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{{Short description|New Zealand rock band}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2011}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=November 2012}}
⚫
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}


{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
Line 10: Line 12:
| background = group_or_band
| background = group_or_band
| alias =
| alias =
| origin = [[North_Shore_City|North Shore]], [[Auckland]]
| origin = [[North Shore City|North Shore]], [[Auckland]]
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[garage rock]], [[rock and roll]]
| genre = [[Rock music|Rock]], [[garage rock]]
| years_active = {{start date|2002}}–{{end date|2012}}
| years_active = {{start date|2002}}–{{end date|2012}}
| label = [[Full Time Hobby]], Pie Club Records
| label = [[Full Time Hobby]], Pie Club Records
Line 24: Line 26:
== History ==
== History ==


The Checks were formed in 2002 when [[Takapuna Grammar School]] friends Ed Knowles, Sven Pettersen, Karel Chabera, Jacob Moore and Callum Martin came together over a mutual love of music.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fresh Talent: The Checks|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/article/pi_articleid/605|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> The newly formed band got their first break by impressing [[BNet#bFM|bFM]] breakfast DJ Hugh Sundae, and went on to win the Auckland regional finals of the [[Smokefreerockquest]], qualifying them for the 2003 finals.<ref>{{cite web|title=SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST 2003. PART 03|url=http://www.filmarchive.org.nz/the-catalogue/media/smokefree-rockquest-2003-part-03-f61623|publisher=NZ Film Archive|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref><ref name=Muzic>{{cite web|title=The Checks|url=http://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/1503/checks-the|publisher=Muzic.net.nz|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> In 2004 the group won Most Promising New Act at the [[bNet NZ Music Awards|bNet Music Awards]], and then picked up the Most b.Net Radio Play award for their song "Mercedes Children" in 2005.<ref name=NZM2004></ref><ref name=nzh2005></ref> The Checks reputation grew and with only one single released, the group were personally selected by [[R.E.M.]] to open for them on their [[R.E.M. concert tours#2005|2005 New Zealand tour]], and were invited by NME editor [[Conor McNicholas]] to join the [[NME Tours#NME Radar Tour|NME New Music Tour]] of the UK in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Checks Confirmed For NME Tour|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/newsitem/pi_newsitemid/814|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref>
The Checks were formed in 2002 when [[Takapuna Grammar School]] friends Ed Knowles, Sven Pettersen, Karel Chabera, Jacob Moore and Callum Martin came together over a mutual love of music.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fresh Talent: The Checks|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/article/pi_articleid/605|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> The newly formed band got their first break by impressing [[Student Radio Network|bFM]] breakfast DJ [[Hugh Sundae]], and went on to win the Auckland regional finals of the [[Smokefreerockquest]], qualifying them for the 2003 finals.<ref>{{cite web|title=SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST 2003. PART 03|url=http://www.filmarchive.org.nz/the-catalogue/media/smokefree-rockquest-2003-part-03-f61623|publisher=NZ Film Archive|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref><ref name=Muzic>{{cite web|title=The Checks|url=http://www.muzic.net.nz/artists/1503/checks-the|publisher=Muzic.net.nz|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> In 2004 the group won Most Promising New Act at the [[bNet NZ Music Awards|bNet Music Awards]], and then picked up the Most b.Net Radio Play award for their song "Mercedes Children" in 2005.<ref name=NZM2004 /><ref name=nzh2005 /> The Checks reputation grew and with only one single released, the group were personally selected by [[R.E.M.]] to open for them on their [[R.E.M. concert tours#2005|2005 New Zealand tour]], and were invited by NME editor [[Conor McNicholas]] to join the [[NME Tours#NME Radar Tour|NME New Music Tour]] of the UK in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Checks Confirmed For NME Tour|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/newsitem/pi_newsitemid/814|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref>


