Knats

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.”

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.

Their second album, A Great Day In Newcastle, 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”.