Many know the name Conor Oberst as the lead singer and front man of Bright Eyes. His new project, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band which began in late 2007 may appeal to a larger audience than his earlier Bright Eyes solo career deemed too “emo” by many. Bright Eyes fans should not feel betrayed, Conor’s distinctive quivering voice is still the lead vocals in his new band, but the subject material and beats of the Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band are much lighter and upbeat. The Mystic Valley Band can be classified as folksy, country rock and consists of Oberst’s longtime friends and colleagues; many of which have worked on previous musical projects with him. The band recorded in a makeshift studio in Villo Mystica, Mexico for five weeks. They named their band after the location and toured the US in 2008 and 2009.