The Checks were signed for a four-album deal with UK record label [[Full Time Hobby]] (through Sony/BMG UK) and moved to England to record their debut LP. ''[[Hunting Whales (album)|Hunting Whales]]'' was released in October 2007 and spent four weeks in the New Zealand album charts, peaking at number 21.<ref name=charts></ref> Despite some success in the UK, Full Time Hobby records could no longer support the band. The Checks could not sustain living in the UK and return to New Zealand, recording under their own label, Pie Club Records.<ref name=NZM2007>{{cite web|title=The Checks - Back In The Restaurant|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/article/pi_articleid/1661/pi_page/2|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> As well as touring in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United States, the Checks also played support gigs for The Hives, Oasis, Jet, Muse, The Killers and AC/DC.
The Checks were signed for a four-album deal with UK record label [[Full Time Hobby]] (through Sony/BMG UK) and moved to England to record their debut LP. ''[[Hunting Whales (album)|Hunting Whales]]'' was released in October 2007 and spent four weeks in the New Zealand album charts, peaking at number 21.<ref name=charts /> Despite some success in the UK, Full Time Hobby records could no longer support the band. The Checks could not sustain living in the UK and return to New Zealand, recording under their own label, Pie Club Records.<ref name=NZM2007>{{cite web|title=The Checks - Back in the Restaurant|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/article/pi_articleid/1661/pi_page/2|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> As well as touring in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United States, the Checks also played support gigs for The Hives, Oasis, Jet, Muse, The Killers and AC/DC.


In 2008 the group recorded new song "There is a Field", released as a non-album digital download, before recording and their self-produced second album ''[[Alice by the Moon]]'' in Auckland in early 2009.<ref name=NZM2007></ref> ''Alice by the Moon'' was released in June 2009 to critical acclaim and peaked at number 13 in the New Zealand album charts.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Checks - Alice by the Moon|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10576229|publisher=NZ Herald|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> In 2010 ''Alice by the Moon'' was shortlisted for the Taite Music Prize, won Best Rock Album at the 2010 [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]], with the Checks also being nominated for Best Group.<ref name=nzma2010></ref><ref name=taite></ref>
In 2008 the group recorded new song "There is a Field", released as a non-album digital download, before recording their self-produced second album ''[[Alice by the Moon]]'' in Auckland in early 2009.<ref name=NZM2007 /> ''Alice by the Moon'' was released in June 2009 to critical acclaim and peaked at number 13 in the New Zealand album charts.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Checks - Alice by the Moon|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10576229|work=The New Zealand Herald|accessdate=25 October 2012|date=3 June 2009}}</ref> In 2010 ''Alice by the Moon'' was shortlisted for the [[Taite Music Prize]] and won Rock Album at the 2010 [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]], with the Checks also being nominated for Best Group.<ref name=nzma2010 /><ref name=taite />


The group recorded their third album Deadly Summer Sway in 2011, and it was also released to favourable reviews.<ref>{{cite web|title=Album Review: The Checks, Deadly Summer Sway|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10770426|publisher=NZ Herald|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref> The group released a trilogy of music videos for the songs "Candyman Shimmer", "Ready To Die" and "Perfect Lover", directed by the Trophywife collective.<ref>{{cite web|title=Candyman Shimmer|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O6D107roQg|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref>
The group recorded their third album ''Deadly Summer Sway'' in 2011 which was also released to favourable reviews.<ref>{{cite news|title=Album Review: The Checks, Deadly Summer Sway|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10770426|work=The New Zealand Herald|accessdate=25 October 2012|date=3 December 2011}}</ref> The group released a trilogy of music videos for the songs "Candyman Shimmer", "Ready To Die" and "Perfect Lover", directed by the Trophywife collective.<ref>{{cite web|title=Candyman Shimmer|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O6D107roQg|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref>


In August 2012, the Checks announced they were breaking up. No reason was given for the split.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kiwi rockers The Checks announce split|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10830707|publisher=NZ Herald|accessdate=25 October 2012}}</ref>
In August 2012, the Checks announced they were breaking up. No reason was given for the split.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kiwi rockers The Checks announce split|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10830707|work=The New Zealand Herald|accessdate=25 October 2012|date=31 August 2012}}</ref>


== Members ==
== Members ==


* Edward Knowles — vocals
* Edward Knowles – vocals
* Sven Pettersen — guitar, backing vocals
* Sven Pettersen – lead guitar
* Callum Martin — guitar, backing vocals
* Callum Martin – guitar, backing vocals
* Karel Chabera Jr. — bass, backing vocals
* Karel Chabera Jr. – bass guitar
* Jacob Moore — drums, backing vocals
* Jacob Moore – drums, backing vocals


