After issuing two albums and an EP of largely acoustic work under the moniker
the Lyndsay Diaries, Scott Windsor further embraced his indie pop side with a new project,
Umbrellas. Collaborating with various studio musicians -- including
Chad Copelin,
Nathan Price, and Eric Arndt --
Umbrellas debuted in spring 2005 with a self-titled collection of refreshing and dynamic pop music. Produced by
Ed Rose, the album was issued through The Militia Group, the same label Windsor worked with for
the Lyndsay Diaries. Heavy touring followed in support (with different backing members than on the recording), as various tracks found their way onto hit TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Alias. Retiring to an abandoned Oklahoma comedy club during an onslaught of tornado activity,
Umbrellas recorded their sophomore effort in just two weeks.
Illuminare appeared in July 2006, and featured the
Umbrellas crew being joined by
James McAlister (
Pedro the Lion,
Sufjan Stevens) and
Ryan Lindsey (
the Starlight Mints) in the studio. The summer was subsequently spent on the road nationwide with labelmates
Brandtson. ~ Corey Apar