Meet Overtone

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Eduard Janse Van Rensburg Counter Tenor
Email: eddie@overtoneband.com

I'm Eduard Leonard Janse van Rensburg, the oldest guy in the band and also the guy with the longest … name. I was born on February 10, 1983. Besides loving music, I love people and someday, want to work with the UN to better the lives of those who suffer. I would never survive in an office and love the outdoors, which may be why I became a musician. I love rock climbing, languages and creating- anything! I sing the high end, lead, tenor or soprano and I play the Djembe (an African bongo drum) I admire Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars and Casting Crowns. During our first week in the USA, I drove Clint Eastwood’s new Mercedes through a store-front, but, hey, I’m still here!

Dina says: Eddie is our group’s “intellectual”. This introspective, dry witted, Ivy League-looking hottie has a mind to go with his looks! He’s our diplomat, and people flock to get to know him. Eddie dabbles in homeopathy and healthy living. As with all Overtones, Eddie also played rugby, and loves sports!

Ernest “Ernie” Bates Tenor
Email: ernie@overtoneband.com

I was born on the 18th February 1984 Ernest Frans Bates. I am one of seven children from a very big, musical family. I've been singing in church choirs since I can remember. I got my first guitar on my 15th birthday and played it all day for four years! I started working as a guitar session player and backing vocalist in different recording studios all over South Africa at the age of 18. Producing music and recording other artists started in 2004. The band I formed, Bateshoven, had a couple hits in South Africa in 2003 and 2004. I've dedicated my whole life to my music and live by “practice makes perfect”. I listen to any type of music, as long as real talent is involved. I grew up listening to Elvis, Don Williams, CCR, Bryan Adams, Dire Straits and most of the 70s rock bands. I'm a big fan of John Fogerty.

I produce Overtone's music. (I can't read music and do everything by ear.) I'm the tenor, lead vocalist and percussionist in the a cappella side of Overtone. I play guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, concertina and a little banjo. I love sports. I played professional rugby, and some jukskei (a South-African sport). I love to work out in my spare time.

Dina says: I didn’t know they made muscles this big! Ernie is a hunk, a former body builder who can sing, play ANY instrument, and do a mean Jim Carrey impersonation. He is the “engine” of the group, and also the thinker! He is mature beyond his years, and keeps us all on track!

Emile Welman Tenor
Email: emile@overtoneband.com

I am the lead singer of Overtone and also do harmonies. I love to write songs, and work on the arrangements. I play the piano and a little guitar. I am one of the founding members (back in ’06) of Overtone, along with Eduard. I have a degree in South-African law and many a time go through contracts the band receives to make sure everything is legit! My musical influences include any jazz or swing musician with Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Nat “King” Cole and Tony Bennett topping my list. I’m also influenced by modern music; James Morrison, Maroon 5 and Justin Timberlake. I am a big fan of producers Timbaland, Pharrel Williams and Will I Am. My hobbies include any sport that has a ball involved like rugby and tennis, but, lately, it’s all about golf! I am a "one thing at a time" kind of guy, and can’t concentrate on too many things at once. I can’t sit still for longer than an hour unless I’m watching a great movie. I was born on February 16, 1986, and am funny, stubborn, always willing to work for something and usually happy. Failure is never an option for me!

Dina says: Tall, (about 6’3”) dark and handsome. Add a law degree, a killer golf swing with amazing distance, and one of the best voices in the world, and you have Emile! Emile excels at everything he does, and was a star rugby player. Along with his brilliance, he has a childlike spirit and keeps things fun, even under stress.

Riaan Weyers Bass
Email: riaan@overtoneband.com

My name is Riaan Weyers, and I was born on February 11, 1987; a born and bred South-African. I’m responsible for the lower harmonies in the group Overtone, meaning the deep, bass sounds you hear on the tracks are me. I’ve been singing for quite a while now, starting in choirs, school plays and then crossing over to the big time of karaoke. I never thought I would be singing for a living. I’m a film graduate from the University of Johannesburg. My hobbies include film, photography, the guitar and eating cookies and ice-cream. I like to train and play the odd touch-rugby game or round of golf with my band mates. My musical influences include: Jamie Cullum, John Mayer, Rob Thomas.

Dina says: Riaan is soft-spoken and sexy! We call him the “animal whisperer” because every creature on earth wants to be held by Riaan. (Yes, two legged creatures, too) Riaan has great fashion sense, and an even keeled temperament. The guy NEVER gets mad! Riaan is also an ex-rugby player, and excels at any sport. Say his name, “Ree’-ahn”.

Shane Smit Baritone
Email: shane@overtoneband.com

I’m the youngest member of Overtone, and was born on October 30, 1988. I am the baritone of the group and have had the passion for music since the day I was born. Overtone’s Ernie is my uncle, so I guess it runs in the family! I also play bass guitar in the band. My favorite band is "The Script". I love new challenges, and love meeting people. I could eat spaghetti bolognaise any day. My hobbies include having fun with my friends, socializing, riding jet skis, and a little rugby. Oh yeah, I LOVE meeting girls! I live by the quote, “Everything happens for a reason!”

Dina says: You have GOT to hear Shane laugh! His laugh and his personality are infectious, not to mention how darn handsome he is! Shane is chill. Never over reacts! Shane was a rugby player, but, is also a dancer. He has fantastic musical ability, and is finding out he’s quite a writer and musician, too!

Valentino Ponsonby Beat Box/Sequences
Email: valentino@overtoneband.com

I’m Valentino Ponsonby, and my birthday is June 24, 1986. My job in the band not only includes supplying the comedy, but, also the beat boxer. Whenever you hear Overtone's music and wonder who the handsome guy is creating all the beats and drums vocally, you are probably thinking of me! I am also the guy who plays the real drums in the band; a triple threat of vocals, drums and comedy. My musical influences include groups such as Boys 2 Men, Usher and The Temptations (As long as you have "soul" I’m listening) To make sure I stay in shape, I listen to "House" music, and great DJ's like David Guetta, DJ Fresh and DJ Bongs! I like to relax and watch Lost and Smallville on tv. Swimming would be a close second. Although I don’t wear much jewelry, I have a bit of a fetish for nice looking watches, necklaces and bracelets. So if you ever end up dating me for some reason, take this as a "heads up" for my birthday.

Dina says: Tino is energy on wheels! He is the first to laugh, and as he said, the first to make a joke. This incredibly handsome guy turns heads wherever we go! He creates sounds you didn’t know were possible. Tino will try anything, and is never the skeptic. This former rugby player blows a mean vuvuzela!

Dina Eastwood Executive Manager

Hi! I'm Dina Eastwood, the lucky lady who gets to manage the great guys who are OVERTONE. I used to be a news anchor, and a TV show host, but I gave up work to stay home and raise our daughters. When my husband, Clint Eastwood, and I saw Overtone in South Africa, we were awe struck. We brought them to the US, and I am now their manager, surrogate mom, sister and friend. At the end of each bio, I'll tell you a few insider observations about the guys! Enjoy, and thank you for following Overtone!!

See Dina interviewed about Overtone Here

Contact Managers Dina Eastwood or Emile Welman: manager@overtoneband.com | 831-920-8874