== Discography ==
== Discography ==
Line 53: Line 55:
! colspan="2"| Peak chart<br>positions
! colspan="2"| Peak chart<br>positions
|-
|-
! [[RIANZ|NZ]]<ref name=charts></ref>
! [[RIANZ|NZ]]<ref name=charts />
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2007
| rowspan=2 | 2007
Line 95: Line 97:
{{ Singles discography | all_albums=yes | charts=1 | include_footnote = yes
{{ Singles discography | all_albums=yes | charts=1 | include_footnote = yes


| chartA = [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|NZ]] <ref name=charts>{{cite web|title=The Checks discography|url=http://charts.org.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=the+checks|publisher=Charts.org.nz}}</ref>
| chartA = [[Recording Industry Association of New Zealand|NZ]]<ref name=charts>{{cite web|title=The Checks discography|url=https://charts.nz/showinterpret.asp?interpret=the+checks|publisher=charts.nz}}</ref>


| title1 = What You Heard | album1 = [[Hunting Whales (album)|Hunting Whales]] | albumspan1 = 3 | year1 = 2005 | peak1A = 21 |
| title1 = What You Heard | album1 = [[Hunting Whales (album)|Hunting Whales]] | albumspan1 = 3 | year1 = 2005 | peak1A = 21 |
| title2 = Take Me There | year2 = 2007 | yearspan2 = 2
| title2 = Take Me There | year2 = 2007 | yearspan2 = 2
| title3 = Hunting Whales
| title3 = Hunting Whales
| title4 = There is a Field | year4 = 2008 | album4 = </i>Non-album single<i>
| title4 = There is a Field | year4 = 2008 | album4 = ''Non-album single''
| title5 = You and Me | year5 = 2009 | album5 = [[Alice by the Moon]]
| title5 = You and Me | year5 = 2009 | peak5A = 12 | album5 = [[Alice by the Moon]]
}}
}}


=== Music videos ===
=== Music videos ===



{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
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| "What You Heard"
| "What You Heard"
| Dylan Pharazyn<ref>{{cite web|title=What You Heard|url=http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/what-you-heard-2005|publisher=NZ On Screen|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| Dylan Pharazyn<ref>{{cite web|title=What You Heard|url=http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/what-you-heard-2005|publisher=NZ On Screen|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
⚫
|-
| 2006
| "Hunting Whales"
⚫
|
|-
|-
| rowspan=3 | 2007
| rowspan=3 | 2007
| "Take Me There"
| "Take Me There"
| Diamond Dogs
⚫
|
|-
|-
| "Hunting Whales"
| "What You Heard"
| Diamond Dogs
⚫
|
|-
|-
| "Tired From Sleeping"
| "Tired From Sleeping"
| Sam Peacocke<ref>{{cite web|title=Tired from Sleeping|url=http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/tired-from-sleeping-2008|publisher=NZ On Screen|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| Sam Peacocke<ref>{{cite web|title=Tired from Sleeping|url=http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/tired-from-sleeping-2008|publisher=NZ On Screen|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2008
| rowspan=2 | 2008
| "Terribly Easy"
| Ian Hart
|-
| "There is a Field"
| "There is a Field"
| Benjamin Rood<ref>{{cite web|title=The Checks - There Is A Field|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utTOM2ZSYA8|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| Benjamin Rood<ref>{{cite web|title=The Checks - There Is A Field|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utTOM2ZSYA8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/utTOM2ZSYA8 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=24 October 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2009
| rowspan=2 | 2009
| "You and Me"
| "You and Me"
| Tim van Dammen<ref>{{cite web|title=You & Me|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqpWgFNZtrc|publisher=Tvand|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| Tim van Dammen<ref>{{cite web|title=You & Me|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqpWgFNZtrc|publisher=Tvand|accessdate=24 October 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref>
|-
| "Til the Dance Is Over"
| Tim van Dammen
|-
|-
| 2010
| 2010
| "Ballroom Baby"
| "Ballroom Baby"
| Benjamin Rood<ref>{{cite web|title=Ballroom Baby|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2wtPDakuJc|publisher=The Checks}}</ref>
| Benjamin Rood<ref>{{cite web|title=Ballroom Baby|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2wtPDakuJc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/x2wtPDakuJc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|publisher=The Checks}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 | 2011
| rowspan=2 | 2011
| "Candyman Shimmer"
| "Candyman Shimmer"
| Trophywife/Ian Hart<ref>{{cite web|title=Candyman Shimmer|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O6D107roQg|publisher=The Checks}}</ref>
| Trophywife/Ian Hart<ref>{{cite web|title=Candyman Shimmer|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O6D107roQg|publisher=The Checks}}</ref>
|-
|-
| "Ready To Die"
| "Ready To Die"
| Trophywife<ref>{{cite web|title=Ready to Die|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOz-3w-tBYc|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| Trophywife<ref>{{cite web|title=Ready to Die|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOz-3w-tBYc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/aOz-3w-tBYc |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=24 October 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2012
| 2012
| "Perfect Lover"
| "Perfect Lover"
| Trophywife and the Filth Collective<ref>{{cite web|title=Perfect Lover|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE0xZB_PrJk|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| Trophywife and the Filth Collective<ref>{{cite web|title=Perfect Lover|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE0xZB_PrJk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/yE0xZB_PrJk |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|publisher=The Checks|accessdate=24 October 2012}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 154: Line 165:
== Awards ==
== Awards ==


