When I first met the guy that I am sitting with today it was in a smoky run down bar on Indy’s far north side. The bar was nearly empty when I walked in. He had his own little cheering section dancing and singing along to the words to all of his original tunes, but other than those few individuals and the bartender, the place was hollow. But that did not stop him from putting all of his heart into it. He played some covers, but most of the set was filled with originals. As great as he was on guitar, and as good of an image as portrayed, his lyrics are what drove me crazy. They simply beg for attention and mean something to not only him standing there belting them out for us all to hear, but to each and every one of us listening. They come from true real life experiences and it shows in his facial expressions and the way he plays his guitar. Sit back and get to know a guy that I am glad to have met, Evan Haughey.
How do you pronounce your last name?
It sounds like, “hoy”.
Ever thought of changing your name to something easier to remember?
People remember Engelbert Humperdink’s name, which is way harder than my name. If the music is great, it will give people a reason to remember my name.
How long have you been playing?
I have been playing music since I was twelve years old and guitar since sixteen.
What is your first memory of the guitar?
I was over at a friend’s house and he had a white Fender Stratocaster. When he took it out of the case…well that did for me.
Where are you originally from?
I hail from Bridgman, Michigan. It is a small town in Southwest Michigan, right on the beach.
Do you have a job outside of music?
Yeah, I work for a company called Creative Works. I like it because I work as a carpenter which is still appealing to my creative side.
Do you write all your own lyrics?
Yes, sir.
Where do you get inspiration for a new track?
I would just say life experience and the every day grind. Friendships, relationships…spaceships.
What is the biggest crowd you have ever played for?
The biggest crowd I have played for was probably the Venetian Festival in St. Joe, Michigan. We played for about 1,500 people. The biggest in heart, the original CBGB’s in New York City or the House of Blues in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The smallest?
My two dogs Roxy and Rebbel.
Do you have any thoughts on a nation wide tour this year?
It would be amazing but I realize you have a lot of dues to pay first. But we do have plans to be booking road gigs this summer around the Midwest.
Where can I get some of your music?
You can get it on MySpace, Facebook, or at any of my shows.
When should we expect a full album?
I hope to have a CD release party by Christmas this year.
What are your thoughts of MySpace?
It’s a fad like any other. Same thing with Facebook and Twitter. Fads come and go but it is nice to be able to tell masses of people instantly when and where you are playing. To have people be able to find you and stay in touch with friends and appreciate a free way to not only present my music but show calendar as well.
Are you on Twitter?
No.
What are you drinking on stage?
Water or Kessler Blended Whiskey. Kessler is smooth as silk.
Any tattoos?
Nope. No tattoos.
Your voice is incredible. Who do you get compared with when you meet people for the first time?
Celine Dion…no. I get a lot of positive compliments but people tend to tell me they really like the songs and are excited to hear it’s all original material. I used to get get a lot of different coparisons when I was younger but no now not so much.
How do you stay so humble out there on the road?
I have an opportunity to play with a lot of great musicians who are supportive and challenge me to become a better artist.
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke for sure.
If you could tour with anyone on the market today whom would you choose?
I would probably say Jack White.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Notwist, John Prine, John Lennon, Nick Drake, and Paul Mayhern.
Tell me about the guys in the band.
We’re family. We are all really tight and push each other to become a bigger and better band. We all have the common goal of wanting to make great music.
How often to you play solo versus full band?
I always want to play with the band, but I play solo shows to fit venues and events one to two times a month.
If you could meet anyone alive or dead whom would it be and why?
John Lennon, because for me I would just like to see how his mind worked when it came to singing and song writing and how everything he wrote was so simple and catchy.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully playing music for a living.
What do you want to be remembered for when this is all said and done?
I want to be remembered for my songs, my heart and for being a good person.
I always let the artist get the last word. Go.
I hope I can leave some kind of mark on this place with my music but if not I had a blast trying
