"Decemberists" redirects here. For the 1825 Russian uprising, see Decembrist revolt . Overview
In March 2005, the Decemberists were reportedly the first band to distribute a music video via BitTorrent -- the self-produced "16 Military Wives" (from Picaresque).

History
In November 2006, the band encouraged fans to create a music video for their then-current single "O Valencia!" using footage of the band in front of a green screen. On his Comedy Central program, Stephen Colbert started a mock feud with the band, claiming his "green screen challenge" came first;

Artwork

Members

Colin Meloy (lead singer, songwriter, guitar)
Chris Funk (guitar, multi-instrumentalist)
Jenny Conlee (hammond organ, accordion, melodica, piano, keyboards)
Nate Query (bass guitar, string bass) - except Her Majesty and Billy Liar single
John Moen (drums, melodica) - The Crane Wife Current

Jesse Emerson (bass guitar) - Her Majesty
Ezra Holbrook - Castaways and Cutouts (drums, backing vocals), The Crane Wife (backing vocals)
Rachel Blumberg (drums, vocals) - Castaways and Cutouts, Her Majesty, Billy Liar single, The Tain, and Picaresque
David Langenes (guitar)
Petra Haden (violin, vocals) - Picaresque, daughter of jazz bassist Charlie Haden, also supporting musician for the Picaresque tour.
Lisa Molinaro (viola, guitar, keyboards, vocals) - supporting musician for The Crane Wife tours Former

Laura Veirs - duet vocals on 'Yankee Bayonet' on The Crane Wife
Eyvind Kang - viola, violin on The Crane Wife
Mavis Staples - vocals, at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2007 singing 'The Weight'
Shara Worden - duet vocals on 'Yankee Bayonet' for live performances on the Spring 2007 tour. Guests

Discography

Studio albums

Singles
"The Decemberists: A Practical Handbook" includes a full concert (filmed in December 2005) in Portland's Roseland Theater and "Paris, Before the War", a documentary about the history of the band and making of the Picaresque album.

The Decemberists: A Practical Handbook Kill Rock Stars 20 March 2007