A Closer Look at "Entre Nous"

by AIMEE FRANCO

Mike Havens replied to winning the award by saying, "As for the Acoustic showdown, we won. We were awarded eight hours of recording time at Paradise Recording, in Roanoke. Also, a DJ from 94.9 was there and wants us to play in the studio live here soon (hopefully this coming Thurs. 5th). KC Jones from the Home Grown Show on 96.3 was there and wants us to give them a CD (After we get it recorded and all) so that 96.3 can air it from time to time. Oh, and we are supposed to call some guy at City Magazine to set up an interview so they can do an ad too. We are still doing the open mic thing at Mocha Joe's every Tuesday. So if you can, please come out and scream at us while we play. That makes us feel all gushy inside! Anyway, thanks for keeping up with us."

I recently conducted an interview with Mike Havens over email. Here's what he had to say:

Why do you call yourselves "Entre Nous"? (it means 'between you & me' right?) Who came up with it?

Mike: entre nous does mean "between us" in French. My roommate Jeff had heard it in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' so we thought we would just use that.

Did you have any other band names before "Entre Nous?"

Mike: Chris may be able to answer this one. I cannot remember if we came up with anything or not.

Briefly explain how Southwest Studios ties in with you guys. The man there said you should audition or something?

Mike: We wanted gigs and everywhere we went, we heard "Okay, sounds great, now all we need is a tape so we can hear what you sound like." So, after All that, we just decided to go make a short demo. I already knew the guy at Southwest Recording pretty well and trusted him. We went there to cut the demo. He is the one that had said something about playing the open mic at Wit's End. That is how we heard of the place, and then we just starting playing there every Wednesday.

Mike, Where are you going to Grad School?

Mike: Right now, I have not yet decided. I am looking at Arizona State, San Francisco Conserv., Cincinnati Conserv., Cleveland Inst., And Peabody Conserv. I have a bit more research to do yet, then I will audition at these places, and then choose after acceptance letters come in. That is if any at all come in! :(

Tweetbird Spoon, what was it replacing?

Mike: The Tweetiebird Spoon is replacing a typical slide that most guitar players would use. We couldn't find a slide when we were writing The song, so I thought I would use a spoon instead for the time being and it had gotten so much attention that I just kept on using it. It's a shame too, I spent like $8 on a nice glass slide that I don't use now.

What's the name of the competition you are in? Who's sponsoring it and what is that the prize for winning?

Mike: It is the "Open Mic Showdown," presented by Radar Rose and Wit's End. Here it is: every Wednesday since September 9th, the open mic competition would be judged. There would be a winner in the acoustic catagory, and in The band category. This goes on through October 14th. Then, all of the winners from each Wednesday go head to head. October 21st is the acoustic showdown and October 28th is the band showdown. Prizes are playing time at various studios around the area, gift certificates (tattoos, dinners, etc.), an electric bass, and a couple of other things. We will be on the acoustic showdown on the 21st.

These guys are definitely worth your time! Go hear them play! Request them on the radio! Give them your money! Give me your money! (Just making sure you were still paying attention). Mike graduates in December, so get on out one Tuesday night and support them. Talent gushes from their mics!

Name:   

E-Mail: 
Year:   

Major:  

Comments:

Name: aimeE Franco
Major: babe!
Comments:
I'm the author of the article and Mike Havens told me that infact, he has ALREADY GRADUATED. oops! sorry Mike!!!