Conan Gray’s artistic evolution is marked by a return to authenticity with his upcoming album, *Wishbone*, and a steadfast embrace of his natural self, particularly his signature long hair. This article delves into the creative process behind Gray’s new music and explores his evolving relationship with his personal style, highlighting key insights from interviews and media appearances.
The “Wishbone” Era
Conan Gray is gearing up for the release of his highly anticipated album, *Wishbone*, scheduled to drop on August 15, 2025, via Republic Records. This album represents a significant shift towards his roots as a singer-songwriter, emphasizing raw, unfiltered emotion over highly produced pop sounds.
Back to Singer-Songwriter Roots
According to i-D, Gray characterizes *Wishbone* as a deliberate move back to the core of his artistry. The album’s genesis lies in solitude, a stark contrast to the collaborative nature of much contemporary pop music. This introspective approach allowed Gray to tap into a deeper well of personal experience and vulnerability. He aimed to create music that felt genuine and unadulterated, reflecting the purest form of his songwriting.
Exploring Love and Vulnerability
The central themes of *Wishbone* revolve around the exhilarating and often daunting experience of falling in love for the first time. These songs capture the rush of emotions, the uncertainty, and the sheer vulnerability that accompanies such a transformative experience. Gray delves into the nuances of these feelings, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his personal journey, as noted in DIY Magazine.
The Creative Process Behind *Wishbone*
The creation of *Wishbone* was a deeply personal and intensive process. Over a span of two years, Gray secretly penned over 300 songs, a testament to his dedication and prolific songwriting. Of these, twelve tracks were carefully selected to form the final album. Many of these songs were crafted in stolen moments between tours and after shows, highlighting Gray’s commitment to his craft, as detailed in InMusic Blog.
This period of intense creativity allowed him to explore different facets of his artistry and refine his vision for the album. The songs that made the cut represent the most authentic and compelling expressions of his experiences and emotions.
Reuniting with Dan Nigro
For *Wishbone*, Conan Gray once again collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Dan Nigro. This reunion marks a continuation of their successful partnership, as Nigro also contributed to Gray’s previous projects. Their established rapport and shared understanding of Gray’s artistic vision allowed them to create a cohesive and impactful album. Nigro’s expertise in bringing out the emotional depth of Gray’s songwriting proved invaluable in shaping the overall sound and feel of *Wishbone*.
The Most Sincere Parts of Himself
Gray has openly shared that the music he created for *Wishbone* represents the most sincere and authentic parts of himself. He expressed that writing these songs reminded him of who he truly was, allowing him to reconnect with his core identity as an artist. He also noted that he often produces his best work when he feels a sense of discomfort with the level of personal revelation in his music. This willingness to push boundaries and embrace vulnerability is a defining characteristic of his artistry.
Conan Gray’s Signature Hairstyle
Beyond his music, Conan Gray is also known for his distinctive personal style, particularly his long, flowing hair. He has consistently expressed his contentment with his current hairstyle and has no plans to alter it, despite varying opinions on its length.
Embracing Natural Curls
In a video featured on NYLON, Conan Gray offered insights into his simple hair routine. He explained that he typically washes his hair, applies curl cream, and allows it to air dry. He also noted that he prefers his hair when it is slightly disheveled, embracing a more natural and effortless look. This approach reflects his overall philosophy of embracing authenticity and individuality.
Furthermore, Gray shared with Vogue his journey towards accepting his naturally curly hair. He admitted that he had previously attempted to deny and straighten his curls, but has since learned to appreciate and celebrate their natural texture. This evolution in his self-perception underscores his commitment to self-acceptance and embracing his unique qualities.
A Lifelong Journey
Conan Gray revealed that he has been growing his hair since birth, emphasizing its integral role in his identity. He jokingly stated that he doesn’t know who he would be without it, highlighting the deep connection he feels to his hair. His long hair has become a signature feature, synonymous with his personal brand and artistic persona. It represents a tangible expression of his individuality and self-expression.
The opinions of others, regarding when he should cut his hair, are irrelevant to Gray. He is happy with his hair and plans to keep it long.
Authenticity Embodied
Conan Gray’s upcoming album, *Wishbone*, signifies a return to his singer-songwriter origins, focusing on raw emotion and personal storytelling. Paired with his unwavering embrace of his signature long hair, Gray exemplifies authenticity in both his music and personal style. His journey encourages listeners and fans to embrace their true selves, finding comfort and strength in their unique identities.
