With a pop-infused flair that puts a refreshing twist on punk, Bristolian quintet Knives have boldly plunged into the UK alternative circuit. Following the release of their highly anticipated cover of Kate Bush’s Babooshka, Knives are back with their latest offering ‘Doppelganger’.
Knives embody all the essential components for a punk powerhouse to flourish. Vocalist Jay Schottlander‘s fierce delivery akin to a punk town crier infuses their music with raw energy and urgency. Ben Marshall‘s pulsating bass lines drive their distinct sound forward with unstoppable momentum. The dynamic interplay between guitarists Dan Farren and Josh Cook unleashes crunchy riffs, adding a gritty edge to their sonic palette. Erin Cook‘s hard-hitting drums provide an electrifying backbone, while Maddy Hill‘s bluesy saxophone and distinctive vocals inject a unique feminine touch, creating an enthralling contrast with Schottlander’s baritone howls. Together, these elements converge in the collaborative brilliance that defines Knives.
In their latest offering, ‘Doppelganger’, Knives fearlessly tackle the rampant homophobia plaguing the music industry. They boldly expose the disingenuous tactics of music labels, calling out their queerbaiting schemes driven by greed. With unyielding courage, Knives challenge the industry’s hollow claims of inclusivity, ripping apart the facade to reveal the harsh realities beneath – “Who is the man behind the mask?”
To celebrate the release, Knives will be performing a special single release show at The Hope and Ruin in Brighton on February 22nd (more dates and live shows listed below). In anticipation of their latest single, we caught up with vocalist and saxophonist Maddy Hill to delve into the inspiration behind the Knives, who are making waves in the post-punk scene and leaving their mark.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The saxophone. I had a go at learning guitar and bass, but they never clicked with me. Then on my 18th birthday I was given a sax. I was looking at it completely clueless but excited. It took me a whole week to squeak out a single note, but I managed to get the grips of it by watching YouTube tutorials. It’s such a tricky instrument and I haven’t got it all figured out yet, but it’s so fun to play.
Because I started an instrument at an older age to everyone else around me, I never thought I’d ever do anything but poorly learn Careless Whisper in my bedroom, but I managed to wiggle my way into KNIVES! (Best decision they made I think)
What was the first band or artist you enjoyed when you were younger?
When I was nine, I first discovered Paramore. Looking back now, having Hayley as a role model had such an impact on me. Making alternative music, even now, in an industry dominated by men. But her attitude and fearless approach has inspired me to make my voice heard.
I find it so impressive that they can change their sound each album but still sound consistently like Paramore. They have kept their nostalgic sound but somehow manage to make it sound very current and to me – that is very rare.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I got my hands on ‘Riot!’ by Paramore around 2009. The raw energy and powerful vocals were such a game-changer for me as it really kick-started my love for music, and I am still listening to them today.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
It has to be ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ right? If we wrote that we could afford being in a band!
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
My music taste is quite diverse, but currently I’ve been listening to a lot of Charli XCX. I think she has such an exciting, boundary-pushing sound. There’s also Beyonce who just has a timeless discography. Loyle Carner and Denzel Curry are also just always my go-tos, they’ve been at the top of my Spotify wrapped for 7 years now.
Then, there’s Lip Critic, COBRAH, and Master Peace, each different in their own ways spicing up my train journeys to work. Lip Critic’s edgy, experimental vibes, COBRAH and Master Peace’s genre-blurring sound are what is really peaking my interest at the moment
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
It would undoubtedly be our first major headline in November last year. We spent so long extensively planning and putting in a lot of hard work, and the incredible response made it one of our most memorable shows.
The connection with the audience that night is something I will never forget and it really made me think ‘Damn people actually like our music’. Which gave me a massive push to not give up on the band, and keep pushing.
Which artist would you most love to share the stage with?
It would have to be Rage Against The Machine. They’ve heavily influenced the writing of our music vocally and sonically, they’re such a big inspiration to all of us.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
There’s a band called Dog faced Herman who were just so ahead of their time. They were making noisy post-punk sounding music with incredible horn melodies in the 90s, how they’re not one of the biggest bands in this genre blows my mind.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being a part of a band has opened up so many possibilities for meeting like-minded people. Getting to talk to other bands and people in the audience who all have the same passion for music is always so enjoyable.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It sounds super cliché, but not to give up. Being a musician it’s common that you find yourself facing setbacks, for example, not getting a support slot you hoped for. I think it’s moments like that where you have to take it on the chin and think about how you can progress and develop to avoid things like that happening again.
A lot of people may think being in a band is easy, they see people blowing up overnight on TikTok but what you may not see is the hard graft and constant setbacks that bands have to go through and it can be hard mentally. Lean on your fellow band members for support as they also know what it’s like
–
Stream ‘Doppelganger’ on all major streaming platforms today!
LIVE SHOWS
22nd February 2024, Brighton, The Hope and Ruin (Doppelganger Release Show) TICKETS
13th April 2024, Bristol, Outertown Festival TICKETS
3rd May 2024, London, Waiting Rooms TICKETS
4th May 2024, Bristol, Strange Brew TICKETS
5th May 2024, Manchester, Castle Hotel TICKETS
10th- 13th July, Bristol, 2000 Trees Festival (Date TBC) TICKETS
