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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.

Overman

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