Knats, a Newcastle jazz collective nominated for the Mercury Prize, share a personal guide to places, people and cultural touchstones in their home city. The feature highlights how Newcastle’s independent identity has shaped the group, while also noting concerns about the loss of distinctive local venues and businesses.

– The Black Swan Jazz Jam at Newcastle Arts Centre helped trumpeter Ferg Kilsby gain confidence performing from age 13.
– Poet and vocalist Cooper Robson recalls Scorpio Shoes, Hustlers Pool Bar and Saporis Cafe as lost parts of Newcastle’s alternative scene.
– Bassist and vocalist Stan Woodward recommends Newcastle band Lots Of Hands, particularly their record ‘In A Pretty Room’ and track ‘Perfume’.
– Hoochie Coochie, now called Pilgrim, is praised as a central Newcastle venue with a strong history of live artists.