1. How long have you been playing together? Can you tell us how you originally formed? Where did your name come from?
We have been playing together since 2002. We formed from what was originally a group of friends, (well we are still a group of friends, which is surprising after how much time we’ve spent together). The name was always being played around with, we had a different name every week, finally we entered a band competition and the name we used stuck. The Checks.
2. You’ve been likened to Kings Of Leon and The White Strips but how would you describe your sound?
We were all in love with “Youth and Young Manhood.” The Kings of Leon were definitely a positive influence on us when we were starting. I’m not so sure that we sound that much like them anymore though. The White Stripes are definitely amazing. To be mentioned in the same breath is a bit of an honour.
3. Who are your influences?
We love a lot of different music. Anything that has a sense of menace to it. John Lee hooker, Rolling Stones, The Doors, Lil Wayne, Oasis, Kasabian.
4. You’ve toured with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, AC/DC, The Hives, Muse and Oasis, what have those tours been like for you as a band? Who has been the favorite to tour with?
All these tours have been lessons. All these bands have made us a better band in one way or another. I think I would have to say that R.E.M and Oasis are the ones I remember most. The Killers and the Hives were also amazing. And ACDC. What can I say. They were just brilliant.
5. If you could share a stage with any band in the world who would you choose?
I would have to choose Oasis again. But then they’d have to get back together first.
6. What are you looking forward to about touring in Australia?
The combination of weather and food. Feels real good on me.
7. What is The Checks career highlight so far?
Running around a castle in Edinburgh at midnight with a box of beers and The Verve Pumping out of our tour van.
8. If a crowd comes to see The Checks perform live what will they go away remembering?
That music feels best when it hurts.
9. Your critically acclaimed debut album ‘Alice By The Moon’ is just about to be released in Australia. What can Aussies expect to hear on it?
A more melodic album than the previous. We listened to a lot of new music living in London. It came through in Alice by the Moon.
10. What was the process like putting together the album?
Like in those shampoo ads when the girl comes out of the water and shakes her hair from side to side. It was like that. We just felt good and enjoyed producing it ourselves.
11. Does the fact you have received such great reviews in NZ make you more/or less nervous about the release of your album in Australia?
No we just want to have fun. We just want to play it for people, be they New Zealanders, Australians etc. It would be nice if Australians dug it though. Pretty please?
12. Where do you hope The Checks end up over the next twelve months? What are you short term goals? What are your long term goals?
We are enjoying playing live. I would love the next twelve months to be filled with live shows and then write a third album.
13. Your press release predicts Australians will want to make The Checks one of their own? Will you do a Russel Crowe and move here if that is the case?
Well, Karel and Callum have both lived in Australia when they were young, so I guess you could call us honourary Australians in some respect.