Happy Cactus

Happy Cactus was a band formed by Colin Meloy while he attended Helena High School. Other members of Happy Cactus included David Casey, Deidre Casey, and Mark Schummer. Meloy went on to lead Tarkio and later The Decemberists, while the Caseys formed the Watercarvers Guild with David's father Darrell and brother Nathan. The band's genre can be described as "alt-country," "indie," and "folk." Former Band members cite R.E.M., The Replacements, The Beatles and Uncle Tupelo as influences.