What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
Andrew Knightley: I always had music in the house; my dad liked country and my mum was into Elvis. One of my mates had a copy of Number Of The Beast and Motörhead's Ace Of Spades on cassette. Listening to those albums really got me into guitar music and I never looked back. I can’t imagine a life without music really, but if I had to be doing something else it would probably be property renovation as I’m obsessed with houses and buildings.
Rob Hoey: Well, it looks like we all had similar experiences! Yes—Can, Wishbone Ash, Strawbs, Focus, East Of Eden. Lots of rock and prog was what I grew up around! A real treat, if I'm honest.
Ash Sims: I grew up around music, particularly listening to what my Dad liked. I was brought up on classic rock and early punk! If I hadn’t gone down the music route when I was young, I’d have been more involved in sport. But I was always too busy going to lessons, practicing, and gigging.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
AK: Going on long walks through the countryside helps with my creativity. Also, drinking and people-watching in the city is another activity that inspires me to write.
AS: Aside from music and the day job, I enjoy going on countryside walks with my dog and cooking. I find both to be cathartic, which enables me to put my energy back into music.
RH: I own a live music bar where we live called Vault17 (cheeky shout-out) that takes up a lot of my time, but I love it. I have very little downtime, but that's the life I chose!
How long has your band been around?
AK: A couple of years now. We’ve been slowly ramping up, and this year we’re putting the album out and going on the road.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
AK: The Chilterns, just outside of London. It’s a wonderful place and the open space inspires cinematic soundscapes that are present in our music.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
AK: I was in London for nearly 20 years but moved to The Chilterns a few years back. I love it around here, and the Red Kites were always circling as I was writing songs and playing at home, so I named the band after them.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
AK: We did a cool local biker festival and they had a huge campfire not too far from the stage. It was dark when we played, so it was amazing to look at and see that burning strong… when I say campfire, I mean a huge 30-foot flames kinda vibe. That was cool.
AS: That was a pretty special show, especially as I had only joined the band a month or two prior. Other memorable shows for me would be playing a Harley Davidson rally in Dubai with Skinny Molly and performing at the Young Drummer of the Year final, which is curated by Mike Dolbear.
RH: We played a mad show recently at Legends Of Rock in Great Yarmouth. Lots of people in Hawaiian shirts and tutus rocking out to us! It was fun.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
AK: I always enjoy playing festivals and larger stages, so the bigger the better.
AS: I enjoyed playing a show at Dingwalls in Camden, as well as playing many festivals. I’d love to play at any of the big venues. If it’s a big stage and I can be loud, then I am happy!
RH: The Black Heart (Camden) always has a special place in my heart. Loud, unapologetic, and truly rich in good vibes.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
RH: Well, I'm almost sure the other members won't agree with me here! Ha. I think we'd go down well with a band like Clutch. I think we have a slightly harder edge live (as do lots of bands) and I think we'd go over with their crowd. Let's say ZZ Top are headlining, Clutch in support, and us opening up… both bands invite us on stage to do guest spots (obviously).
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
AS: My advice would be just get out there and play. Find local musicians to network with and you never know what opportunities may come your way.
Of your songs, which one means the most to you and why?
AK: I love them all equally, else I wouldn’t bother pursuing them. However, I really like playing "Wolf Moon" (from our debut EP Proverbial Storm) live as it’s just a really cool song to play with a heavy solo!
Which songs are your favorite to play and which gets requested the most?
RH: I think "Stronger" is definitely the crowd favorite that people mention the most, but my favorite to play is probably "Tear It Up." Some great, fun bass lines on that one, if I do say so myself!
What is the creative process like for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
AK: It’s actually really easy to write new songs with this band. We often go through ideas in a room, and I’ll write the lyrics and melodies and stuff, but it's for sure the easiest band to write songs with.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
AK: Hope, love, having a good time, and anything else I get impassioned about. It really does vary a lot from song to song.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
AS: Yes and no! We’ve all been around for long enough and been in a lot of bands collectively. As with all bands, we are all individuals with our own thoughts and opinions. However, we are always focused on making great songs, playing killer live shows, and taking the opportunities that come our way.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
AK: Our debut album Hotter Than The Sun is out everywhere now, so head to your chosen streamer to listen! We’re also out on the road through 2026 with more shows to be announced. The album is available now, and you can pre-order limited edition vinyl (autumn delivery) if you do old-school listening or collect over at akandtheredkites.com.