Alexander James O'Connor, known to the world as Rex Orange County, is a talented British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Grayshott, England. Born on May 4, 1998, he has captivated audiences with his unique sound, which NPR Music's Zoë Jones describes as a vibrant fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and bedroom pop.
At the age of sixteen, O'Connor took the initiative to teach himself music production, leading to the release of his debut album, Bcos U Will Never B Free, in two thousand fifteen on platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud. His early work laid the foundation for a series of successful solo singles in the following years, including the Platinum-certified hits, Sunflower and Best Friend, which helped establish his presence in the music industry.
Rex Orange County's collaboration with Tyler, the Creator on two tracks from the latter's acclaimed album, Flower Boy, in two thousand seventeen significantly boosted his profile, ultimately leading to a contract with RCA Records. His second album, Apricot Princess, released in the same year, further showcased his artistic growth.
In two thousand nineteen, O'Connor released his third album, Pony, which delved into more personal themes and showcased his genre-blending style. This album marked a significant milestone as it became his first to enter the Billboard 200, peaking at number three. His fourth studio album, Who Cares?, released in two thousand twenty-two, topped the UK Albums Chart and reached number five on the Billboard 200, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in contemporary music.
Looking ahead, Rex Orange County is set to release his fifth album, The Alexander Technique, in late two thousand twenty-four, promising to continue his evolution as an artist.