Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers are both acclaimed indie singer-songwriters who have collaborated together musically. In 2017, they released a collaborative EP called Better Oblivion Community Center and embarked on a joint tour. This has led many fans to speculate about whether Oberst and Bridgers were romantically involved. While both musicians have remained fairly private about the exact nature of their relationship, there are some clues that suggest they may have dated for a period of time.
Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers’ Musical Relationship
Conor Oberst first gained recognition in the early 2000s as the frontman of indie rock band Bright Eyes. He has put out music both through Bright Eyes and as a solo artist. Phoebe Bridgers is a more recent arrival on the indie scene, gaining attention for her thoughtful lyrics and haunting vocals.
In 2017, rumors started swirling that Oberst and Bridgers were collaborating together musically. The two had reportedly been working on music in secret for over a year. In December 2017, they suddenly announced the project Better Oblivion Community Center and dropped a self-titled album. Oberst and Bridgers never explicitly confirmed they were involved in the band, instead posing as musicians named Dylan Green and Clara Baker. However, fans quickly recognized Oberst and Bridgers’ distinctive vocals.
Better Oblivion Community Center embarked on a joint tour in early 2019 in support of the album. In interviews, Oberst and Bridgers spoke about enjoying the ability to collaborate creatively. As Bridgers told NPR, “It’s super fun to be able to write songs with somebody who’s so creative and who you connect with.”
Key Collaborations Between Oberst and Bridgers
- “Didn’t Know What I Was In For” – Single released under Better Oblivion Community Center
- “Service Road” – Track off Better Oblivion Community Center album
- “Forest Lawn” – Song performed live during Better Oblivion Community Center tour
- “Moon Song” – Duet recorded for Bridgers’ album Punisher
The musical chemistry between Oberst and Bridgers added fuel to the speculation about their off-stage relationship. Fans analyzed their lyrics and performances looking for any clues about romance.
Hints Oberst and Bridgers Were Romantically Involved
While neither Oberst nor Bridgers have directly confirmed they dated, there are several hints in interviews and lyrics suggesting a romantic relationship:
Flirty Banter During Live Performances
When performing live together as Better Oblivion Community Center in 2019, Oberst and Bridgers often had playful, flirty banter on stage. In one concert Bridgers jokingly called Oberst “bae.” At other shows Bridgers would make jokes about Oberst being her “work husband.”
Lyrics Referencing a Breakup
Some of Oberst and Bridgers’ lyrics contain apparent references to a breakup between the two musicians. For example, the Better Oblivion Community Center song “Service Road” has lyrics about ignoring someone’s calls and texts. Meanwhile, Bridgers’ song “Moon Song” has the lyric “you said it would be painless, it wasn’t that at all” – potentially alluding to a difficult end to a relationship.
Matching Tattoos
In July 2018, both Oberst and Bridgers got matching tattoos on their left forearms. The tattoos say “XO” which fans have speculated stands for “hugs and kisses.” Matching tattoos are often seen as a sign of a romantic relationship.
Brief Mentions in Interviews
While they have stayed quiet for the most part, Oberst and Bridgers have each briefly acknowledged some kind of past romantic connection.
In a 2019 interview with Rolling Stone, Oberst stated “I don’t want to say too much about it, but we definitely had a strong connection right out the gate.” Meanwhile, in 2020 Bridgers told the Los Angeles Times “I dated Conor for a little. I feel like that’s public knowledge, though I don’t know how public.”
When and For How Long Oberst and Bridgers May Have Dated
Though details are scarce, available information points to Oberst and Bridgers potentially dating sometime in 2017 or early 2018.
Oberst has said he and Bridgers formed an immediate bond when they first collaborated creatively. The two reportedly began working on music together secretly in 2016.
In July 2017, Bridgers suddenly broke up with her guitarist boyfriend Ryan Adams. Some fans speculate this could have been around the time she got involved with Oberst.
By mid 2018, there are hints Oberst and Bridgers may have broken up but remained on good terms. This is suggested by references to a breakup in songs performed on the Better Oblivion Community Center tour in early 2019.
Overall, the suspected timeline for their relationship is approximately late 2017 to mid 2018, for around 6-12 months duration. However, this remains speculative since neither musician has provided an official account.
Why Oberst and Bridgers Broke Up
Though it was apparently an amicable split, there are a few clues as to why Oberst and Bridgers may have ended their relationship:
Age Difference
When they first collaborated, Oberst was 37 years old while Bridgers was 23. The 14 year age gap between them may have eventually contributed to growing apart.
