“Germany Hijacked My Heart” – An Interview with KNIGHT$ on Supernatural Lover, His Solo Career, and the Tour

James Knights | Photo: © Ekaterina Yakyamseva

With his new album, Supernatural Lover, and a European tour about to start, KNIGHT$ mastermind James Knights shows no signs of slowing down. Spanning decades of synth-pop history — from Boytronic to Scarlet Soho and beyond — he now takes his solo project into darker, more intense, and emotionally charged territory.

As the Supernatural Lover era unfolds, audiences can expect bold new sounds, striking visuals, and a journey through James’s most dramatic and expressive music to date.

I had the honor of interviewing James Knights at short notice about the album, the tour, and what audiences can look forward to.

Interview by Christina Angrabeit

CA: James, your Supernatural Tour kicks off in just two days at Das Rind in Rüsselsheim. What’s your ritual during the final 48 hours before a new tour begins? Does anticipation or stage fright tend to prevail?

James Knights: The last couple of days are about locking things in—running the set, checking details, and then stepping away so I don’t overthink it. The nerves don’t really go away, they just change. With more gigs, it’s less about fear and more about staying sharp. New songs or a new setlist can still shake things up, but that’s part of what keeps it interesting. Once I’m on my way to the airport, I’m calm. There’s no turning back at that point, and the focus shifts to the shows and making them count.

CA: Your new album Supernatural Lover won’t be officially released until February 5, 2026. How does it feel to present new songs live to an audience that may not even know them yet?

James Knights: It’s an important part of the process. I think back to when some of the songs people know well now were completely unfamiliar, and it’s exciting to see that journey begin again. If you give the audience and the songs time, they naturally find their place and grow into something bigger.

CA: You’re bringing along some exciting guests on this tour – for example, the synth-pop duo In Contact in Hamburg, Marcus Meyn (Camouflage) as DJ in Erfurt, and Delta Komplex in Rüsselsheim. How important is your connection to the German synth-pop scene on this tour?

James Knights: Germany’s always been welcoming to me—I guess you could say it Hijacked My Heart… and apparently my calendar, because I keep coming back! Touring with In Contact, Marcus Meyn, Jess Brett, and Delta Komplex isn’t just about guest spots; it’s about sharing a stage, and sometimes a bit of history. Marcus and I actually toured together with Peter Heppner back in 2017—almost ten years ago! Feels crazy to think we survived that tour and are doing something together again.

CA: How would you describe the differences between your first solo album Dollars & Cents and your new album Supernatural Lover?

James Knights: Some of it is definitely darker. Since Dollars & Cents, there’s been a lot of intensity in my life—and all of that naturally fed into this record. I never intended to make Dollars & Cents Part Two; Supernatural Lover just had to reflect a different time. If anything, it’s like the music had to catch up with everything I’d been feeling—sometimes I think even I was surprised by how dramatic it got!

CA: What motivated you to establish KNIGHT$ as a solo project alongside your work with Boytronic and Scarlet Soho?

James Knights: I just had too many ideas to keep in one place! Boytronic and Scarlet Soho commitments aren’t quite as full-on, so I’ve got plenty of time on my hands—and KN/GHTS gave me the freedom to use it. It’s like having a personal playground for my music: sometimes serious, sometimes a little wild, but always mine.

CA: Can you give us a little preview of the visual side of the show? What kind of atmosphere, vibe & energy can audiences expect on this tour?

James Knights: There’s some punk unpredictability, maybe even a few threatening moments—light and shade, highs and lows. Audiences can expect a ride like a rollercoaster going out of control: intense, and full of energy, with moments that hit hard, and melodies that stay long in the memory.

CA: Finally, do you have a message for the readers of Angrabyte Journalism?

James Knights: Absolutely! To all the readers of Angrabyte Journalism: Enjoy the journey with the Supernatural Lover tour and album. Expect a few surprises, some chaos, and definitely some songs that stick with you. See you on a tour date or festival near you in 2026! Or listen to the album at

https://knights101.bandcamp.com/album/supernatural-lover-lp

Tour dates:
Jan 23 — Das Rind, Rüsselsheim (DE) + Delta Komplex
Jan 24 — Stadtgarten, Erfurt (DE) + DJ Marcus Meyn
Jan 29 — Matrix, Bochum (DE) + Audiocall + RUN
Jan 30 — Maria’s Ballroom, Hamburg (DE) + In Contact
Jan 31 — Berlin DarkNights Festival (DE)
Feb 12 — The Atomic Cat, Paris (FR)
Feb 14 — Darkflower, Leipzig (DE) + Jess Brett
May 29 — Aces & Eights, London (UK)
May 31 — Milla, Munich (DE) + Trans-X
Sept 29 — Voodoo Rock Club, Sofia (BG)

Tickets are moving.
More dates are being added throughout the year.

JOIN US!

All ticket details → knights101.com/shows/

CA: Many thanks, James, for taking the time and sharing your insights on the Supernatural Lover era.