The alt-country rock outfit, Nightjar, initially formed in 2007 as the joint project of songwriters Greg Osborne and Chris Hess. By 2008 they had recruited a talented cast of musicians including Nathan Dynak on drums, Ty Hoskins on bass and violin along with Joe Hodson on guitar and pedal steel. Mandy Hege rounded out the group with her complimentary vocals in 2009.

The Indianapolis based band draws upon the influences of American outlaw country, classic rock and modern indie and punk styles. Their work has been compared to that of bands such as Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt, The Band and the Old 97's.