St. Paul & The Broken Bones

Formed in the early 2010s in Birmingham, Alabama, St. Paul & The Broken Bones situate themselves within the tradition of Southern soul while opening it up to more contemporary approaches to songwriting. Centered around singer Paul Janeway and bassist Jesse Phillips, the outfit operates as a horn-led ensemble in which the rhythm section, keyboards, and horn arrangements shape a sound that blends soul, rhythm and blues, touches of funk, and gospel influences. Initially conceived as a studio project, St. Paul & The Broken Bones quickly came into their own on stage—moving from clubs to theaters and festivals across the United States and then Europe—becoming part of a network of American indie-soul and rock groups. The albums Half the City (2014), Sea of Noise (2016), Young Sick Camellia (2018), The Alien Coast (2022), and Angels in Science Fiction (2023) chart a progression from retro-soul toward more psychedelic textures, at times tinged with rock and atmospheric elements. Alongside extensive international touring and occasional collaborations within the American scene, the band has maintained a core sound centered on Janeway’s expressive vocals, taut grooves, and horn arrangements that root the group in a clearly recognizable soul lineage.