Jenny Conlee from the indie darlings the Decemberists is more than happy to show off her appreciation for Star Wars, by going so far as to bring along her beloved Wookiee toy wherever the band goes on tour.
"I have a little stuffed Chewbacca that I got about 7 years ago," Conlee says. "He has traveled with me on every tour I have been on since then. He has seen more of the world than most people. But he is used to it from all of his interstellar travel before I got him."
Chewie has indeed seen much of the world thanks to the Decemberists' success as a five-piece band whose indie pop sound has fans comparing them with such heavy-hitters as Belle & Sebastian. The band consists of Colin Meloy (lead singer/songwriter), Ezra Holbrook (drums), Nate Query (upright bass), Chris Funk (Theremin/pedal steel guitar) and Conlee (accordion/keyboards).
When full-length debut, Castaways and Cutouts was released in 2002 on the Kill Rock Stars label, the Portland, Oregon band began to gain momentum as one of the top indie bands to keep an eye on. Their eclectic sound got the attention of music hipsters and critics around the world with their 2003 release of Her Majesty as well as the following year's five-part epic EP The Tain. Currently their most recent release of Picaresque has kept them on a busy touring schedule, making it quite certain that Chewie sees even more amphitheaters, music festivals and local attractions then ever before.
But Chewie isn't Conlee's only beloved character from a galaxy far, far away. "As a kid during Halloween I dressed up as Leia at least two or three times -- didn't everybody?" Conlee asks.
After seeing Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope with her sisters and grandmother, Conlee was never the same kid again.
"Episode IV made the biggest impression on me," Conlee reveals. "Maybe it was because I was so young, but I believed it was real. It began my long-time aspiration of becoming a space pilot."
"It is a great escape, and I suppose it is empowering to see the little guys triumph over the big bad guys," Conlee suggests.
Taking a break from the tour with her loyal Chewie toy at her side, Conlee made sure she saw the latest installment of the Star Wars saga -- Revenge of the Sith.
"Even though Chancellor Palpatine was obviously molding him since he was a child, Anakin's actions in the Temple surprised me," Conlee admits. "And seeing all those dead Wookiees was so sad. But the beginning battle scene was my favorite. It reminds me most of the old movies."
Conlee was quick to mention that the film's soundtrack by legendary composer John Williams was "fantastic" and confessed that if the Decemberists were ever asked to step in for the Bith Band, they'd be more than happy to play the "Ewok Celebration" song from the original version of Return of the Jedi. "It's super silly but it would be fun to sing in Ewok!" Conlee laughs.
Be sure to catch the Decemberists on tour with Beck and Death Cab For Cutie, and don't be surprised if you spot a small Chewie toy on stage watching the crowd!
For more information about the Decemberists, visit the official band site here.
Stay tuned to starwars.com for more Star Wars appreciation interviews from some of your favorite bands.
