How a 'last hurrah' project became a soul music powerhouse
In short: In 2012, Paul Janeway and Jesse Phillips intended to record one final project before pursuing other careers. Instead, they sparked the formation of St. Paul and The Broken Bones, an eight-piece ensemble that would eventually command global stages, from Coachella to Glastonbury.
The band's origins trace back to the mid-2000s in Birmingham, Alabama, where vocalist Paul Janeway and bassist Jesse Phillips played together in the alternative soul group The Secret Dangers. Their collaboration officially transitioned into a new project at Ol' Elegante Studios in 2012. What began as a potential farewell project quickly evolved into a full-scale soul outfit as they recruited musicians like guitarist Browan Lollar and trombonist Allen Branstetter.
Their ascent was marked by significant industry milestones and critical recognition. After recording their debut EP, the band began working on their first full-length album, Half the City, in early 2013 at legendary locations like Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals. Released in February 2014 via Single Lock Records, the album climbed as high as #56 on the Billboard 200. The group's reach extended far beyond the charts, earning appearances on major television programs like Late Night with David Letterman and performing alongside The Rolling Stones during their 2015 Zip Code Tour.
Over the years, the band's sonic identity has undergone notable shifts. While their foundation is rooted in funk and soul, recent releases like 2022's The Alien Coast have experimented with psychedelic rock, stoner metal, and hip-hop influences. Their songwriting has also moved from exploring family dynamics in 2018's Young Sick Camellia to the deeply personal, minimalist compositions of 2023's Angels in Science Fiction, an album inspired by letters Janeway wrote to his daughter, Marigold, prior to her birth in September 2020.
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