'Our Mercury Prize nomination is not just for us'
PA MediaA Mercury Prize-nominated band say their success is for the whole of north-east England, not just them.
Jazz collective Knats are celebrating their first nomination for their second album, A Great Day in Newcastle, named after the band's home city.
Bassist Stan Woodward and drummer King David-Ike Elechi, both 23, met at school in the West End of the city and bonded over their love of the Arctic Monkeys before they were later joined by trumpet player Ferg Kilsby.
They told Nick Grimshaw on his podcast Sidetracked their goal was to "inspire the next generation of musicians in Newcastle".
Knats join South Shields' JADE among this year's nominees, following on from fellow Tynersider Sam Fender's win in 2025.
Woodward told Grimshaw: "It's just absolutely mental, it's just like we've just talked about it for so long it just feels surreal to get that information.
"When we were kids we'd always check out what the nominations were and think 'one day, one day', so it's just crazy."
'Success for Newcastle'
Woodward and David-Ike Elechi have known each other for more than 13 years and started a band after their music teacher would not let them learn Are You Mine by the Arctic Monkeys.
"So we made our own band and from that became best friends," Woodward said.
"And that's always kind of our motto, that you don't need anybody else, we just do it ourselves."
As well as JADE, Knats are nominated alongside Olivia Dean, Sir Paul McCartney and Raye.
The ceremony is set to take place in Newcastle for the second year running on 22 October, with the winner to take home a £25,000 prize.
David-Ike Elechi said: "The success is not just for us, it's for the area.
"The North East hasn't had this much hype towards it, especially in this genre of music, it's always been rock music.
"A goal of ours is to inspire the next generation of young musicians in Newcastle.
"We didn't really have anybody to look up to.
"Hopefully young kids who see this can be excited and think that it's possible.
"A win for us is a win for the whole North East."
