The Decemberists Debut New Song for Laika’s Adaptation of Colin Meloy’s Wildwood

The Decemberists have released their first new music in over two years with the debut of “The Better Part of Bravery.” The track was officially released across streaming platforms on October 9, 2026, serving as the lead single for the soundtrack of the upcoming animated feature Wildwood.

The release marks a significant convergence of frontman Colin Meloy’s musical and literary careers. The film is an adaptation of Meloy’s 2011 debut novel, which established a bestselling young adult fantasy series. By providing the lead track, the band is anchoring the sonic identity of a world Meloy originally created on the page nearly 15 years ago.

The collaboration marks a hometown milestone for both the Portland-based band and .

This single is the first studio output from the band since their June 2024 album, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again. While the group has contributed to high-profile soundtracks in the past, including The Hunger Games, the Wildwood project is uniquely tied to the band’s identity. Both The Decemberists and the film’s production house, Laika Studios, are based in Portland, Oregon. The story itself takes place in a mystical version of Portland’s Forest Park, making the collaboration a hometown milestone for the studio and the musicians.

Production and Cast Details

The Wildwood film is a major return for Laika Studios, representing their first feature-length release since 2019’s Missing Link. Directed by Travis Knight, the stop-motion production features an ensemble voice cast that includes Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, and Awkwafina.

As reported by BroadwayWorld, the song’s debut coincided with a new teaser from Laika that highlights the intricate animation style the studio is known for. The track features the band’s traditional indie-folk arrangements, providing a thematic bridge between the film’s Pacific Northwest setting and its fantastical elements.

The arrival of “The Better Part of Bravery” comes approximately 28 months after the band’s last major record. While the song is confirmed as the lead single for the motion picture soundtrack, it has not yet been confirmed if the track will appear on a future Decemberists album or if the band will be contributing further original compositions to the film’s full score.

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