My name is Jaime Ayala and I am the drummer and co-founder of the band Overt Enemy. We started off as a Slayer Tribute band when Jeff Hanneman passed away in 2013 so we felt it would be appropriate to pick a name from one of their tracks. I decided to use the name Overt Enemy and former guitarist and co-founder, Marcos Hernandez, agreed.
2.Tell us where you are based and describe the scene. How do you think where you are located influences your sound?
We are based out of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas near the Mexican border. It is a multicultural region where the predominant genre of music is Pop and Spanish but it also includes a profound rock and metal scene. On any given weekend, there are several rock and metal shows that anyone can go check out and enjoy.
3.Who influences your sound that would surprise people?
A lot of 60's, 70's, and 80's rock n' roll and blues music. We listen to everything from the Beatles to Stevie Ray Vaughan.
4.Are you endorsed by musical companies , if so who , and if not who would you like to be endorsed by?
Overt Enemy is currently endorsed by WB Gear and Dirtbag Apparel. I’d like to be endorsed by Vater, Remo & Yamaha Drums. It would be awesome if Rob, Leo and Slayerella got endorsed by Legator, ESP or Jackson Guitars and Kemper Amps.
5.When you started what was your ultimate goal? And how close to the goal are you now?
In the beginning we were suppose to play one gig, which was a tribute show to Jeff Hanneman, and that was it. However, we ended up getting very good feedback for our performance and soon thereafter, we got asked to play another show. Everything just sort of snowballed after that. We started working in our own original music and then things really took off for us. Our goal now is to keep writing original music and performing. Hopefully, in the near future, we can take our act globally. The sky's the limit.
6.In today's digital environment it takes creative strategy to keep things moving. What creative ideas do you have to keep your band relevant over time?
With today's technology, people have so many means of listening and purchasing music for themselves. Our strategy is to use any and all means to get our music to the people. Whether it's digital download or old fashion CD's and/or other forms of media, we'll put it out there.
7.We've all seen a terrible live band that is awesome on CD. Is that cool with you or do you lose respect for bands that cannot pull it off live?
Being in a band, we always want to have great performances and give the crowd a great show. However, this will not always happen. Personally, I know what it's like to have one of our shows not go well. It just happens and it can be for several reason. I'm not making excuses but everyone in the music scene eventually goes through it. I've seen botched performances from bands I love. I don't think it's fair to judge a band based on one performance.
8.Tell us your “core” are you Metal , Rock , Punk , Pop etc because people just have to categorize these days you know?
I am metal at my “core” with “branches” of blues, punk, rock, and old country.
9.This is a tough question but a very real reality, Is your band actually talented or just popular?
Many bands make it with a cliche or publicity stunts etc. Would you accept fame even if it was just because of being the “ in” thing or is it actually important to you that you gain favor with talent? In order to stay in the business long term, there has to be more than just a novelty. It is important for every band to maintain their talent and hone their craft to a higher standard.
10.Tell us what to expect from you live. Nothing is more boring than watching bands stare at the floor and bob their heads to music nobody but the band knows.
What can your band offer in a live setting that people will remember? Energy and having fun. That's it. Pure and simple. We are fans of the music however, we just happen to be the ones jamming on stage.
11. What releases have you put out , When will we see something new? In 2019 ?
We released our first EP “Inception” and are re-releasing it on Bandcamp in March 2019. We have been in the studio all winter and plan on releasing a new album called “Possession” in the 1st half of 2019. Moving forward we intend to release new music as often as possible so you won’t be waiting years between releases. You can get our music at www.confusedrecords.com and on all digital platforms worldwide.
12.If you have videos where can we see them?
We have videos posted on our official website at www.overtenemy.com, our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/overtenemy and our Youtube page at www.youtube.com/overtenemy
13.Everybody has Bandcamp , ReverbNation , Soundcloud , etc Why do you think this is so important?
Doesn't it seem like everyone is giving everything out for free? Theses platforms are important. They allow artists and their music to be easily discovered and also allow interaction with the public and their fans. As far as giving out music, bands have been handing out demos for as long as I can remember. I have purchased albums from bands after I found out about them through their demos.
14.Best moment of your career so far?
I remember having such a great feeling after we performed at the Q94.5 Rock Station Tailgate Party in 2018. It seemed as if everyone in attendance gravitated to the stage when we came on and they just went wild. It was so awesome!
15.Your message to the fans?
We appreciate each and everyone of our fans for their loyalty and support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Bonus Question who do you bring back Dime , Cliff , Dio , Lemmy , Randy?
Oh man, that's a tough one. If it were up to me, I would bring back Dime! His outgoing character and love for the fans set him apart from the rest.
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