Artist Spotlight: Bright Eyes
In 1994, a little known band, hailing from Nebraska, and fronted by a 14 yr old singer/songwriter, burst onto the indie-rock scene. Commander Venus, lasted for two albums, but it's lead singer, Conor Oberst caught the attention of many. With his former Commander Venus bandmates, Oberst started Saddle Creek Records, which has sprouted such talent as Cursive and The Good Life. Oberst also started a solo project under the pseudonym, Bright Eyes. In 1998, after the help from a variety of talents to complete the Bright Eyes' lineup, Oberst released the band's debut album, "A Collection of Songs..." and later that same year, "Letting Off the Happiness," both on Saddle Creek Records.
With his lo-fi guitar mixed with stripped down and vocals, Bright Eyes radiated a brutal honesty and an intimacy many other acts could not match. Lyrically the 18 yr old Oberst proved to be wise beyond his years, and critics hailed him as a "brilliant" songwriter. In 1999, Bright Eyes released an EP, "Every Day and Every Night," which was followed by the 2000 release of the acclaimed third full-length "Fevers and Mirrors," which some critics touted as "a modern day masterpiece from one of the most important songwriters of our time." The beginning of 2001 saw Bright Eyes release the split album with Saddle Creek labelmate Son, Ambulance entitled "Oh Holy Fools." 2002 has seen the release of the EP "There Is No Beginning to the Story," which features the track "From A Balance Beam," from his upcoming full-length. What is to be expected of Conor Oberst? Well, the future looks "bright."
Photo: http://www.saddlecreekrecords.com