In July 2012, during the Newport Folk Festival, Bright Eyes was in a transitional phase following the release of their final studio album, "The People... Read Full Description >
In July 2012, during the Newport Folk Festival, Bright Eyes was in a transitional phase following the release of their final studio album, "The People’s Key," the previous year. This album marked a departure from their earlier, more acoustic sound and embraced a more electronic and experimental approach, showcasing Conor Oberst’s evolution as a songwriter. The performance of "First Day of My Life" at the festival highlights Oberst's ability to emotionally connect with his audience, even in a more stripped-down, intimate setting. Additionally, significant to this live recording is the context of the Newport Folk Festival, a venerable institution in the American folk music scene that celebrated both traditional and contemporary folk, solidifying Oberst’s place among influential singer-songwriters. This performance contributed to a resurgence of interest in his solo work as well as his collaborative projects post-Bright Eyes.