Colin Meloy is an American singer-songwriter and the lead singer and songwriter of the American rock band The Decemberists. He has also released several solo albums and collaborations with other artists. His music has roots in traditional folk and Americana, but often incorporates literary influences and unexpected musical styles. Meloy is known for his offbeat lyrics and witty storytelling, and his music has been praised for its dense vocabulary and vivid imagery. Along with The Decemberists, he has toured and performed throughout the US, the UK and Europe, gaining a devoted following with a combination of clever wordplay and inventive folk-rock arrangements.