Rex Orange County: The Indie Pop Prodigy

Rex Orange County is the stage name of Alexander O'Connor, a British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his blend of indie pop, alternative R&B, and bedroom pop, characterized by introspective lyrics and jazzy instrumentation.Alexander O'Connor, born May 4, 1998, in Grayshott, England, adopted the moniker Rex Orange County while studying at the BRIT School. He self-released his debut album 'bcos u will never b free' in 2015 at age 17. His career accelerated significantly after collaborating with Tyler, The Creator on the 2017 album 'Flower Boy'. His breakthrough came with the 2017 album 'Apricot Princess'. Subsequent albums 'Pony' (2019) and 'WHO CARES?' (2022) solidified his status as a major figure in contemporary indie pop, known for hits like 'Loving Is Easy' and 'Best Friend'. His music often explores themes of love, anxiety, and self-discovery.
  • O'Connor dropped out of the prestigious BRIT School at 18 to focus on his music career full-time, a risky move that paid off.
  • He achieved widespread recognition incredibly young; his collaboration with Tyler, The Creator happened when he was just 18.
  • In October 2022, O'Connor faced six charges of sexual assault in the UK. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. In January 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service announced it was discontinuing the prosecution, stating there was 'no longer a realistic prospect of conviction'. O'Connor expressed relief and maintained his innocence.
  • He has been open about his struggles with mental health, particularly depression and anxiety, themes that frequently surface in his songwriting.