Rex Orange County

Alexander James O’Connor, born May 4, 1998, known professionally as Rex Orange County, is an acclaimed English singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Hailing from Grayshott, Hampshire, O’Connor’s music is celebrated for its bright fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and bedroom pop, as noted by NPR Music’s Zoë Jones.

O’Connor’s musical journey began at an early age. At five, he joined the school choir where his mother worked, and later developed skills in drumming and piano. His interest in music deepened as he taught himself guitar and music production using Apple’s Logic software. He attended the BRIT School, where his role as a percussionist exposed him to a variety of musical projects.

In May 2015, O’Connor self-released his debut album, bcos u will never b free, on Bandcamp and SoundCloud. The album, featuring the lead single “Corduroy Dreams,” attracted attention from producer Two Inch Punch, who helped O’Connor secure management. The album also caught the ear of Tyler, the Creator, leading to a fruitful collaboration.

O’Connor’s collaboration with Tyler, the Creator on Flower Boy (2017) was pivotal. He co-wrote and contributed vocals to tracks such as “Boredom” and “Foreword.” This exposure helped him gain a larger audience and sign with RCA Records.

Following his success with Tyler, O’Connor released several notable singles, including “Best Friend” (January 2017) and “Loving Is Easy” (October 2017), a collaboration with Dutch artist Benny Sings. These tracks showcased his ability to blend genres and craft catchy, emotive music.

Rex Orange County’s second studio album, Apricot Princess, was released in April 2017 and received critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and eclectic sound. The album solidified his reputation as an innovative artist.

In October 2019, O’Connor released his third studio album, Pony. This album, his first major-label release through RCA Records, explored deeper personal themes and showcased his growth as an artist. Pony debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, marking his first entry on the chart.

O’Connor’s next project, Who Cares?, was released on March 11, 2022. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and reached number five on the Billboard 200. The record was preceded by singles such as “New House” (February 2019) and “10/10” (September 2019).

On September 30, 2020, O’Connor released an EP titled Live at Radio City Music Hall, featuring recordings from his tour and a documentary on YouTube. The tour, however, was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2024, O’Connor announced his fifth studio album, The Alexander Technique. He released two singles, “Alexander” and “Guitar Song,” on July 18, 2024, with the album slated for a September 6 release.

O’Connor’s music reflects a diverse range of influences, including Queen, ABBA, Stevie Wonder, Weezer, and Green Day. His sound blends elements of hip-hop, jazz, and pop, creating a unique and engaging listening experience. Rex Orange County continues to captivate audiences with his innovative approach and heartfelt lyrics, establishing himself as a prominent figure in contemporary music.