Clay

Clay grew up in Durrës, on the Albanian coast.

As a kid, he passed a piano shop that was closing down and begged his father for the upright piano sitting in the window. His father agreed on one condition: only play after school, and teach yourself, no lessons. Clay took the deal and never looked back. Self-taught from day one.

His love of jazz came from his uncle, the family's resident jazz obsessive. There wasn't much of a scene for it in Durrës growing up, so the love sat there half-formed for years. Moving to Vienna for his studies changed that. The city's jazz bars became his spot, and it's where he feels most at home.

He rides an electric bike everywhere. His room has a bass guitar, a framed car print, a skateboard, and stacks of books. An electric piano keyboard is planned for the space too. There's a globe in there as well, a nod to one he once saw in an Irish pub in Vienna, kept as a quiet easter egg.

The bike

Matte black and charcoal frame, front suspension fork, round warm-white headlight, integrated battery pack in the down tube, small display on the handlebar, black rear cargo rack with two red reflectors. No brand markings anywhere.