Gerry Casey Interviews AK And The Red Kites

November 16, 2025

HOME PAGE

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey’s Interview with AK and the Red Kites

AK & The Red Kites is a modern rock band with a retro-infused edge—big riffs, cinematic soundscapes, and a raw energy rooted in classic influences but driven by a bold, contemporary vision. At the center of this new creative chapter is frontman and guitarist Andrew Knightley, rising from the ashes of his previous blues-rock powerhouse, Trident Waters.

During the global pandemic, Andrew retreated to the Chiltern Hills in the UK, where the solitude and sweeping landscapes sparked a new wave of inspiration. He recalls, “I wrote most of these songs while staring out into the woods. The Red Kites were always circling overhead. I felt connected to them—like their freedom, their presence, even their cries were part of my process. They gave me a sense of protection and clarity. AK & The Red Kites is a tribute to that moment in my life and what it unlocked creatively.”

To bring this vision to life, Andrew teamed up with multi-platinum producer Mike Krompass (Everybody Loves An Outlaw). Together, they shaped a collection of songs that highlight Knightley’s versatility as both a writer and musician—ranging from high-octane hard rock to brooding, atmospheric swamp-blues, with touches of country grit and blues-rock swagger. Fans of artists like Rival Sons, Greta Van Fleet, and ZZ Top will feel right at home.

Originally planned as a 10-track recording, the project quickly expanded as the team realized how strong the material was. “We ended up with around 25 demos,” Andrew says. “As we worked through them, it became clear we couldn’t narrow it down that far. We decided to track 16 songs because the quality was just too good to leave behind. It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve created.”

With a full band lineup preparing a visually striking, high-impact live show, AK & The Red Kites is ready to take flight—a soaring new force in modern rock poised to make waves throughout 2024 and beyond.