After a nine-year hiatus, Conor Oberst, Nathaniel Walcott, and Mike Mogis re-grouped for the release of a new album in 2020 and touring in 2021 and 2022. The new album, Down in the Weeds Where the World Once Was, was written collaboratively in 2018 and recorded throughout 2019, is out now on the label Dead Oceans. In addition to his work as a composer on the record, he also played the piano, keyboards, vibraphone, trumpet, and flugelhorn, and wrote the arrangements for orchestra and choir. The full artwork, liner notes, and credits for the album can be found here.

Nate Walcott began playing with Bright Eyes in 2002 and became a full-time member as arranger, keyboardist, and trumpet player, in 2005.

Highlights of his time with the band over the years include writing the orchestral arrangements for the band’s 2007 album Cassadaga, which were recorded at Capitol recording studios with a 48-piece orchestra, writing the arrangements for the band’s appearance the same year with the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, performances at venues such as Radio City Music Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall, numerous tours of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, and shows with special guests such as Lou Reed and opening for the likes of Bruce Springsteen.

Walcott’s involvement with Bright Eyes led to his also playing with Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band and contributing arrangements to and performing on Oberst’s solo releases.