Sibeal Mauldin

Written by Sibeal Mauldin

Published: 23 Apr 2025

34-facts-about-rex-orange-county
Source: Diymag.com

Who is Rex Orange County? Born Alexander O'Connor, Rex Orange County is a British singer-songwriter known for his unique blend of indie pop, jazz, and soul. His music often features heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies that resonate with fans worldwide. Rex gained significant attention with his 2017 album "Apricot Princess," which showcased his talent for blending genres and creating emotionally charged songs. He has collaborated with notable artists like Tyler, The Creator, further cementing his place in the music industry. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music, these 34 facts about Rex Orange County will give you a deeper understanding of this talented artist.

Table of Contents

Who is Rex Orange County?

Rex Orange County, born Alexander O'Connor, has taken the music world by storm with his unique blend of indie pop, jazz, and soul. His heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies have earned him a dedicated fan base. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this talented artist.

  1. 01

    Real Name: Rex Orange County's real name is Alexander James O'Connor. He adopted his stage name from a teacher who nicknamed him "The OC" after his last name, O'Connor.

  2. 02

    Birthplace: He was born on May 4, 1998, in Grayshott, a small village in Hampshire, England.

  3. 03

    Musical Family: Music runs in his family. His mother is a professional singer, and his father is a music teacher.

  4. 04

    Early Start: He started playing drums at the age of five. His early exposure to music helped shape his diverse musical style.

  5. 05

    BRIT School: Rex attended the prestigious BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, the same school that produced stars like Adele and Amy Winehouse.

Rise to Fame

Rex's journey to stardom wasn't overnight. His dedication and unique sound gradually caught the public's attention.

  1. 06

    First Album: His debut album, "bcos u will never b free," was released on SoundCloud in 2015 when he was just 17 years old.

  2. 07

    Tyler, The Creator: Tyler, The Creator discovered Rex's music on SoundCloud and invited him to collaborate on his album "Flower Boy." This collaboration significantly boosted Rex's popularity.

  3. 08

    Breakthrough Single: "Loving Is Easy," released in 2017, became his breakthrough single. The song's catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with a wide audience.

  4. 09

    Television Debut: He made his television debut on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in 2017, performing "Loving Is Easy."

  5. 10

    Second Album: His second album, "Apricot Princess," released in 2017, received critical acclaim and solidified his place in the music industry.

Musical Style and Influences

Rex Orange County's music is a blend of various genres, making it unique and relatable.

  1. 11

    Genre-Blending: His music combines elements of indie pop, jazz, soul, and R&B, creating a distinctive sound.

  2. 12

    Influences: He cites artists like Stevie Wonder, Queen, and Frank Ocean as major influences on his music.

  3. 13

    Self-Taught: Rex is largely self-taught on multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, and drums.

  4. 14

    Lyricism: His lyrics often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with listeners.

  5. 15

    DIY Approach: He often records and produces his music independently, giving it a raw and authentic feel.

Personal Life

Beyond his music, Rex Orange County has an interesting personal life that fans are curious about.

  1. 16

    Relationship: He was in a long-term relationship with Thea Morgan-Murrell, a fellow musician, but they reportedly broke up in 2020.

  2. 17

    Mental Health: Rex has been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression, using his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues.

  3. 18

    Hobbies: Apart from music, he enjoys skateboarding and playing video games.

  4. 19

    Philanthropy: He has supported various charitable causes, including mental health organizations and youth music programs.

  5. 20

    Pet Lover: Rex is a known animal lover and often shares pictures of his pets on social media.

Awards and Achievements

Rex Orange County's talent has not gone unnoticed in the music industry.

  1. 21

    NME Awards: He won the Best New Artist award at the NME Awards in 2018.

  2. 22

    Brit Awards Nomination: He was nominated for British Breakthrough Act at the Brit Awards in 2019.

  3. 23

    Chart Success: His third album, "Pony," released in 2019, debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart.

  4. 24

    Sold-Out Tours: Rex has sold out multiple tours across North America, Europe, and Australia, showcasing his global appeal.

  5. 25

    Collaborations: Besides Tyler, The Creator, he has collaborated with artists like Randy Newman and Benny Sings.

Fun Facts

Here are some quirky and lesser-known facts about Rex Orange County.

  1. 26

    Stage Name Origin: The "Rex" in his stage name comes from a nickname given by his friends, while "Orange County" is a nod to the TV show "The OC."

  2. 27

    First Instrument: The first instrument he learned to play was the piano, which remains a central element in his music.

  3. 28

    Favorite Food: He loves Italian food, especially pasta.

  4. 29

    Hidden Talent: Rex is an excellent cook and often experiments with new recipes.

  5. 30

    Fashion Sense: Known for his unique fashion sense, he often sports colorful and vintage-inspired outfits.

  6. 31

    Artistic Side: Besides music, he enjoys drawing and painting in his free time.

  7. 32

    Social Media: Rex is active on social media, where he interacts with fans and shares updates about his life and music.

  8. 33

    Inspirational Quotes: He often shares inspirational quotes and messages with his fans, encouraging them to stay positive and pursue their dreams.

  9. 34

    Future Plans: Rex has expressed interest in exploring other creative fields, such as film and photography, in the future.

The Final Note on Rex Orange County

Rex Orange County, born Alexander O'Connor, has made a significant impact on the music scene with his unique blend of jazz, pop, and soul. His journey from a small town in England to international fame is nothing short of inspiring. With hits like "Loving Is Easy" and "Best Friend," he's captured the hearts of many. His collaborations with artists like Tyler, The Creator, have further showcased his versatility. Despite facing personal challenges, Rex's resilience and passion for music shine through. His ability to connect with fans on a personal level sets him apart. As he continues to evolve, there's no doubt his influence will grow. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music, Rex Orange County's story is a testament to the power of authenticity and perseverance. Keep an eye on this rising star; his journey is far from over.

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