knats Tickets

About knats

Knats are a bold, boundary-pushing quintet from Newcastle upon Tyne who describe their sound as “Geordie Jazz” — a fusion of deep jazz roots, funk-inspired grooves, Afrobeat rhythms and modern danceable energy. Founded by lifelong friends Stan Woodward (bass) and King David�'Ike Elechi (drums), with the addition of the virtuosic trumpeter Ferg Kilsby and a tight ensemble, the group bring rich arrangements, strong melodies, and a rhythmic backbone that makes their music as moving as it is powerful. Their self-titled debut album Knats (2025) marks a defining moment — a statement of identity and community rooted in their Newcastle upbringing, blending tradition and innovation with clarity and heart. 

Live, Knats are an experience. Their shows fuse jazz improvisation with drum-and-bass energy and punk-tinged ambition — inviting dance and deep listening in equal measure. Their debut record and recent singles such as “Tortuga (For Me Mam)” combine personal storytelling with wide-reaching grooves and soulful instrumentation, offering soulful reflections on life, love and memory. As they continue to grow, Knats stand out as one of the UK’s most vibrant and distinctive voices in contemporary jazz — a band rooted in community, creativity and unstoppable groove.