{{awards table}}
⚫
* 2004 [[BNet_NZ_Music_Awards|bNet Music Awards]] - Most Promising New Act<ref name=NZM2004>{{cite web|title=2004's Music Award Season|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/article/pi_articleid/500/pi_page/2|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
|-
⚫
* 2005 [[BNet_NZ_Music_Awards|bNet Music Awards]] - Most b.Net Radio Play "Mercedes Children"<ref name=nzh2005>{{cite web|title=Shayne Carter wins bNet lifetime achievement award|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10127855|publisher=NZ Herald|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| 2004
⚫
* 2005 [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]] - Breakthrough Artist of the Year - "What You Heard"<ref>{{cite web|title=2005 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2005-winners/|publisher=NZ Music Awards|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| The Checks
⚫
* 2010 [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]] - Best Group (nominee) ''Alice by the Moon''<ref name=nzma2010>{{cite web|title=2010 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2011/01/17/2010-winners-2/|publisher=NZ Music Awards|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
⚫
| [[BNet NZ Music Awards|bNet Music Awards]] - Most Promising New Act<ref name=NZM2004>{{cite web|title=2004's Music Award Season|url=http://www.nzmusician.co.nz/index.php/ps_pagename/article/pi_articleid/500/pi_page/2|publisher=NZ Musician|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
⚫
* 2010 [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]] - Best Rock Album ''Alice by the Moon''<ref name=nzma2010></ref>
| {{won}}
⚫
* 2010 Taite Music Prize - Finalist ''Alice by the Moon''<ref name=taite>{{cite web|title=Taite Music Prize 2010 Finalists|url=http://www.indies.co.nz/taite-music-prize/125-taite-prize-winner-and-finalists-for-2010/182-taite-music-prize-2010-finalists.html|publisher=IMNZ|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
|-
| 2005
| "Mercedes Children"
⚫
| [[BNet NZ Music Awards|bNet Music Awards]] - Most b.Net Radio Play<ref name=nzh2005>{{cite news|title=Shayne Carter wins bNet lifetime achievement award|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=10127855|work=The New Zealand Herald|accessdate=24 October 2012|date=28 May 2005}}</ref>
| {{won}}
|-
| 2005
| "What You Heard"
⚫
| [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]] - Breakthrough Artist of the Year<ref>{{cite web|title=2005 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2005-winners/|publisher=NZ Music Awards|accessdate=24 October 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808170415/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2009/10/29/2005-winners/|archivedate=8 August 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| {{won}}
|-
| 2010
| ''Alice by the Moon''
⚫
| [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]] - Best Group<ref name=nzma2010>{{cite web|title=2010 Winners|url=http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2011/01/17/2010-winners-2/|publisher=NZ Music Awards|accessdate=24 October 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110808171135/http://www.nzmusicawards.co.nz/2011/01/17/2010-winners-2/|archivedate=8 August 2011|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2010
| ''Alice by the Moon''
⚫
| [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]] - Best Rock Album<ref name=nzma2010 />
| {{won}}
|-
| 2010
| ''Alice by the Moon''
⚫
| Taite Music Prize - Finalist<ref name=taite>{{cite web|title=Taite Music Prize 2010 Finalists|url=http://www.indies.co.nz/taite-music-prize/125-taite-prize-winner-and-finalists-for-2010/182-taite-music-prize-2010-finalists.html|publisher=IMNZ|accessdate=24 October 2012}}</ref>
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2012
| ''Deadly Summer Sway''
| [[New Zealand Music Awards|NZ Music Awards]] - Best Rock Album
| {{won}}
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
==External links==
* [http://www.thechecks.net The Checks' website]
* [http://www.myspace.com/thechecks The Checks' MySpace page]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Checks, The}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Checks, The}}
[[Category:New Zealand musical groups]]
[[Category:New Zealand blues rock musical groups]]
[[Category:People educated at Takapuna Grammar School]]
[[Category:People educated at Takapuna Grammar School]]
[[Category:New Zealand garage rock groups]]

