On Stage
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.
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.”
After moving to London in 2022 to hone their jazz chops at Trinity Laban conservatoire,
Knats quickly built a reputation for their explosive live shows, selling out headline gigs at
Jazz Refreshed and Rough Trade East, supporting Str4ta at a packed Jazz Cafe and Theon
Cross at the BBC Proms.
In March 2025 they released their self-titled debut album on Gearbox Records, reflecting
their diverse influences – from jazz fusion to UK club beats. With its strong melodies,
virtuosic solos and infectious grooves, the album won widespread acclaim and earned them
a nomination for ‘Jazz Newcomer of the Year’ at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards.
Knats went on to back Eddie Chacon and tour with Geordie Greep, before signing to
Fontana Records and releasing their second album, A Great Day In Newcastle, in May 2026.
Produced by Greep, the album showcases a heavier side to the band’s sound, drawing on
their roots playing rock and metal. Featuring an array of collaborators and powerful
storytelling from Newcastle poet Cooper Robson, it’s an unflinching portrait of working-class
life in their home city, full of humour, optimism and grit. They call it “Geordie Noir”.
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.
After making their US debut at SXSW in March 2026, completing their second headline tour
of the UK and recording a Worldwide FM session for Gilles Peterson, Knats are set to play
their first shows in Europe this May, taking Geordie Jazz to the world.