From australia to the arctic

Brisbane avant-cellist Rob Knaggs is fast gaining a reputation with audiences for his dynamic walls of sound and live performances that transport them to the northern reaches of his adopted home in the sub-arctic. In the last five years, he’s performed concerts for beluga whales and beneath the northern lights, collaborated with throat singers, played support to Montreal sound wizard Tim Hecker, represented Manitoba at travel conferences across North America, and captivated audiences at the renowned Woodford Folk Festival.

Taking influence from the allusive ethereality of Bjork and the epic orchestrations of Arcade Fire, Knaggs runs his cello through an array of effects and loop stations to compose his spine-tingling works. Recorded at Collector Studio in Winnipeg, MB and mastered at Sigur Ros’ home studio Sundlaugin by Birgir Jon Birgirsson, Rob’s latest EP, Foreshore, showcases a performance of cinematic soundtrack and shimmering post-rock, from the bittersweet lilts of Kallie, the rumbling abrasion of Ghosting, to the final haunting textures of A Natural Response.

Knaggs’ evocative performance is enhanced by a stunning visual display of Canada’s north, recounting his years spent living in the town of Churchill, Manitoba. Captured by Tomas Taylor and Elbert Bakker, the footage of Churchill’s otherworldly ecology provides a context to the vast landscapes and isolation reflected in Rob’s brooding live set that has charmed audiences across Australia and North America.

Rob is available for recording and performance collaboration, and is currently performing in the art-hardcore duo, Tie Guan Yin, and psych-punk sextet Holy Void.


  “I am completely mesmerised by the expansive nature of this tune,
it stretches out for eons and I am completely transfixed by your brilliance”
Nkechi Anele - Triple J Unearthed on Ghosting

"Rob Knaggs will make you feel as though you are gliding through the deep dark ocean alongside the magnificent graceful whales. It's a dream, come share in it."
Savannah Wild

"In the spirit of making the most of it, I stuck around the Chai Tent to watch Cellist Rob Knaggs deliver an incredible instrumental performance of “Up the Middle”. The title and music of Knaggs’ set were inspired by his fascinating experiences playing the cello to whales at sea. With the tent light only by a cello decked out with fairy lights, Knaggs ended his set with his arrangement of Flying Whales. The symphonic yet serene music created an atmosphere so ambient he received a standing ovation."
Danielle O’Neill - AAA Backstage

performance dates