Conor Oberst (born February 15, 1980) is a singer-songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska, primarily known for his work in Bright Eyes. He has also played in Commander Venus, Desaparecidos, Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band, Monsters of Folk, Norman Bailer, and Park Ave. At the tender age of 12 he was invited to play with Ted Stevens of Cursive, and recorded his first album, Water, on a cassette tape. The album was financed by his brother and would be released on what eventually became Saddle Creek Records. After 20 years, and 8 bands, Conor finally embraced a solo act.