SONOS CLUB : KNWLSY
KNWLSY, a North London DJ and producer, is quickly making waves in the UK club scene. Since debuting at ADE 2023 in the Faralda Crane, he’s played Eden Ibiza, headlined Ministry of Sound multiple times, and taken the stage atXOYO with LSA. His tech house sound fuses raw energy with real musical depth. With his debut track hitting the Top 5 in the Music Week Dance Chart and over 3 million streams in just six months, industry support continues to grow. Featured on BBC Radio and national TV, KNWLSY is one to watch, with new music and dates dropping soon, keep up to date with his Linktree!.
INTERVIEW
How would you describe the emotions or energy you try to bring to your sets
KNWLSY: For me, it’s all about bringing high energy and creating a space where people can completely lose themselves in the power of music. The world can feel chaotic, and I see my sets as a way to cut through that and unite everyone in a shared moment. I want people to feel every moment, every build, every transition, not just hear it. It’s about connection, emotion, and escape. When I look out and see the crowd fully immersed, moving together as one, that’s the energy I live for. Create freedom and unity through sound.
Are there any particular artists, cultures, or experiences that have shaped your musical identity?
KNWLSY: Honestly, this question could be a whole book. I’ve been influenced by so many artists, experiences, and people who’ve shaped my journey. My father, John Knowles, was the starting point, he launched the label Ingeny with me years ago, released his own music, written for others, and even wrote, composed and produced two musicals. He taught me to keep my ears open to every genre.
My manager, Terry Coldwell of East 17, has been another huge inspiration. I was a fan first, now we’re like brothers, and having someone who’s played to a million people live twice and achieved multi-platinum success guiding me is something I’m truly grateful for.
Then there’s Sneaky if you know, you know. As both a producer and artist, he’s an incredible talent who’s worked with some of the biggest names in the game, and I’m lucky to collaborate with him. These people aren’t just influences; they’re family.
Beyond that, I draw inspiration from countless artists Eminem, Dr. Dre, Elton John, George Michael, James Hype, Fisher, David Guetta the list goes on and its diverse. I’m also inspired by artists and setups who support others coming through like Ryan Spicer from P.O.U and Chapter and Verse, who gave me the chance to go back-to-back with him on the headline slot at Ministry of Sound. There are so many more who continue to inspire my journey each one pushes me to think differently, stay creative, and keep evolving musically.
How do you balance playing what you love versus what the crowd expects?
KNWLSY: I think this is important. Because I love the music and I love what I play, I feel that is part of the challenge. I also see myself as an Artist who performs rather than just plays a selection of tracks. I like to take the listener on a journey of discovery but provide a show. James Hype is not just playing music, neither is Fisher or Guetta. If I have understood the venue and the night correctly, my selection will be fine. Sometimes you throw in some to test the reaction, I play my own releases and other peoples throughout these sets in the development phase to test crowd reaction, something I picked up reading about Fred Again, but I am always ready to move, to keep the crowds energy.
Is there a particular genre or sound you’re currently exploring or excited about?
KNWLSY: In production I am playing around with all sorts now. I have been using elements of drum & bass, garage, hip hop, rap, Latin, afro, melodic, just playing with sound, to see what works with the tech vibe that I play. My vibe is dance music and good energy, so if it feels good, I want to make it and release it. Performance wise I have been known to throw some drum & bass, garage, Latin and afro into The sets with my own tech edits. Even put an edit of Victory Lap together which has been received well and an EDM style edit of Teddy Swims Bad Dreams which I was told Teddy’s team liked. Would love to get that remix out officially.
What keeps you inspired and motivated when you hit creative or personal challenges?
KNWLSY: What keeps me inspired through creative or personal challenges is my family, my dogs, my friends, and a deep sense of gratitude for the life I have. They keep me grounded and remind me what really matters. When things feel tough, I try not to force creativity, as I’ve learned it never flows when you push too hard. Instead, I lose myself in music from all kinds of genres, letting different sounds and emotions reset my energy.
I’m also blessed with an incredible team around me. On top of the people already named, my mum Francesca listens to all my music, just wants me to win, and has complete belief in what I create. Carolyn Wiggs believes in my art at its core, a real-life angel who constantly supports and uplifts me. My mother-in-law, Helen King, believes deeply in the project we’re building and supports it wholeheartedly. Mark Dear, my Digital Content Manager, works tirelessly to ensure everything we do stays authentic and connects with people. August Twelfth brings next-level production talent working with Sneaks, along with the incredible singers and songwriters I get to collaborate with.
