Photo Credit: Tim Qualls
Tim Qualls has never been one to simply revisit the past—he prefers to reshape it. With Feel (Stripped), the Houston-based singer-songwriter breathes new life into his celebrated album Feel, peeling back the layers to reveal a more intimate, unfiltered sound. Inspired by Gavin DeGraw’s Chariot – Stripped, Qualls crafts an album that’s not an echo of its predecessor but a reinvention.
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Qualls didn’t approach this project with a rigid blueprint. Instead, Feel (Stripped) came to life through spontaneous late-night recording sessions, where creativity took the lead. Longtime collaborator Ben Rothberg and a group of seasoned musicians, who had previously played Feel live together, gathered with Qualls to let the music unfold naturally. It was about instinct—finding the overlooked notes and the spaces between melodies and letting the songs guide them.
“We would show up late at night to record, with no preconceived ideas of how the tracks would go,” Qualls reflects.
“We’d talk for a bit, then eventually find our way over to an instrument or two and start to noodle around until we found a sound, tone, or vibe.” This organic approach ensured that every track retained the emotional weight of the original while taking on a new depth and resonance.
While Feel boasted standout moments, one track – Mine – Stripped emerges as a defining moment on this reimagined album, finding new strength in its raw vulnerability. Stripped of studio polish, it highlights the aching sincerity in Qualls’ voice, making it a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Listen to Mine – Stripped here.
Stripping these songs back wasn’t just about changing their sound; it was about rediscovering their essence. Qualls saw Feel (Stripped) as an opportunity to pause and listen to his own words, his own melodies, and the emotions woven through them. “It was about trying to find the notes in between the piano keys, those that are often overlooked,” he explains. That philosophy carries through in every note, transforming familiar songs into something more immediate, more personal.
Unlike the polished production of Feel, this stripped-down version thrives on its live energy. Every track was recorded with a sense of immediacy, a feeling of musicians in a room feeding off one another’s instincts. The result? A record that doesn’t just play—it breathes.
Listen to Feel (Stripped) here.
A New Way to Experience Tim Qualls
Feel (Stripped) isn’t just a retelling—it’s a reawakening. Whether you’ve had Feel on repeat since its release or are just discovering Qualls’ music, this album invites you to experience his artistry in a way that feels closer, more immediate. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most influential music isn’t about what’s added, but what’s left behind.
With Feel (Stripped), Tim Qualls reaffirms his dedication to artistic exploration and emotional authenticity. By peeling back the layers, he breathes new life into his past work and invites listeners into a space of raw honesty and intimate connection. This stripped-down collection is more than an album—it’s an experience reflecting the ever-evolving relationship between an artist and his music.
Whether you’ve followed Qualls from the beginning or are just discovering his artistry, Feel (Stripped) offers a fresh, deeply personal way to engage with his sound. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
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