Notes from the Studio: The Nomad Collective Sessions
A real collaborative effort bringing the third album to life
Where It All Began
In August of 2019, I walked into my cousin’s studio for the first time to start recording an album. It was my first real attempt to start crossing things off my “bucket list.”
At that point, the songs didn’t even have lyrics. They were bare-bones sketches, waiting to take shape under the shadow of what would soon become the COVID lockdowns and the social upheaval that followed. My cousin, who also produced the album, helped me shape those songs — though most of the creative drive came from my own ideas and vision.
Aside from a few guests — my brother on drums (making it truly a family affair), a lead guitarist, and a string section on a few tracks — that first album was essentially a solo effort.
A New Era of Collaboration
Fast forward six years, and album three is now in full swing. But this time, I’m not alone.
Unlike the first two albums, I have a real band behind me — three musicians who bring their own unique perspectives, talents, and instincts to my songs. These aren’t hired guns or studio ringers. They’re The Nomad Collective — the band I’ve been playing with for the last three years, developing a sound that feels distinctly ours.
I’ve mentioned them in passing before, but it’s long overdue that I talk about who they are and what they bring to the table. Because collaboration isn’t just part of the process — it is the process. And these songs wouldn’t sound the same without them.
Meet The Nomad Collective
Tim Birkel – Drums
Steve Martz – Bass and backing vocals
Carl Hartmann – Lead guitar and backing vocals
Steve and I go way back — all the way to our middle school “Hoopsters Basketball” days. Tim and I share a connection from our time playing on the Crossroads Community Church worship team during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Carl, the newest addition (and, let’s be honest, the coolest of us all), joined in September 2022, rounding out what has become the solid core of The Nomad Collective.
The Creative Process
These guys have been instrumental in taking the rough acoustic demos I send their way and breathing life into them with their own ideas and instincts.
Steve often brings a great sense of structure and insight — he was the one who suggested the partial band dropout in the bridge of Camera, the first track we recorded for this album. He and Carl also worked out the harmony layers in the chorus, which completely transformed the song’s energy.
Tim and Carl both take the time to dissect every track, finding the right tones, fills, and textures. By the time we get to rehearsal, everyone’s bringing something inspired — ideas shaped by how they hear the songs in their heads. From there, it’s all about refining, experimenting, and finding what serves the song best.
Why Collaboration Matters
Collaboration in music isn’t revolutionary — it’s essential. Holding too tightly to one person’s vision can stifle creativity. I’ve learned that the more room I make for input, the more the music grows.
When I’m solo — whether at home or on the road — the songs exist one way. But in the studio, they take on another life entirely: The Nomad Collective version.
That’s what excites me. When I bring songs to the band, they stop being my songs and become our songs. I may write the lyrics and melodies, but the final product is something we all shape together.
I’m no Billy Corgan-style control freak — though I say that with respect! The guy knows what he wants. But what works for Smashing Pumpkins isn’t what works for us. We’re four guys in our 40s, no egos, no drama — just the shared goal of making something honest and full of heart.
And that, I think, is what makes the music better every time.
Join the Conversation
Collaboration is what keeps creativity alive. Whether you’re a musician, artist, or just someone who values teamwork — I’d love to hear from you:
🎸 What does collaboration look like in your world?
Is there a time when someone’s input completely changed the direction of your creative work (for the better)?
Drop a comment below or reply to this post — I’d love to hear your stories.
Remains of Time (aka announcements)
Check out the latest Ghost Notes: Stories Behind the Sound podcast wherein I do a lyrical breakdown of my songs. This episode covers the song O Help My Unbelief.
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 30 - Full Band performance at The Melody Inn, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nov. 8 - Full Band performance at the Musical Family Tree Local Music Showcase at The 808 in Broad Ripple, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nov. 15 - Uncommon Grounds, Chicago, Illinois