Latest revision as of 06:36, 24 February 2023

The Checks
Three members of rock band The Checks performing live at a rock concert
The Checks at Homegrown, Wellington, February 2012
Background information
OriginNorth Shore, Auckland
GenresRock, garage rock
Years active2002 (2002)–2012 (2012)
LabelsFull Time Hobby, Pie Club Records
Past membersEdward Knowles
Sven Pettersen
Callum Martin
Karel Chabera Jr.
Jacob Moore
Websitethechecks.net

The Checks were a New Zealand rock band known for blues-driven, high-energy rock. The group released three albums, Hunting Whales, Alice by the Moon and Deadly Summer Sway and toured extensively before splitting up in 2012.

History

[edit]

The Checks were formed in 2002 when Takapuna Grammar School friends Ed Knowles, Sven Pettersen, Karel Chabera, Jacob Moore and Callum Martin came together over a mutual love of music.[1] The newly formed band got their first break by impressing bFM breakfast DJ Hugh Sundae, and went on to win the Auckland regional finals of the Smokefreerockquest, qualifying them for the 2003 finals.[2][3] In 2004 the group won Most Promising New Act at the bNet Music Awards, and then picked up the Most b.Net Radio Play award for their song "Mercedes Children" in 2005.[4][5] The Checks reputation grew and with only one single released, the group were personally selected by R.E.M. to open for them on their 2005 New Zealand tour, and were invited by NME editor Conor McNicholas to join the NME New Music Tour of the UK in 2005.[6]

The Checks were signed for a four-album deal with UK record label Full Time Hobby (through Sony/BMG UK) and moved to England to record their debut LP. Hunting Whales was released in October 2007 and spent four weeks in the New Zealand album charts, peaking at number 21.[7] Despite some success in the UK, Full Time Hobby records could no longer support the band. The Checks could not sustain living in the UK and return to New Zealand, recording under their own label, Pie Club Records.[8] As well as touring in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and the United States, the Checks also played support gigs for The Hives, Oasis, Jet, Muse, The Killers and AC/DC.

In 2008 the group recorded new song "There is a Field", released as a non-album digital download, before recording their self-produced second album Alice by the Moon in Auckland in early 2009.[8] Alice by the Moon was released in June 2009 to critical acclaim and peaked at number 13 in the New Zealand album charts.[9] In 2010 Alice by the Moon was shortlisted for the Taite Music Prize and won Rock Album at the 2010 NZ Music Awards, with the Checks also being nominated for Best Group.[10][11]

The group recorded their third album Deadly Summer Sway in 2011 which was also released to favourable reviews.[12] The group released a trilogy of music videos for the songs "Candyman Shimmer", "Ready To Die" and "Perfect Lover", directed by the Trophywife collective.[13]

