Umbrellas

by Corey Apar 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.