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Conor Oberst reveals Mexican influence on solo album

Bright Eyes man also says why he dropped band name

Conor Oberst has spoken about the reason why his new album (titled 'Conor Oberst') is a solo record, rather than a Bright Eyes one.

Speaking to the The Sun's Something For The Weekend, the singer revealed he couldn't use the name without including his closest musical collaborator.

"The main reason it takes my name instead of Bright Eyes is because Mike Mogis [ to be a band with him and I can't use that name without him," he explained.

Oberst also said there were advantages recording in Mexico.

"It was the middle of winter and a warm, sunny place seemed attractive," he said. "So we talked the owner into letting us set up shop and make a noise.

"Any time we lost interest or motivation was waning, we would just stop and hang-out, do a bit of singing around the bonfire, drink beers and go into the town."

Oberst recently announced details of a UK tour this August. Along with his Mystic Valley Band, he'll play the following dates:

Birmingham Academy 2 (23)
Reading Festival (24)
Portsmouth Wedgewood Rooms (26)
London Electric Ballroom (27)
Manchester Academy 2 (28)
Belfast Spring And Airbrake (30)


To check the availability of Conor Oberst tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.

Comments (1)

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interpolluter28 

Aug 12, 2008

I knew Conor was having fun during this album, and enough of it to catch that this music has more freedom, even emotionally, than you can ever catch from his album.

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