Busy Music Careers
Both musicians have very active solo careers in addition to their collaboration. The demands of touring, recording, and promotion may have made it difficult to sustain a relationship.
Natural Fizzle
As Bridgers stated the relationship was “for a little” – suggesting it was perhaps a passionate affair that naturally ran its course and fizzled out. The pressures of fame and being music partners may have also shifted the dynamics.
Wanting Different Things
Given the differences in their ages and career stages, it’s possible Oberst and Bridgers ultimately wanted different things out of life and relationships. Pursuing different goals could have led to the breakup.
Status of Oberst and Bridgers’ Relationship Now
Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers have maintained a friendship despite their suspected breakup a few years ago. They continue to collaborate and support each other’s music.
In 2020, Bridgers appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform her song “Savior Complex” off her album Punisher. Oberst made a surprise appearance playing guitar during the performance.
Bridgers told Variety magazine that she and Oberst send each other voice memos of unfinished song ideas. And Oberst joined Bridgers’ live-stream concert in June 2020.
So while no longer believed to be dating, Oberst and Bridgers clearly have love and respect for each other as both friends and colleagues. Their musical chemistry continues through ongoing creative partnerships.
Comparison to Other Indie Music Relationships
Musicians | Dated? | Years | Post-Breakup Status |
---|---|---|---|
Conor Oberst & Phoebe Bridgers | Allegedly | 2017-2018 | Remained friends and collaborate musically |
Win Butler & Régine Chassagne (Arcade Fire) | Yes | 2003-present | Married since 2003 |
Karen O & Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) | Yes | 2001-2008 | Broke up but remained bandmates |
Johnathon Rice & Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley) | Yes | 2005-2007 | Broke up leading to band split |
Looking at other famous musician relationships, Oberst and Bridgers fit the pattern of collaborators becoming romantically involved then eventually splitting – but remaining on positive terms and continuing to make music together. This appears relatively similar to Karen O and Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
In contrast, some musician couples like Win Butler and Régine Chassagne have maintained both their relationship and creative partnership over many years. Other times, a breakup between members irreconcilably ends the act, like what occurred between Johnathon Rice and Jenny Lewis from Rilo Kiley.
Reaction From Fans About the Rumored Relationship
Fans of both musicians have reacted with a mix of excitement, skepticism, and acceptance to the rumors of Oberst and Bridgers dating.
Many fans enthusiastically “shipped” the musicians as a couple when subtler hints about their connection first emerged. Sections of Tumblr and Twitter were abuzz analyzing every potential clue about a relationship. Fans commented approvingly on their perceived chemistry during live performances.
Other fans were more dubious about the alleged relationship timeline, waiting for more definitive confirmation. After the musicians remained coy, some fans felt the speculation about romance was intrusive and wanted more privacy for both artists.
Now that some time has passed, most fans are ambivalent about Oberst and Bridgers’ past dating status. They respect the lack of details from both musicians and simply appreciate their complementary musical talents. Many fans just enjoy their collaborations without needing deeper knowledge of any romantic history.
Future Musical Plans For Oberst and Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst continue to support each other’s musical endeavors, hinting at more collaboration to come.
In June 2022, Bridgers released her song “Sidelines” and announced her album Saddest Factory. Oberst contributed guitar on the track.
Bridgers has said when live shows resume, she wants to play more shows with Oberst whether as part of Better Oblivion Community Center or other joint performances.
Oberst meanwhile has suggested more duo recordings could happen in the future. He praised Bridgers’ songwriting to Rolling Stone magazine and said “I feel like we have more music to make.”
Fans are optimistic for additional Oberst/Bridgers team-ups whether as a formal project or one-off singles. Their musical chemistry together remains captivating, dating or not.
Conclusion
The exact romantic status between indie musicians Conor Oberst and Phoebe Bridgers remains ambiguous. But the evidence suggests they briefly dated while collaborating creatively from approximately late 2017 to mid 2018.
Ultimately, the relationship seems to have evolved into a solid friendship and mutual appreciation for each other as artists. This has allowed for a fruitful ongoing musical partnership, even if the dating phase has passed.
While fans remain curious for more details, the musicians’ privacy should be respected. What matters most is that Oberst and Bridgers continue to support one another and make beautiful music together – regardless of the exact nature of their bond. Their fanbase is glad to enjoy any future collaborations they pursue.