Richmond Fontaine

The Profile

Richmond Fontaine are an American alt‑country band from Portland, Oregon, led by singer, guitarist, and novelist Willy Vlautin. Celebrated for vivid, literary storytelling set to Americana textures, they released acclaimed albums through the 2000s and announced their farewell with 2016’s You Can’t Go Back If There’s Nothing To Go Back To, followed by the instrumental Don’t Skip Out On Me (2018), a soundtrack to Vlautin’s novel.

Formed in Portland, Oregon. Core lineup has included Willy Vlautin (vocals, guitar), Dan Eccles (guitar), Dave Harding (bass), and Sean Oldham (drums). Releases associated with Decor Records (UK) and El Cortez. Vlautin also founded The Delines with Amy Boone.

DeBaser’s reviews frame Richmond Fontaine through Willy Vlautin’s twin life as novelist and bandleader. The band’s alt‑country roots broaden into richly arranged, story‑driven songs about broken dreams and the American road. Their 2016 swan song is treated as a reflective farewell, followed by an all‑instrumental 2018 soundtrack tied to Vlautin’s novel. References span Townes Van Zandt to Whiskeytown, with vivid character studies throughout.