Bright Eyes

stream Bright Eyes' new song "Forced Convalesence" ft. Flea, a choir, & more

Bright Eyes recently released their first song in nine years, “Persona Non Grata,” and now they’ve shared a second new song, “Forced Convalescence.” It starts out on the relaxed indie rock side (and if you notice that groovy bassline, that’s Flea), but then it explodes into something gigantic-sounding, thanks in no small part to the larger-than-life choir arrangements. Here are the credits:

“Forced Convalescence” features Conor Oberst (vocal), Nathaniel Walcott (piano, mellotron, synthesizers, harpsichord, choir arrangement), Mike Mogis (electric guitar), Flea (bass), Jon Theodore (drums, percussion) and Kip Skitter (percussion). The Choir are Jason McGee (conductor), James Connor, Quishima Dixon, Natalie Ganther, Anthony Johnson, Edward Lawson, Jennifer Lee, Sharetta Morgan-Harmon and Marquee Perkins. It is produced by Bright Eyes, engineered by Michael Harris and Steve Churchyard – assisted by Chris Cerullo and Chandler Harrod. Mixing by Mike Mogis. Mastering by Bob Ludwig. Written by Conor Oberst and Nathaniel Walcott.

Both “Forced Convalescence” and “Persona Non Grata” will appear on Bright Eyes’ upcoming album for Dead Oceans (title and release date still TBA). Bright Eyes were also scheduled to tour (including a show at NYC’s Forest Hills Stadium with Japanese Breakfast), but the tour is now “being reassessed while Covid-19 safety measures are in place.”

Bright Eyes leader Conor Oberst and Nathaniel Walcott are also both on the upcoming Phoebe Bridgers album (and Walcott plays on recent single “Kyoto”).