The Delines

The Delines are a Portland-based collective that successfully pioneered the 'country soul' subgenre, merging the narrative grit of alt-country with the sophisticated arrangements of Memphis soul. Formed in 2012 by novelist and songwriter Willy Vlautin following the hiatus of Richmond Fontaine, the group was built around the distinctive, weary alto of Amy Boone.

Their sound identity is defined by a 'nocturnal' aesthetic, utilizing Jenny Conlee’s keyboards and Tucker Jackson’s pedal steel to create a cinematic, often melancholic atmosphere. Critically, they are lauded for their 'literary' approach to music, with Vlautin’s lyrics functioning as short stories about blue-collar struggle and quiet desperation. Their career arc was briefly interrupted by Boone's recovery from a serious accident, leading to a triumphant return with 'The Imperial' (2019), which solidified their standing in the UK and European Americana scenes. They occupy a unique cultural space between the indie-rock pedigree of The Decemberists and the traditionalist soul of the Stax era.