The Decemberists

The Decemberists are an American indie rock band formed in Portland, Oregon in 2000. The band is known for its eclectic, literary songwriting, often drawing from historical narratives, folk music traditions, and theatrical baroque pop arrangements. Led by singer and primary songwriter Colin Meloy, the group has released a series of critically acclaimed albums and cultivated a dedicated following for their intricate storytelling and dynamic live performances.

History

The band was formed by Colin Meloy after the dissolution of his previous group, Tarkio, relocating from Montana to Portland, Oregon. The original lineup featured Meloy alongside multi-instrumentalist Chris Funk, keyboardist Jenny Conlee, bassist Nate Query, and drummer Ezra Holbrook. They quickly gained attention in the Pacific Northwest music scene, releasing their debut EP, *5 Songs*, in 2001, followed by their first full-length album, *Castaways and Cutouts*, on the Kill Rock Stars label in 2002. Their sophomore effort, *Her Majesty the Decemberists* (2003), further established their narrative-driven style. A major career shift occurred when they signed to the major label Capitol Records and released the acclaimed *Picaresque* in 2005, which included the epic single "The Mariner's Revenge Song". The band's ambitious 2006 album *The Crane Wife*, inspired by a Japanese folk tale and the work of The Who, marked their commercial breakthrough. This was followed by the sprawling rock opera *The Hazards of Love* in 2009 and the more accessible *The King Is Dead* in 2011, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. After a hiatus following the tour for *What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World* (2015), the band returned with *I'll Be Your Girl* in 2018 and the collaborative *Traveling On* EP with Olivia Chaney. Their most recent studio album is *As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again*, released in 2024.

Musical style and influences

Their music is characterized by a sophisticated blend of folk rock, baroque pop, and progressive rock structures, often featuring instruments like the accordion, bouzouki, and mellotron. Lyrically, Meloy's songs are heavily influenced by English literature, Victorian and maritime history, and obscure folklore, drawing comparisons to artists like Robyn Hitchcock and The Smiths. Key influences include the British folk revival of the 1960s and 1970s, particularly bands such as Fairport Convention and Pentangle, as well as the theatricality of Roxy Music and the narrative songwriting of Billy Bragg. Their albums often function as conceptual works, with *The Hazards of Love* being a prime example of a through-composed rock opera. This literary approach has also extended to collaborations, such as their live performance of the entire album *The Crane Wife* with the Oregon Symphony and their family-oriented project *The Decemberists Present: Offa Rex* with English folk singer Olivia Chaney.

Band members

The longstanding core lineup consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Colin Meloy, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Chris Funk, keyboardist and accordionist Jenny Conlee, bassist Nate Query, and drummer John Moen. Conlee, Query, and Moen also provide backing vocals. Former touring and recording members include drummer Rachel Blumberg, violinist and vocalist Petra Haden, and early drummer Jesse Emerson. The band is also frequently augmented by a rotating cast of collaborators for recording and touring, including horn sections and additional string players. Meloy remains the principal songwriter, though the entire band contributes significantly to the arrangements and overall sound.

Discography

Their studio album discography includes *Castaways and Cutouts* (2002), *Her Majesty the Decemberists* (2003), *Picaresque* (2005), *The Crane Wife* (2006), *The Hazards of Love* (2009), *The King Is Dead* (2011), *What a Terrible World, What a Beautiful World* (2015), *I'll Be Your Girl* (2018), and *As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again* (2024). Notable EPs include *5 Songs* (2001), *The Tain* (2004), *Always the Bridesmaid: A Singles Series* (2008), and *Traveling On* (2018). They have also released several live albums, including *We All Raise Our Voices to the Air* (2012), and contributed to various soundtracks and compilations, such as the children's album *Here Come the 123s* by They Might Be Giants.

Awards and recognition

They have received multiple nominations for prestigious awards, most notably a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Song for "Down by the Water" from *The King Is Dead*. The album itself won the band a Guild of Music Supervisors Award for Best Music Supervision in a Film Trailer. In 2011, *The King Is Dead* was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Individual members have also been recognized; for instance, Jenny Conlee is a respected figure in the music community and was featured performing with other artists like Stephen Malkmus. Their work is frequently included in year-end lists by publications such as Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, and they performed at iconic venues like Bonnaroo and Newport Folk Festival.

Category:American indie rock groups Category:Musical groups from Portland, Oregon Category:Musical groups established in 2000