The genre-bending duo known as the Knot Brothers is enhancing Indy’s music scene with their catchy beats and lively energy. The “brothers,” Jon Knot and Chris “New Cents” Johnson, have expanded the musical palates of listeners at the Thirsty Scholar, the Virginia Avenue Folk Fest, the HI-FI and more. On Aug. 26, the duo will be sharing their unique sound at the Chreece hip-hop festival in Fountain Square.
Knot and Johnson have been music lovers all of their lives. A little over a year ago, they decided to take their adoration further and test the waters as artists. They joined forces to see what type of songs they could create.
“We have always hung out and been pretty good friends, but we played our first show last June. We are not really brothers, but people think we are because we are the two nerdy Black guys in Fountain Square all the time,” said Knot. “We have a weird, funky instrument that makes weird video game noises, so that’s cool. We have been blessed to be able to do some cool things this year.”
The duo draws inspiration from Daft Punk, Chromeo and Gym Class Heroes. Their method of combining hip-hop, rock and EDM has helped the pair develop a loyal and diverse fan base. In fact, it was fans who helped them secure their spot in the Chreece festival.
“I think the reason (Oreo Jones, the founder of Chreece) reached out to us was when he announced the date of the festival on Instagram, he asked, ‘Who do you guys want to hear at this year’s Chreece?’ A couple fans chimed in ‘Knot Brothers, Knot Brothers,’” said Knot.
They hope people who come out to the festival will not only hear their music, but also leave with more support for the entirety of Indy’s hip-hop scene.
“A lot of people in Indianapolis are sleeping on the cool things that go on. There are always things to do, and this is basically all of the hip-hop scene in one day. For $15, you can’t beat it.”
Listen to the Knot Brothers at knotbrothers.bandcamp.com. Check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/Knotbros.
