Mandatory Overtime: Toronto's Newest Indie Sensation Bringing the Party to the Stage

Written by: Freya zaidi

In the vibrant tapestry of Toronto's indie music scene, a new sensation has emerged, and they're here to turn your ordinary night out into an unforgettable party. Meet Mandatory Overtime, a four-piece band that's been making waves with their high-energy live performances and unpretentious approach to music. But before we delve into their electrifying journey, let's start with the origin story of their unique name.

The band's name, Mandatory Overtime, came about during a fateful New Year's Eve celebration. As Karmah, the drummer of the group, recalls, "It was none of us that came up with it. We had been trying to figure out a name for a while. We were at a bar for New Year's, and I was just mentioning how I had just gotten over mandatory overtime from my job at Amazon. One of our friends was sitting there and said, 'That should be your band name—Mandatory Overtime.' And that's how it all began."

Meet the Band

Mandatory Overtime comprises four talented individuals, each contributing their unique flavour to the group's dynamic. Let's get to know them:

Usman - The Frontman:

Usman, the band's lead, shares his musical journey: "I've always loved music, something that brought me comfort in my life growing up. I wrote lyrics from a young age, but I didn't know how to play anything. Then, when I finally got a guitar, I gravitated towards songwriting. I've always wanted to be in a band, but it's never been the right time until these guys came into my life."

Michael - The Guitar Virtuoso:

Michael, the guitarist, brings his own influences to the mix: "I started playing guitar in middle school. I met a group of friends who were into music, and we jammed regularly. After high school, I stopped playing for a while. But then, Usman encouraged me to join the band, even though I hadn't played in years."

Karmah - The Drum Dynamo:

Karmah, the drummer, reveals her early connection to music: "I started playing the drums when I was seven. I just knew I wanted to play. It was fate—I found a drum lesson happening in my school's art room. Even though I moved to Canada at 15 and stopped playing, I joined the band when Usman asked me to jam. We clicked right away."

David - The Bass Maestro:

David, the bassist, traces their musical roots back to childhood: "I grew up with a dad who was really into music. I wanted a guitar for my eighth birthday but never played. In high school, I started playing bass, and it just clicked. I went to an arts high school and played in various bands. When Usman reached out, it felt right."

As you can see, their paths to Mandatory Overtime were as diverse as their musical influences.

Eclectic Musical Influences

This band's strength lies in their diversity. Here's a glimpse into the myriad of influences that shape their sound:

David's eclectic taste spans from hardcore and pop-punk to alternative rap and hyperpop. "I'm all over the place, but it makes me think about how to elevate our music," says David.

Karmah's influences also span various genres, from Arab indie to Euro Trash and hyperpop. "All these genres influence my vibe and feeling around music," she shares.

Michael's guitar playing is rooted in blues rock, influenced by legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He also dabbles in jazz guitar for a unique touch.

Usman's taste is as eclectic as his bandmates', from acoustic emo to death grips and industrial noise. Pop-punk, a genre he grew up with, remains a core influence.

With their diverse backgrounds, Mandatory Overtime's music blends various genres into a unique, energetic sound.

A Night with Mandatory Overtime

To truly understand the essence of Mandatory Overtime, you have to experience one of their live shows. It's not just about the music; it's a full-blown party. Their performances are electric from start to finish. Usman, with his charismatic stage presence, engages the audience with witty banter, MCing, and even pulling off pranks during the set. David, on bass, and Michael on guitar, deliver tight and energetic riffs that perfectly complement Karmah's powerhouse drumming. The chemistry between the members is palpable, and it's evident they're having a blast on stage. The audience can't help but get caught up in the excitement. Mandatory Overtime's shows are more than just musical performances; they're unforgettable experiences that leave you with a smile on your face and a desire to come back for more.

Exploring Unique Venues

Mandatory Overtime doesn't limit themselves to traditional music venues; they're all about embracing unconventional spaces that share their passion for live music. One such venue that holds a special place in their journey is Toronto Style, a local bar that has become a "second home," as Karma jokingly states. With the indie scene being very DIY, from bands handling their marketing to putting together shows, this home away from home spot has supported Mandatory Overtime from their very first show, which meant the world to the band.

David fondly recalls, “It's a fantastic spot. It's a unique place, you know? They don't come equipped with a sound system, and for our first show there, we had to bring our own."

Despite the initial challenge, the band recognizes the value of such distinctive spaces. Usman chimes in, "That's where we booked our Halloween show and our very first gig, and we're committed to returning there. It's just a cool spot."

What sets this place apart is its commitment to the spirit of fun. Usman continues, "The owners have a genuine passion for creating enjoyable experiences. They're not just hosts; they want to have fun themselves. If you peek at their Instagram, you'll see Prem, one of the owners and bartenders, capturing videos of herself having a blast at all the shows they host."

Looking Ahead

So what's next for Mandatory Overtime? As Karmah reveals, "We have three shows lined up for October, and we're open to playing with different bands. We're throwing a Halloween party and performing a surprise cover band." Michael chimes in, "Our goal is to have a good time and make our shows feel like parties. We take the music seriously, but we don't take ourselves seriously." David adds, "We want people to know us as that fun band. In a year, I hope we're decently known."

Usman reflects on their journey, "We've just released our first four songs, and people are already asking when they'll hear other songs we play live. We have almost another EP's worth of songs at this point. So, we'll play a lot of shows and maybe record another EP next year."

Karmah concludes, "Our goal is to continue having fun, staying in the scene, feeding our curiosity musically, and working on more music. We hope people know of us as a fun band."

In a music scene often marred by pretension and an obsession with image, Mandatory Overtime's refreshing approach to their craft is a breath of fresh air. Their shows are an invitation to let loose, have fun, and rediscover the joy of music. As they continue to evolve, one thing is clear: Mandatory Overtime is on a mission to make the music scene more inclusive, inviting, and, above all, fun.

In Mandatory Overtime, Toronto has found a band that's not just making music but also making a statement. They're here to remind us all that music is about joy, connection, and, most importantly, having a damn good time. As they continue to light up stages around the city, there's no doubt that Mandatory Overtime's star will keep rising, and their parties will keep getting wilder. Don't miss the chance to be a part of this musical journey—one filled with electrifying tunes, infectious energy, and, of course, mandatory fun. Check them out on Spotify and instagram for upcoming shows and releases.

Upcoming shows for Oct 2023

Oct 11th @ Decoy Bar, Toronto

Oct 22nd @ The Greenroom, Toronto

Oct 28th @ Toronto Style , Toronto (Halloween Party)

Instagram @mandatoryovertime.to