Billboard is reporting that Bright Eyes principle Conor Oberst has signed to Merge Records with plans to release his first solo album in nearly 12 years this summer. The self–titled release was recorded in January and February in Tepoztlan, Mexico and is due in stores on August 5th.

Oberst is backed on the record by the Mystic Valley Band; the lineup of that group has not yet been named. Oberst produced the recording with collaborator Andy LeMaster assisting. The album is Oberst's first in his own name since 1996's cassette Soundtrack To My Movies. It's also his first domestic release apart from Omaha's Saddle Creek Records.

Oberst and the Mystic Valley band will play the Reading and Leeds Festivals this August, along with Ireland's Electric Picnic and September's Austin City Limits.