THIS year’s Thurrock Festival was “the best one so far” according to Tall Dark Friend, who headlined on both days and has played the festival for the last four years.

Just back from a festival slot in Sweden, Tilbury-boy Jordan Gray, aka Tall Dark Friend put in two great performances over the weekend.

It is now six years since Jordan stumbled into the solo project.

After band-mates left the area to go to university, he taught himself piano. Building upon that, Jordan has conjured up a unique and exciting sound that comprises superb piano rhythms, brought to life by beat-boxing, coupled with a dynamic vocal and ambiguous lyrics.

He said: “I’d say my music has a lot of influence from Jeff Buckley, but I also take a lot from Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, Marilyn Manson, all sorts of people really.

“Things are going really, really well. I’m touring around, I’ve just got back from Sweden which was awesome and I have my third music video coming up in June and a tour of the single coming up as well.”

Jordan, who went to Hassenbrook School, in Corringham, before spending two years at Palmer’s College, is an unsigned artist who has developed a local fan base.

His two music videos, for singles Corridors and This Is Pop, have been nominated for the Thurrock Film Festival Awards Best Music Video.

The 23-year-old has also written an autobiography, which has almost sold-out following its release last year.

Playing at his fourth T-Fest, Jordan added: “This is a contender for the best Thurrock Festival so far.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and everyone seems really at ease and like they’re having a really good time.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to headline a few medium-size festivals and I’ve played a few spots around the O2 Arena, as well which was pretty cool.”