Media and PR Manager
On Aug. 15, popular music artist Conan Gray released his new album, Wishbone. In the midst of touring for his last album, the Found Heaven On Earth Tour, Gray spent several months secretly writing what he believes to be the most meaningful album of his career. Wishbone is the artist’s most personal and emotional project to date, and the artist describes it as the album he always dreamed of creating.
Following the release of popular singles Vodka Cranberry and This Song earlier this year, Gray’s new album Wishbone features twelve new tracks and plays for a total of forty-three minutes. On top of Wishbone being the artist’s fourth studio album, it is also the first album Gray owns the rights to under his company GirlyBoy. Gray began his music career writing and producing songs in his bedroom, and cherishes how this new album relates to his journey of discovery as a teenager. When discussing the sentimentality of the new tracks and lyrics, Gray shared, “While I was writing this album, I was actively rediscovering who I am. Writing these songs so diaristically and so honestly is this very thrilling, extremely validating experience, and that’s why the whole album ended up that way.” While the overall theme of the album is Gray’s coming-of-age story, the accompanying music videos for Wishbone focus on a queer love story between two fictional characters, a part of himself Gray is not scared to share with his audience. Throughout the music videos, the fictional characters Wilson and Brando experience a classic romance story full of heartbreak, but eventually their journey concludes with a happy ending. The meaningful themes of the album are especially present in the trilogy of songs, This Song, Vodka Cranberry, and the last release, Caramel. When sharing the importance of the songs to him and his listeners, Gray confessed, “I really wanted to create a story that I would have liked to have had when I was young. Two boys falling in love and seeing that they get an ending that is happy. I think that’s really rare.” In the pursuit of creating his coming-of-age love story, Gray took inspiration from many films, including Brokeback Mountain, The Edge of Seventeen, and Lady Bird.
Gray describes Wishbone as his “wet dream album,” one that feels like he is sharing his diary and a deep, hidden part of himself with his listeners. From confessionals of his own flaws through songs like Class Clown to heart-wrenching love songs like Behind Every Kiss is a Jaw That Could Bite, Gray tells the story of his youth and reveals his personal struggles to his fans, offering anyone who has experienced heartbreak someone to relate to. Gray is set to tour the Wishbone Pajama Show throughout September and October this year. On Friday, Oct. 3, Gray will perform in the Bay Area at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View.
(Sources: Paper Magazine)