Doncaster rapper aiming to hit right note to secure music contest victory

Jay Betts has been whittled down from more than 100 singers and rappers to make it to the final of Pattern and Push, a contest where the winner will get a professionally made music video to back up their single.

And Jay, 32, from Thorne has taken inspiration from the coronavirus pandemic for his song Better Days Are Coming, which he will perform in the live streamed final in Sheffield next month.

He said: “It’s all about lockdown and how tough it has been for us all, but looking ahead to when it’s all over and how there’s brighter times ahead.”

The song, which will be released on Friday, also features sampled snippets of Prime Minister Boris Johnson talking about the route out of lockdown.

Jay, originally from Wheatley, first began rapping nearly a decade ago, releasing his first CD at the age of 23 and releasing a number of songs since, including working alongside Doncaster musical legend Devvo.

The Pattern and Push contest, which has been running since January, has seen the intial slew of contestants pared down to just eight, with music industry experts – including Spice Girls writer Elliott Kennedy – giving the hopefuls tips on the business.

The final is due to be live streamed from Hope Works in Sheffield on April 10, when judges will select a winner.

You can follow Jay at his Facebook page HERE on Instagram @playjaybetts or follow his YouTube channel HERE