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Conor Oberst

Conor Oberst (1980 -) is a singer-songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska who has been making music since he was thirteen. Others often describe him as a “singing poet” in his band, Bright Eyes. His brilliant lyrics flawlessly put into words the ideas and paradoxes many understand, but lack the talent to convey. LIFTED or the Story is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground, his album released in 2002, contains thirteen thought-provoking songs that tackle issues familiar to many young adults trying to understand the complexities of life. In the song “False Advertising,” Oberst sings about superficiality and the fear of being yourself in front of other people. A paradox seemingly forms in “Bowl of Oranges” when an upbeat melody masks the lyrics which acknowledge sad truths no one wants to accept. Oberst is, arguably, at his best while he sings about the unavoidable misfortunes that everyone encounters in the song “Waste of Paint.” Conor Oberst proves to be a unique artist because of his interest in the harsh reality of the world and his ability to express those realities in a poetic song.
Brought into the world on February 15, 1980, Oberst grew up in the small town of Omaha along with two older brothers. He was raised in a Catholic family and attended a Jesuit High School but spent most of his time learning guitar chords and writing amateur songs . His music is generally classified under independent-rock, although some of his later CDs sound more folk-rock. The songs recorded during the years 1995-1997 by Oberst became Bright Eyes’ first album, put out by the independent record label Saddle Creek. Saddle Creek Records is based in Omaha and signed Oberst’s band, Bright Eyes, soon after their establishment. Oberst recorded Letting off the Happiness in 1998 and dropped out of the University of Nebraska to give music his full attention1. Two years later Bright Eyes released another album, Fevers and Mirrors, which included increased sound quality and the...