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A modern rock band with a retro-infused vibe, AK & The Red Kites weighs in with big riffs and vast melodic soundscapes with the cornerstone of this new exciting venture in frontman/guitarist Andrew Knightley rising from the ashes of his previous blues rock band Trident Waters. Connect with Andrew, below:
What are the origins of AK & The Red Kites?
It was an evolution from my previous band Trident Waters. I wanted to evolve the whole sound as an artist. I had a whole bunch of new songs and had recently relocated to the country, so it felt like time to do something new!
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe AK & The Red Kites?
It’s a very melodic-song-first approach to roots guitar music. There are lots of influences in there but also a strong contemporary vibe. If you like strong melodies and guitar riffs it’s probably your thing.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
It was great to get on stage again for the first time in around 9 months. Great festival vibe and the new lineup was bringing a real energy, we can not wait for the upcoming shows playing with The Cold Stares and our EP launch show at The Black Heart Camden in September.
Debut EP ‘Proverbial Storm’ has just been released, what was the gestation period of the material like? Did the songs come together quite freely?
I think some of these songs were written in the middle of ’23. I’ve been writing songs consistently for about 4 years now with the help of my home studio I can record freely and quickly. It’s helped with creativity massively. These songs are but a few that will surface over the next year or two.
‘Proverbial Storm’ is a great title with many potential meanings, what’s the story behind it?
Thank you kindly! I think it is really the concept of frustration when your inspiration has run dry. There comes a point where the frustration reignites the fire of creativity and brings forth a proverbial storm. That was how that song was written and where the title came from.
‘Devil’s Stomp’ was the lead single, what was it about this one in particular that made you pick it as the lead single?
Probably the fact it was the least single-like track, I wanted to do something different. It was brooding and felt like something coming out of nowhere. The idea was to build towards bigger singles as we knew they were available to us. That’s a good place to be and it just kinda worked as a concept.
You worked with Mike Krompass on the EP, what did you take from working with such an experienced producer?
He taught me to believe more in myself as a songwriter. I went into the studio with all these songs with the expectation he would rewrite or change parts and stuff. What really happened is we just shortened some of them down for the Spotify generation. Other than that they are pretty much the tracks I demo’ed so that gave me belief to follow my first instincts as a writer.
What do you hope the listener takes from the songs on the EP?
I just hope people enjoy the music and make their own connections with the songs. Music is such a personal thing everyone experiences something different from each song.
Which of the 6 songs do you think will make the biggest connection?
Probably ‘Stronger’ because of the fighter element of the track. I think everyone identifies with that sentiment.
You’ve just been added to Slash’s Modern Blue Rock Takeover playlist on Spotify – that must be a buzz!
Yeah, it’s absolutely amazing and gives a great sense of achievement to be recognised in that way. It also really helps to get the music out there. Thanks to that one playlist we now have a global audience on Spotify.
Have you checked out Slash’s new Blues album – if so, what tracks are you enjoying the most? (gotta be Demi Lovato’s version of ‘Papa…’, yeah?)
I have listened and it’s an awesome album. Yeah, that’s a great track, my fave is probably ‘Oh Well’ with Chris Stapleton, I’ve been really digging his music recently.
Regarding a similar audience, which band at the minute do you feel that AK & The Red Kites would be best suited to open for?
Slash would be great ha! I guess Robert Jon & The Wreck, or Billy Gibbons/ZZ Top, or Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
There’s a US band who aren’t really new but I only discovered them around 18 months ago. They’re called Quaker City Night Hawks and they have some wonderful songs. I think they became active again recently and would love to see them have some success as their songs deserve it.
What frustrates you about the music business?
There are a few things but I won’t get the full soapbox out! A big issue is massive stadium bands taking all the money from gig-goers so they no longer support the local bands due to the fact you can’t sell music anymore to make any money. It’s not a place for the faint-hearted.
What are your first musical memories? And what lightbulb moment made you say “I want to do that”?
I think hearing EVH playing the Beat It solo was kinda a light bulb moment when I was very young. Then I got into AC/DC and just wanted a guitar and the rest was history. I played it every day and never stopped.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Robert Plant at The Palladium a few months back. First time at the Palladium and it is now one of my favourite venues and of course, Percy was fantastic as always.
What current social issues are you particularly passionate about?
Probably too many to mention. The world is one messed-up place right now.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Taylor Swift ‘Evermore’ and Wham! Greatest Hits.
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
Gibson Les Paul bursts and a really hoppy IPA.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
The new Lenny Kravitz album is really good and I’m digging the Cold Stares who we’ll be supporting at the end of August in Hastings, can’t wait!
What does 2024 hold for AK & The Red Kites?
We’ll be releasing another music video for ‘Stronger’ in September to coincide with our London launch party at The Black Heart Camden. Also, we’re looking to book a few gigs for later this year too.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I’m on all the usual suspects Facebook, Spotify, Instagram, YouTube…but not X or TikTok…no one needs to see me doing dance moves!
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