Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Michaela Kramer – Vocals
Ben Cassinelli – Guitar
Alex Van Anrooy – Guitar
Michele Van Leeuwen – Bass
Kieran O’Donoghue – Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Cup Check? How long has the band been around?
We solidified our lineup in the summer of 2016 and have been writing, performing, and growing with each other ever since
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
We have always been Cup Check, it was brought up one night over a group text while a member was watching an NHL game and the announcer yelled “CUP CHECK!”
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Our songs are written by every member of the band. Generally, we will bring an idea to the table and from there, we will develop it together. Our lyrical themes for ‘Continuity’ include isolation, hope, mental struggle, honesty, and the ability to learn and grow from heartbreak. I believe our themes, like our music, will continue to develop as we as people continue to push forward and experience new and exciting things in our lives.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Personally, some artists that have been inspiring me are Post Malone, Lorde, & The Maine.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I remember watching Rise Against in Southern Illinois at UofI; I had driven three hours to go see them. Each performance of theirs is electrifying and exciting. I wanted that energy, to recreate that feeling of community and trust between band and audience. That’s what we hope to create with our fans with ‘Continuity.’
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect..
Before we perform, we focus on what we have to do. We each take our own time to decompress and to loosen up before hitting the stage. We get ready to sweat and to have a great time doing what we love.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
One of the most exciting and rewarding things about being a part of the band has been when we go out of state to do shows. Strangers show up to our show knowing our songs and talk to us about our music. It’s an incredible experience to visit new places and to meet new people who share the same music interest and passion as we do. We are very much looking forward to the connections we will make because of ‘Continuity’ and excited to see where it will take us next.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
We would be honored to tour with Real Friends, State Champs, Sleep On It, The Maine, and so many other wonderful artists that we look up to and listen to. It’s really difficult to pin down just one artist!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
‘Continuity’ is available everywhere online. We are supporting Forever Came Calling, In Her Own Words, and Hold Close at Beat Kitchen in Chicago on March 31st, 2018.