

With the Custom Keys Challenge submissions now closed, Rhodes invited all ten finalists to share how the Rhodes sound has impacted their musical background, their approach to their composition, and what winning the contest would mean to them. Meet Rhodes Custom Keys Challenge Finalist, Gavin Russell-Rockliff. Gavin is a Melbourne-based musician and composer with a lifelong passion for the keys. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences - from the smooth mastery of Bob James to the modern energy of Cory Henry and the minimalism of Nils Frahm- his playing is all about feel and texture.