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This is the site for everything Overman. You can edit or add pages by using the password 'PHS99' and we encourage you to do so! Know a tidbit about the band, add it in! Create an Overmaniac page for yourself! Write a review for a show!
Overman is an American rock band from Chicago. The band is composed of aaron kelly (vocals, bass), Matthew Radowski (vocals, rhythm guitar), Russell Eggenberger (vocals, lead guitar), and Michael Keller (drums). They reside together in the Overhouse. Overman has played throughout the Midwest and their song Evolution Rocks has received international attention and been played in classrooms around the world.
Overman relaunched their band with more of a focus in July/August of 2008.
Live Performances
Overman has been "touring" the Greater Chicagoland area for 4 years. In that time they have also played at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin, among other schools, but have identified these, in particular, as hotbeds of good music appreciation and general Tom Foolery. Live Overman Performances are energetic, fun, uplifting and educational. Currently, the band is writing a presentation they plan to take on the road to schools across the world. The presentation will be approximately 45 minutes, or one class length, and touch the importance of science, education and critical thinking. Overman's Original Music comes from many different styles, and each song has its own personality. Overman also preforms a number of covers.
www.overman.info
Overman's new content filled website launched July 18th. Content included Overman's Podcast, Overman songs, Overman music videos, Overman video blogs, The OverWiki, blogs, and OverComics brought to you by Katie Conrad.
The OverForums
The nicest community of people you'd ever hope to meet. Users discuss a broad range of topics: music, sports, politics, shameless self-promotion, current events, Overman, gossip and much, much more. Sign up here!
History
Optimus Prime
In their sophomore year of school at Plainfield High School Matt and Russell began playing guitar together with the idea of an original rock band. Their efforts culminated the next year at the Plainfield High Battle of the Bands during their junior year. They continued with occasional jamming here and there until Matt went away to Illinois State University after graduation.
ISU and aaron kelly
Matt roomed with fellow PHS alum aaron kelly freshmen year. During that year they grew a great friendship over many things, a main one being music. aaron, having taken guitar lessons throughout elementary school, picked up the guitar again. One more piece of the Overman puzzle had fallen into place. They began to talk of forming a band with Russell after they had graduated college.
When Matt was a senior he began playing open mic sets at the Lizard's Lounge. After some initial success, he began having Ann come and sing with him. After their first performance, the bar manager and owner pulled Matt aside and wanted to book his band (which did not exist, though Matt did not reveal this information) for a couple of dates. Immediately after coming home that night, Matt called aaron and Russell. They now had paying gigs and were a 'band', but still had neither songs, nor drummer.
Luckily, Spring Break was the next week, and Matt, aaron, and Russ were able to practice straight thru, acquiring a set-list of about 20 originals and covers.
The First Gigs and Nick Hudetz
Overman's first gig was on April 3rd, 2004 at the Lizard's Lounge in Bloomington IL. All of our friends had come out for it, and it was a rip roaring crowd. The gig began pretty rough. A string was broke on the very first note, and they had to kill about 20 minutes while they found a replacement guitar. Nick Hudetz, who Matt had been convincing to play drums, was in attendance, and after the show said that he was ready to play. aaron switched to bass and Overman was finally a full band.
The Pre-Norgian Era
For the next few years Overman toured small venues in the midwest and dabbled in some studio recording. Though the band was extremely focused, Overman did not have any particular gameplan or resources. During this time Nick Hudetz left the band and the sticks were picked up by Nathan Schmidt. Also during this time Overman moved into the Overhouse to allow the band to grow as a unit. Mike Walker followed Nate on drums for a short period of time before Overman's remission.
During the next year Overman was off the radar. Personal tragedy, injury, and lack of a drummer all caused this remission. During this time, however, Overman was not idle. A new business model was developed and a new gameplan was set forth. Production began on media of all fronts, slowly getting ready for a new era…
The Post-Norgian Era
In July 2008 Overman launched its content filled site and ushered in the Post-Norgian Era.
Science Education
With Evolution Rocks serving as a catalyst, Overman is in the process of developing a presentation to take to high schools and universities around the world, aimed at demonstrating the importance of science, critical thinking and keeping science cool! After launching the beta version of the Evolution Rocks campaign in 2006, word got back to the band that the song was being used as a teaching aid in classrooms both domestically and internationally. Students in Brooklyn contacted the band to tell them that they memorized the lyrics and sang the song in front of the class for extra credit. Teachers emailed Overman for permission to use the song in their curriculum and to thank them for their contribution.
From Angela Gerber, sent on 3/12/06
"I loved your Evolution Rocks song! I will definately use it in my High
School Biology class. Do you do any other songs with science topics? It's
hard to find good ones that are relavent in the classroom.
Thanks
Angie Gerber"
Overman hopes to take their science education presentation on the road in the Spring of 2008.
Discography
Pre-Norgian Releases
Overman dabbled in the studio during their Pre-Norgian era, but never was able to properly recreate the vision of their songs properly. These releases will hopefully only sparingly resurface, and even only then as 'John Lennon singing in the shower' anthology type drudges.
- 2003: The Five Song Demo
- 2004: Low Radition
- 2005: Garage Days
Post-Norgian Releases
Entering their Post-Norgian era, Overman has decided to forgo the old model of albums, and release a consecutive string of singles and 'A-Side B-Sides'. A compliation album will no doubt be produced at the opportune time.
External Links
Official Overman Website
Official Overman Forums
Overman on Myspace