The Common Linnets emerged as a captivating Dutch country pop duo in 2013, founded by established singer-songwriter Ilse DeLange as a dynamic platform for exploring Americana, bluegrass, and country music. Conceived as a collaborative project with a rotating lineup of Dutch artists, the group initially featured DeLange alongside fellow renowned Dutch musician Waylon. Their mission was to bring a fresh, authentic roots-oriented sound to the European music scene, drawing inspiration from American folk traditions while infusing them with their own distinct artistry.

The duo's impact was immediate and profound. They were selected to represent the Netherlands in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with their haunting ballad "Calm After the Storm." The performance was a standout moment in the competition, earning them a remarkable second-place finish. This achievement gave the Netherlands its best Eurovision result since its last victory in 1975 and propelled the song to international success. "Calm After the Storm" became a major hit across Europe, topping charts in several countries and introducing a wider audience to their evocative, stripped-down sound. The track served as the centerpiece of their self-titled debut album, The Common Linnets, which was released to critical acclaim shortly after the contest.

Following their Eurovision success, Waylon departed the project in May 2014 to refocus on his solo career. True to the group's original vision as an evolving collective, American country singer and songwriter Jake Etheridge was announced as his replacement. This new iteration of The Common Linnets, with DeLange and Etheridge at the helm, continued to promote their debut album and began working on new material. They released their second studio album, II, in 2015, which further developed their signature blend of melancholic storytelling and acoustic instrumentation. The project has served as a significant and influential vehicle for popularizing country and Americana music within the Netherlands and beyond, demonstrating the global appeal of its heartfelt musical foundations.