Tiago spent little over five months gathering thoughts and musical ideas in his apartment in Brazil before teaming up with New York-based Andy Chase for the production of "Umbilical".

Chase — who had previously worked with groups such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Tahiti 80, and The Divine Comedy — pre-produced Tiago's album over the internet before actually meeting with him in Rio de Janeiro for recording sessions.

After two weeks finishing basic tracks with the band, they both headed back to New York City for final recording and mixing at Stratosphere Sound — recording studio Chase co-owns with former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha and Fountains Of Wayne band member Adam Schlesinger.

I could sense there was immense potential in Tiago and his band, but I wanted to move them away from that clean, careful sound and see the music evolve towards something darker, grittier and more complex, which I felt would make his unusual voice stand out even that much more.

— Andy Chase Umbilical was mastered at Sterling Sound by Ted Jensen and released in October 2011.