Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst is an American singer-songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska, born in 1980. He begins recording in 1993 and is known for a large body of work across folk, folk rock and indie rock. Early influences include David Dondero and Simon Joyner.

Solo work and recordings

Oberst releases his first two albums, Water and Here’s to Special Treatment, in 1994. He later issues a self-titled solo album in 2008 with the Mystic Valley Band, recorded with Taylor Hollingsworth, Macey Taylor, Jason Boesel, Nik Freitas and Nate Walcott, and released on Merge Records. With that group he also releases Outer South in 2009. His solo catalogue continues with Upside Down Mountain in 2014, Ruminations in 2016 and Salutations in 2017.

Bright Eyes and other bands

Bright Eyes is one of Oberst’s main projects, formed in 1995 with Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott, and it produces several critically acclaimed records. He also fronts Desaparecidos, a punk-oriented project whose songs and lyrics focus on social and political themes, American capitalism and suburban life rather than the more introspective style associated with Bright Eyes. Other bands he is part of include Commander Venus, which he joins as singer and guitarist in 1994, Park Ave., The Magnetas, Monsters of Folk and Better Oblivion Community Center.

Labels, collective work and public activity

Oberst is a founding member of Saddle Creek Records, the independent label associated with acts including Cursive, Desaparecidos, The Faint, Bright Eyes, Son Ambulance, Azure Ray, The Good Life and Sorry About Dresden. He later starts his own label, Team Love, which releases music by artists including Tilly and the Wall, M. Ward, Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins, A Weather, Capgun Coup and David Dondero. He also takes part in the Vote for Change tour in 2004 and appears on television performances including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Collaborations and side projects

In 2019, Oberst collaborates with Phoebe Bridgers in Better Oblivion Community Center. He is also linked with Monsters of Folk and remains associated with the Mystic Valley Band, a group that includes members from his solo recordings. His work is repeatedly connected to the wider Saddle Creek scene, including artists such as Tim Kasher, Robb Nansel and Todd Fink through Commander Venus and later related projects.