Knats are a hard-hitting trio from Newcastle upon Tyne, channelling rock grit, fusion fire and floor filling grooves into a bold new sound they call “Geordie Jazz”.
The band was formed by two lifelong best friends from Newcastle’s West End – bassist Stan Woodward and drummer King David Ike-Elechi – and completed by trumpet phenom Ferg Kilsby. After signing with Fontana Records in May 2026, Knats released their second album, A Great Day In Newcastle which has been shortlisted for the 2026 Mercury Prize. Produced by Greep, the album showcases a heavier side to the band’s sound, drawing on their roots playing rock and metal.
Described by Jazzwise as “one of the most exciting new bands in the UK”, in the words of The Guardian they “gleefully rewire jazz with a hard-as-nails rhythm section, drum’n’bass energy and punk aggression.”
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Alongside coverage in The Guardian and Jazzwise, Knats have been featured in DownBeat, Rolling Stone Japan, The Line of Best Fit, Mojo and Record Collector. They’ve had radio support from leading UK tastemakers, including Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, Soweto Kinch, Jamz Supernova, Tom Ravenscroft and Tony Minvielle. They’ve also collaborated with major fashion brands Palace, Beams, Aubin & Wills and Arc’teryx.