My brother, Terry Hare, supports me in everything I do, attends every show, and believes completely in my goals, always helping to make them a reality. And, of course, my four sons. They play my music all the time and love sharing it with their friends. My two older sons, Luca and Alfredo, even come along to my shows, which means the world to me. This team and family working around KNWLSY keep those creative and personal slumps away and constantly remind me why I do what I do.
Beyond music, how do you see yourself in the world what drives you and your purpose?J
KNWLSY: I survived something life threatening, something that not all people do survive. I was lucky and for that I am grateful and driven to make the most of everyday not just for myself but for the people didn’t make it and also to set a tone for my children that life can throw you the biggest of curve balls and you choose how to face it, during and after (if you are lucky enough to have that after). That’s given me an unwavering drive to achieve my goals and raise awareness too.
Also, through Floating Duck Records, we’ve launched a foundation to give back. Recently, we worked with Willoughby Academy, a SEND school in Bourne, to co-create an inclusive, uplifting song, guiding the children through writing, recording, and releasing it with support from top industry professionals. It’s called We Shine by Willoughby Academy!
Music has the power to unite and heal, and after everything I have been through, I’ve lived that truth. This journey has been extraordinary, and I’m only just getting started.
Have you faced any challenges in the industry that shaped the way you approach your craft?
KNWLSY: Yes, I have faced many challenges, walked many paths with dead ends and in lots of cases felt lost, but that’s before I realised that for my journey I was asking the wrong questions, and I was allowing wrong behaviours. I was also searching for the wrong future.
Life is a journey, they say it’s a marathon not a sprint. You must have stamina and believe. If you don’t believe in you how can someone else. I had great people around me, but I was asking the wrong questions. Part of that journey is humbling yourself. When I was sick, I went back to the drawing board with my production and did so many courses and challenged myself on areas that before I probably skipped over. I also realised why would anyone want to spend their time working on something you want to achieve if you don’t already have that drive to learn those skills yourself. I don’t want to ask anyone to help me with something that I don’t already understand.
I set about to learn everything, social media, video editing, web design, photography, I looked at the full spectrum of what makes an artist and built that. I asked for help. I also enrolled at a DJ school called London Sound Academy (who are amazing) and learnt knowledge to fill the gaps, filled in the areas I didn’t know, the bits that take you to that next level the bits that elevate you and when I got my Elite trophy from them and Pioneer I felt really proud. I also got added to an incredible alumnus of artists, DJs and producers.
I have a tattoo on my chest that says “Ogni muro è una porta” (yes, I am of Italian descent). It’s a metaphorical expression meaning that every obstacle or barrier can become an opportunity — what seems like a limitation can open up a new path or possibility. That includes what I went through last year.
Do you think electronic music is becoming more inclusive? What progress do you hope to see?
KNWLSY: Interesting question. I did do a bit of research as this interests me, and from what I could see, electronic music is becoming more inclusive, though progress is still uneven.
Personally, it feels more inclusive, but I know my experience may differ from others, so I can’t speak with full clarity. I’d love to see continued progress in diversity, safer spaces, and fairer opportunities across the scene. Music should be to unify and remove boundaries.
How do you navigate spaces where you might feel underrepresented or overlooked?
KNWLSY: I try not to waste too much headspace on feeling underrepresented or overlooked, it’s just part of the journey, and I believe everyone faces that in their own way. For me, it’s about staying focused on the craft and continuing to build something real. I put my energy into creating a sound that cuts through and connects with people, because the dream has always been to bring joy to the world through music.
I don’t let bad vibes or outside opinions affect that mission. I know I’ll make it as an artist because God has me covered, and the team around me is incredible. Their belief, energy, and support push me forward every day. I trust the process completely and stay grounded in faith, knowing that when the timing is right, everything will align exactly as it’s meant to.
If you could create your dream lineup for an event, who would be on it?
KNWLSY: Everyone I named in this interview. I want to perform live on a stage in front of thousands with my dad playing live with me. I want to be on the lineup with all these great artists and the ones I don’t have space to name. That would be the most incredible festival.
What’s a festival, venue, or city you dream of performing at, and why?
KNWLSY: Wow so many, I want to play EDC, Creamfields, Burning Man, Boom Town, Drumsheds, Printworks, Fabric, UNVRS, Pacha, Reading, Glasto, Ushuaia, the list goes on! I also really want to do a set at DJ Mag HQ! I also want to get a set on Kiss. Today though I get to tick one of my list by playing a set for you guys and I am excited!
Outside of DJing, do you have any creative or personal projects you’re passionate about?
KNWLSY: Any time outside I am focused on my family and building the foundation.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
