As of 2000, many new scenes are appearing on the radar in Middle America; all with unique sounds. One is Omaha home to several highly regarded indie rock acts such as Bright Eyes and Cursive. Bright Eyes singer/songwriter and Omaha native Conor Oberst, who helped start the label, has been called the "King of Indie Rock" by Rolling Stone magazine. Elliott Smith was born here, but raised in Texas and rose to popularity in Portland.