Conor Mullen Oberst (born February 15, 1980) is an American songwriter, singer, poet, best known for his work in Bright Eyes. He has also played in several other bands, including Desaparecidos, Norman Bailer, Commander Venus, Park Ave., and his newest project Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band.
Oberst is known for the diversity of his work, and has been compared to Bob Dylan and related artists. He prefers immediacy over perfection and continually constructs verses rather than repeat hooks or write them down, feeling that his songs are never completed.
Oberst has written poetry and many short stories in addition to songs, but has not published any due to lack of devotion and confidence, preferring to stick to his songwriting abilities. He was recently named the best songwriter of 2008 by Rolling Stone magazine.