Knats

A quintet led by two lifelong best mates from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Stan Woodward (Bass) and King David Ike Elechi (Drums), making dance music which derives from their respective roots of Jazz, Drum and Bass, House and Gospel. Within their short arrival on the scene they have supported the likes of Vels Trio and Tom Ford and been on the cover of Spotify Fresh Finds Jazz. 'Knats', the self-titled debut album, marks the beginning of the band's sound. It is a materialisation of the musical journey Stan and King have been on together over the past 10 years, drawn directly from their experiences growing up in the West End of Newcastle upon Tyne-overcoming hardship and figuring things out on their own. Eventually, they found their missing link: the virtuosic young Geordie trumpet player, Ferg Kilsby, who, with his slick melodic ideas, completes the full sound that is Knats. In it's entirety, this album is dedicated to Knats' loved ones; Stan's composition 'Tortuga (For me Mam)' shows his love and appreciation of his Mam, while 'Se7en', a darker tune, expresses his emotional relationship with his Dad, formerly 'DJ Se7en'. 'Adaeze' is a tribute to King's late sister, taken from a gospel folk tune, incorporating West African percussive breaks and instrumentation. Acting as a message to all those who may know someone suffering with mental health to check on those around them and be that helping hand they might need. The Knats album represents many things, but most importantly that Newcastle is not to be overlooked.Knats is the band's much anticipated self-titled debut album. It comes on the heels of an incendiary year for the band including supporting Geordie Greep (black midi) and playing as the backing band for R&B legend Eddie Chacon on UK tours. They also played a sold out Jazz Refreshed headliner, supported Str4ta at a sold-out Jazz Cafe, and performed at the BBC Proms. Led by two lifelong best friends from Newcastle, Stan Woodward (bass) and King David-Ike Elechi (drums), Knats pride themselves on making "Geordie Jazz", with sophisticated arrangements, strong melodies and danceable grooves. Their infectious energy has seen the band develop an enviable word-of-mouth ascent, earning Spotify playlist covers and plaudits from the likes of the Guardian, Jazzwise, and more. ;In it's entirety, this album is dedicated to Knats' loved ones; Stan's composition and recent single "Tortuga (For me Mam)" shows his love and appreciation of his Mam, while "Se7en", a darker tune, expresses his emotional relationship with his Dad, formerly "DJ Se7en". "Adaeze" is a tribute to King's late sister, taken from a gospel folk tune, incorporating West African percussive breaks and instrumentation. ;The Knats album represents many things, but most importantly that Newcastle is not to be overlooked. ;"they gleefully rewire jazz with a hard-as-nails rhythm section, drum'n'bass energy and punk aggression." - The Guardian "jaw-dropping brilliance" - Jazzwise