At its heart, Collide is a duo, but we are also part of a larger music community that enriches our work and broadens our scope. Whether through writing, performing, recording, or just gathering, Catherine and Daniel can be found in any number of spaces beyond the Collide banner. Below are just a few of the talented musicians we have collaborated with and the platforms that have aided our evolution.
Collide and The Damages
When Collide needs a bigger sound, we call in The Damages, the moniker used by our "back up band" Lynn and Unni Cheryan, who also play with the Dovetail Joints, The Threetles, and Interstate 68. Both Lynn and Unni have been featured on Collide recordings and have also performed with us under the name Takoma Spring. Lynn brings powerful harmonies and backing vocals, along with flute, drums, and the occasional banjo. Unni's guitar licks range from rock and jazz to country and swing.
The foursome plays regularly at Silver Strings in Silver Spring, MD and has performed at New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt and the VFW in Wheaton. Smaller iterations of the group have also played at Hellbender Brewery in Washington, DC and McGinty's in Silver Spring. Check out the video below from one of our live performances.
Jimmy Stewart
October Sky
A significant co-write with Jimmy Stewart of Quiet the Mountain yielded the moving ballad, October Sky, that each artist performs regularly at their live shows. Collide recorded this song, with Jimmy featured on guitar.
Takoma Songwriters' Circle
Founded by Janine Wilson, the Takoma Songwriters' Circle offers a space for sharing melodies, lyrics, and ideas for writing more honest, original, and vivid songs. Catherine took on leadership of the group in 2023, organizing monthly gatherings where we discuss our creative challenges as well as receive and offer feedback on each other's ideas. Participants range from award winning songwriters and performers to novices spanning all genres. Newcomers are welcome!
The Woodmoor Jammers
On occasion, Collide plays with a ragtag bunch of musicians called The Woodmoor Jammers. Various iterations of the group have played at the annual WoodmoorStock Porch Festival since its founding in 2022. They have also performed at the VFW in Wheaton. The group consists of musicians who met each other in the Woodmoor neighborhood of Silver Spring, Maryland and were bound by their love of music.
Jay Elvove
We'll Both Feel Better
Catherine contributed vocals, and Daniel his drumming, to "We'll Both Feel Better," written and recorded by Jay Elvove of Silver Spring, Maryland. Jay is a longtime guitarist and songwriter, as well as an active member of the Takoma Songwriters' Circle.
Our Community
There is no such thing as a "solo" artist, we don't exist in a vacuum. Collide is able to create and perform thanks to a wide ranging community of artists, mentors, sponsors, teachers - and of course our fans. In the columns to the right are some of the venues and individuals who have given us opportunities to play, encouraged and believed in us, or provided inspiration and expertise. Please support them as they have supported us.