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 composition, and what winning the contest would mean to them.
As the competition enters its final stages, it’s important to recognise the astonishing quality of all entries. It was evident how much care, time and attention went into each soundtrack, and for that, our heartfelt thanks go out to the talented Rhodes community for making the Custom Keys Challenge such a great success.
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.
Experience across numerous semi-professional projects – spanning jazz, funk, reggae, and pop – has shaped a versatile style that moves comfortably between genres. Rather than sitting in one lane, their musicianship draws on all these influences in a natural, unforced way.
Inspired by the sound and character of the 80s and 90s, the decades they grew up in, their music carries an easy sense of nostalgia. With a focus on melody, texture, and groove, Kristof’s work leans toward relaxed, easy listening that feels familiar without being derivative.
Watch Engelen’s Custom Keys finalist track:
What does the Rhodes sound mean to you?
Engelen: For me, the Rhodes sound represents jazz and funk – it’s where my inspiration truly begins.
How did you approach your composition for the Custom Keys Challenge?
Engelen: After reading the brief, I immediately had a clear idea, along with a melody and groove in mind (I just started improvising while watching the video). The Rhodes’ sound instantly takes me back to the ’70s, which led me to choose a funky feel.
I consciously shaped the composition so that the Rhodes is truly at the forefront. Although I could have added many other instruments, such as a clavinet or synthesisers, I deliberately kept the arrangement minimal. I used very few effects, mainly a general reverb and the Rhodes’ own effects, to preserve and convey its pure sound.
I briefly considered composing a completely solo piece, but ultimately decided to include a small amount of additional instrumentation.
What Rhodes sounds did you use in your composition, and how did you find this process?
Engelen: I chose the V8 virtual instrument (trial version). In hindsight, it would have been more fun to work with the V8 Pro, especially because of the additional effects. In any case, it’s a really enjoyable experience to work with this high-quality software: a beautiful layout, very clear and intuitive, and a fantastic sound with all the necessary details. Truly wonderful work by Rhodes.
What would winning mean to you and your musical journey?
Engelen: Winning would mean a lot to me personally. It would give me the confidence to keep trusting my own sound and continue moving forward in my musical journey.
If I were to win, it would definitely encourage me to create more music completely free of any external influence.
If you were to win a Rhodes MK8, how would you use it?
Engelen: I would love to use this beautiful instrument in my home studio. My choice would be a custom model – the American Classic in green!
Find out more about Engelen and his music:
https://vi.be/platform/Engelen
If you would like to vote for Attila’s soundtrack, follow the link below, and ‘like’ his video:
https://youtu.be/4bdknJ8O96s?si=nr2Y2NGeDk603y6v
