By far my favorite thing about running this site is the opportunity to bring you interviews of musicians, bloggers, and people I find interesting. I think the first time I ever came into contact with Catfish Haven’s music was by downloading a track of theirs that was included on one of the Catbirdseat’s monthly mixes.

The track that was featured was a tune called “Please Come Back,” that many blogs, mine included, have written about since then. I was in contact with the band and was hoping to help them get into some venues in the Madison and Milwaukee area. Lucky for me, they were already one step ahead, and are playing tonight, January 20th at the High Noon Saloon along with Chris Mills and Captain Yonder.

Catfish Haven have signed with the great Secretly Canadian label, and their debut EP, “Please Come Back,” will be available on January 24th. Here’s the bio that can be found on Catfish Haven’s website:

Catfish Haven is the missouri trailer park George Hunter grew up in. Catfish Haven the band is a soulful howling over and acoustic guitar turned way up. Hopeful yearning for better days echoed through amps and a drum kit.

I am very pleased to offer you an interview with Catfish Haven’s George Hunter, who I’d like to thank very much for answering my questions. I hope I get the chance to meet up with you guys at the show tomorrow night.

Give me an idea of how you guys formed, and how long you have been playing together?

I had a handful of songs written on my acoustic already when Miguel and Ryan joined the mix. It was the winter of 2001 when we formed and recorded the “Good Friends” EP. The rest of the time has been spent fine-tuning our sound and the first taste in 4 years will be the “Please Come Back” EP, Set to release on Jan. 24th 2006.

Besides your original tunes can fans of your music expect to hear any cover songs in your sets?

We’ve only done a few covers that I can recall and they range from the Bee Gee’s “Lion in Winter” to the Misfits “Hybrid Moments”. But we mostly play all originals unless a special occasion arises where a cover might be appropriate.

What are some albums that have influenced you, not necessarily in being a musician, but that you really just can’t live without?

A few of my “deserted island” records would probably consist of Sam Cooke “Live at the Harlem Square Club”, Twin Peaks “Fire Walk With Me” Soundtrack, The Drifters “Golden Hits”, and Creedence Clearwater Revival “Pendulum”.

The song “Please Come Back” was one of my favorite songs I came across last year. Can you tell me about how that song came about?

I’m not sure if you can listen to too much Otis Redding, but I was receiving a healthy dose, which sort of inspired the straightforward attack of the song. As for the lyric, my woman and I were arguing one night and it was a situation that ended in regret. Bullshit arguments usually do but nothing beats making up if you catch my drift.

You’re playing in Madison at the High Noon Saloon on January 20th. Have you ever been to Madison or played anywhere in the state of Wisconsin before?

We’ve actually played the Cactus Club in Milwaukee a few times with The Ponys and Decibully. It’s a very cool atmosphere with plenty of hospitality form the owner and staff. Madison is coming up and we can’t wait we’ve heard nothing but good things from friends who have played there.

Last question, you could be on the bill with two other bands right now, who do you choose?

Bands still together: David Bowie and Black Mountain.
Bands torn apart: The Bar-Kays and the first King Crimson lineup.

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Catfish Haven - Please Come Back (MP3)

Shows start at 10PM, 21+, see these bands all for $8 while you can.