UK jazz act Knats have signed a deal with Fontana.
The Universal Music label, which was revived last year, is also the UK home to Aurora, Jordan Rakei, Jacob Collier, Jon Batiste, Madison Cunningham and more.
Knats will release new album A Great Day In Newcastle via Fontana on May 1. Produced by Geordie Greep (Black Midi), the record also features poet Cooper Robson. The new album was mixed by Hugh Padgham and executive produced and mastered by Gearbox Studios.
The jazz trio from Newcastle have just dropped new single Never Gonna Be A Boxer.
Tom Lewis, president of Fontana, said: “Knats have hit the UK jazz scene like a bolt of lightning! They are technically breathtaking and musically exhilarating and you can feel the lifelong friendship, ambition and graft in every note they play. Their spirit is extraordinary and infectious.”
Knats are made up of Stan Woodward (bass), King David-Ike Elechi (drums) and Ferg Kilsby (trumpet, flugelhorn).
Knats have hit the UK jazz scene like a bolt of lightning
Tom Lewis
As well as headline touring, they have played as the live band for both Greep and Eddie Chacon on their respective European and UK dates, including two sold-out nights at London's Koko.
Since releasing their critically acclaimed debut album last year, Knats have been nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist at the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, played sold-out headline shows across the UK and Europe, and performed at The Great Escape, We Out Here, Love Supreme, and more.
The band also recently collaborated with Mike Keat of The Cuban Brothers and Simon Bartholomew of The Brand New Heavies.
Knats' Stan Woodward said: "A Great Day in Newcastle is an exploration through happy, sad and angry stories from Newcastle and the beginning of a new sound for Knats."
To mark the release of the new album, the band are currently on a UK headline tour this spring including an appearance at Brick Lane Jazz Festival in London (April 25).
The band are managed by London-based agency Gray Matter.
PHOTO: (L-R) Charis Richards (A&R, Fontana), King David-Ike Elechi, Stan Woodward, Ferg Kilsby, Dan Gray (management) and Ellie Slorick (management)
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