Ottly Mercer is a ska/rocksteady/reggae band founded in Imperial Beach by drummer Jason Yandall and singer/guitarist Tyler French, who made their first music in the back yard of Yandall's grandmother.

Their live debut in public was a graduation party for Yandall’s niece in Nestor, a suburb in South San Diego. Their first official gig was at Brick by Brick in summer 2009.

Yandall also drummed for the Amalgamated, until departing that group in summer 2011. Amalgamated guitarist Reggie Costa helped mix and co-produce OM’s debut album, while Amalgamated singer Raphael “Rip” Peña has worked as OM’s promoter, helping them to book shows.

2011 also saw their first music video, for the song “Ska Tune” (directed by Nick Tubbs) from their debut album, made available on YouTube and elsewhere.