Conor Oberst (born February 15, 1980) is an American singer-songwriter best known for his work in Bright Eyes. He has also played in several indie rock bands, including Desaparecidos, Commander Venus and Park Ave., and is co-founder and executive partner in the independent record labels Team Love and Saddle Creek Records.
Oberst was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born to Matthew Oberst, Sr., an information manager for Mutual of Omaha, and Nancy Oberst, an elementary school principal. Oberst's mother claims that he was banging on the piano and singing since he was two years old. Oberst's father was also a musician who played guitar and piano for various cover bands in his youth, and together they began teaching Conor to play guitar at the age of 10. By the time he knew two chords, he was already writing songs. Around that time, he also found the Antiquarium, a record store in Omaha that served as a Mecca for other musicians.
Oberst began his musical career at age 13 while attending 7th grade at St. Pius X. Oberst was drawn to music at a very early age, due in part to his older brother's penchant for bands like The Cure. He has cited their first singles collection, Staring at the Sea, as the first record he ever bought, as well as being one of his favorites. "It must have been third grade...I bought the cassette at a local record store chain called Homer's in Omaha. I just loved the sound of Robert Smith's voice. It just sounded good."His biggest influences and favorite songwriters are local musicians David Dondero and Simon Joyner. Joyner wrote the lyrics to the song "Burn Rubber", which appeared on Bright Eyes' "Take It Easy (Love Nothing)" single. The two used to do mini-tours together, usually on weekends due to Joyner having a family.
Oberst has also been heavily influenced by the 1960s folk revival, mentioning Neil Young, Leonard Cohen (both of whom, like Oberst, sing with a characteristic "warble"), and country singer Emmylou Harris. He covered Neil Young's "Out on the Weekend", collaborating with Jim James and M. Ward in concert. Harris sang in a few tracks on Bright Eyes' I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning. Oberst may also have been strongly influenced by Elliott Smith, as evidenced by his covering of Smith's song "The Biggest Lie" in concerts.
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