In August 2012, the Checks announced they were breaking up. No reason was given for the split.[14]

Members

[edit]
  • Edward Knowles – vocals
  • Sven Pettersen – lead guitar
  • Callum Martin – guitar, backing vocals
  • Karel Chabera Jr. – bass guitar
  • Jacob Moore – drums, backing vocals

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Year Title Details Peak chart
positions
NZ[7]
2007 Hunting Whales 21
Take Me There EP —
2009 ZM Live Lounge: The Checks EP
  • Released: 2 June 2009
  • Label: Pie Club Records
 —
2010 Alice by the Moon
  • Released: 3 September 2010
  • Label: Pie Club Records
 13
2011 Deadly Summer Sway
  • Released: 11 November 2011
  • Label: Pie Club Records
 25

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak chart positions Album
NZ[7]
2005 "What You Heard" 21 Hunting Whales
2007 "Take Me There" —
"Hunting Whales" —
2008 "There is a Field" — 'Non-album single'
2009 "You and Me" 12 Alice by the Moon
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos

[edit]
Year Music video Director(s)
2005 "What You Heard" Dylan Pharazyn[15]
2006 "Hunting Whales"
2007 "Take Me There" Diamond Dogs
"What You Heard" Diamond Dogs
"Tired From Sleeping" Sam Peacocke[16]
2008 "Terribly Easy" Ian Hart
"There is a Field" Benjamin Rood[17]
2009 "You and Me" Tim van Dammen[18]
"Til the Dance Is Over" Tim van Dammen
2010 "Ballroom Baby" Benjamin Rood[19]
2011 "Candyman Shimmer" Trophywife/Ian Hart[20]
"Ready To Die" Trophywife[21]
2012 "Perfect Lover" Trophywife and the Filth Collective[22]

Awards

[edit]
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 The Checks bNet Music Awards - Most Promising New Act[4] Won
2005 "Mercedes Children" bNet Music Awards - Most b.Net Radio Play[5] Won
2005 "What You Heard" NZ Music Awards - Breakthrough Artist of the Year[23] Won
2010 Alice by the Moon NZ Music Awards - Best Group[10] Nominated
2010 Alice by the Moon NZ Music Awards - Best Rock Album[10] Won
2010 Alice by the Moon Taite Music Prize - Finalist[11] Nominated
2012 Deadly Summer Sway NZ Music Awards - Best Rock Album Won

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Fresh Talent: The Checks". NZ Musician. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  2. ^ "SMOKEFREE ROCKQUEST 2003. PART 03". NZ Film Archive. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  3. ^ "The Checks". Muzic.net.nz. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  4. ^ a b "2004's Music Award Season". NZ Musician. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Shayne Carter wins bNet lifetime achievement award". The New Zealand Herald. 28 May 2005. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  6. ^ "The Checks Confirmed For NME Tour". NZ Musician. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  7. ^ a b c "The Checks discography". charts.nz.
  8. ^ a b "The Checks - Back in the Restaurant". NZ Musician. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  9. ^ "The Checks - Alice by the Moon". The New Zealand Herald. 3 June 2009. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  10. ^ a b c "2010 Winners". NZ Music Awards. Archived from the original on 8 August 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  11. ^ a b "Taite Music Prize 2010 Finalists". IMNZ. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  12. ^ "Album Review: The Checks, Deadly Summer Sway". The New Zealand Herald. 3 December 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  13. ^ "Candyman Shimmer". The Checks. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  14. ^ "Kiwi rockers The Checks announce split". The New Zealand Herald. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  15. ^ "What You Heard". NZ On Screen. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  16. ^ "Tired from Sleeping". NZ On Screen. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  17. ^ "The Checks - There Is A Field". The Checks. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  18. ^ "You & Me". Tvand. Retrieved 24 October 2012.[dead YouTube link][dead YouTube link]
  19. ^ "Ballroom Baby". The Checks. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  20. ^ "Candyman Shimmer". The Checks.
  21. ^ "Ready to Die". The Checks. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  22. ^ "Perfect Lover". The Checks. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
  23. ^ "2005 Winners". NZ Music Awards. Archived from the original on 8 August 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2012.
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