The Decemberists

Where They’re From: Portland, OR

Who They Are: The Decemberists are a shining example of the alt-folk sound out of the Pacific Northwest with a decades-long career that’s been recognized by everyone from blogs to the Grammys. Frontperson Colin Meloy’s acoustic guitar, on many of their records and live performances, is bolstered by banjo and other folk instrumentation along with grand studio arrangements of horns and strings. In addition to the lush instrumentation is the immersive stories they score, as the themes on Decemberists’ records are inspired by historical events and old folk tales.

Years Active: 2000 – present

Essential Albums: Picaresque (2005), The Crane Wife (2006), The King Is Dead (2011)