The Decemberists

The Decemberists are an American indie folk rock band based in Portland, Oregon, known for their literate songwriting and theatrical approach to music. The group features Colin Meloy on lead vocals and guitar, Chris Funk on guitar and various instruments, Jenny Conlee on piano, keyboards, and accordion, Nate Query on bass, and John Moen on drums. Meloy, drawing on his background in creative writing, blends narrative-driven lyrics with diverse influences from folk, pop, and rock, referencing artists such as Sandy Denny and Morrissey. The band's name references the Decembrist revolt, an 1825 uprising in Imperial Russia, and is intended to evoke the drama and melancholy associated with December.

The Decemberists' debut album, "Castaways and Cutouts," introduced their signature baroque instrumentation and narrative song structures. This was followed by the epic EP "The Tain," inspired by an eighth-century Irish poem, and the full-length album "Picaresque." After signing with Capitol Records, the band released "The Crane Wife," which maintained their artistic direction and attracted mainstream attention, including a notable appearance on The Colbert Report, where Funk participated in a guitar solo competition with Stephen Colbert. The group continued to experiment with form and genre, releasing "The Hazards of Love," a rock opera, and "The King Is Dead," a country-pop album that reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The single "Down by the Water" from "The King Is Dead" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Song.

The Decemberists are recognized for their dynamic live performances, which often include audience participation and theatrical reenactments of historical events. The band has performed with orchestral accompaniment, including a concert at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Following a hiatus, the band returned with "What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World," a collaboration with English folk artist Olivia Chaney, the synth pop-influenced "I'll Be Your Girl," and the progressive double album "As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again." The latter features the 19-minute track "Joan in the Garden" and guest appearances from James Mercer of the Shins and Mike Mills of R.E.M. In addition to his work with the band, Meloy is also a novelist, known for the "Wildwood" series of young adult books. With nine studio albums and a global following, The Decemberists have established a lasting presence in the indie rock and folk music scenes.