Interviews: King Of Cups

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Pop Punk band King Of Cups from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

The idea for King of Cups came from the King of Hearts. We were thinking about what music was and what it played upon. It plays upon people’s emotions, so we thought of the King of Hearts. We figured there’d be a million bands and songs named the King of Hearts, so we found the precursor to our modern deck of cards. The precursor used cups instead of hearts; in those cards, cups have to do with emotions. So, we researched if there were many bands called King of Cups, and there weren’t. So, we claimed King of Cups as our own.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We were initially a straight-up Pop-Punk band, but we decided to go more of an Alternative Rock/Indie Rock sound with a Neon Pop-Punk/Emo Pop feel. We decided to play this style because we wanted to expand the sound from just Pop-Punk. We want to reach a broader audience and not just appeal to nostalgia.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, we’ve known each other since 2005. I (Shaun) met Bryan through a mutual friend. Bryan was in a band that I joined the following year. That band fell apart. Bryan and I were in several bands before King of Cups.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Shaun likes AFI, Funeral For a Friend, Senses Fail, I the Mighty, Ice Nine Kills, and Motionless In White. There are a lot more, but too many to list. They also constantly change. Bryan likes Senses Fail, Foo Fighters, and The Presidents of the United States of America. I think he likes Metallica, too.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Right now, our music is inspired by our life situations, emotions, and people we love. “Back To You” was inspired by my wife and “Missing You” was inspired mainly by my dad, who passed away. Also, Bryan’s Grandma and my wife’s aunt passed away right before I started writing the lyrics to that track. They were inspirations as well. The songs were written so that everyone can relate to them, though.

6. Where was your last gig?

My last gig with Bryan was at the Bottom of the Hill in San Fransisco. That was quite a day.

7. Where would you like to act?

Act? Like as an actor? I think the movies would be great because we’d get royalties. If you meant what venue we’d like to play, easily the legendary Whisky Ago-go.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We want to do a feature with Andrew Wade or maybe even Judge and Jury. They’re doing well right now. Plus, their music rocks.

9. Whom not?

We’d rather not work with egotistical jerks or people unwilling to help other bands. No one in specific.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

No, not really. Of course, we’re a bit nervous before the show, but once it starts, we’re in the zone, and it’s easy from there. My advice would be to let the music flow through you. Hear what you’re playing or singing before you play it. Take a deep breath and go for it. Also, learning to control your emotions is an excellent skill for everyone. If you can’t look at the audience, then look above them; they won’t know the difference. Lastly, remember why people are there. They are there to see you play, so give them a show and feel good about it!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Man, that’s a tough one. I think AFI’s story inspires me. Even though we don’t sound like them at all, I love that they started as a Hardcore Punk band in the Bay Area to always evolve and push the musical envelope; I adore their Sing the Sorrow album. They play what they want now. You have to respect that. They’ve been doing it for so long!

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

We got asked to sign an autograph with mascara. It was tough signing our CD with that thing. LOL! There wasn’t a pen or marker available.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re the best people in the world! Of course, they are! They have the absolute best music taste! What’s not to love?

14. What do you think of our site?

I’m a HUGE fan of Breathing the Core. I love how often it’s updated and the wide range of covered genres. I don’t know how Jon has the time to do all this! He must have some superpowers. That must be it.

15. Something to add?

Follow us on Spotify and our socials! We also have a new website! You want to follow us because we’re constantly producing new music. Right now, we have a Christmas track out called “The War On Christmas.” It’s a hilarious track that’s not meant to be taken seriously. Our previous track, “Missing You,” is one of our favorites. You’ll love them both. Right now, we’re working on new stuff! Keep up with us to listen to it when it’s done!