Pop star Conan Gray made a significant statement by choosing to portray a queer love story in his latest music videos. The release of his fourth studio album, “Wishbone,” on Aug 15, marked a pivotal moment for the singer-songwriter as he delves into visually depicting queer themes for the first time. In an exclusive with PEOPLE, Gray shared his thoughts on why now felt like the “right time” to showcase a queer romance in his music videos.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/conan-gray-1-7bb9715d89534b5bba9b9014ecade2e6.jpg)
Gray’s approach to portraying this queer love story involved enlisting the help of longtime friend and former Disney actor, Corey Fogelmanis. The duo starred in a trilogy of music videos that accompanied the “Wishbone” album, bringing to life the characters Wilson and Brando, who embark on a whirlwind summer romance filled with emotional depths. Gray emphasized the importance of feeling comfortable on screen, hence why he turned to Fogelmanis for this significant role.
“Wishbone” marks a return to Gray’s musical roots, with the artist penning most of the songs on his guitar and collaborating with his first-ever producer, Dan Nigro. The album, which carries a ’90s-inspired sound, also allowed Gray to reconnect with his Texan upbringing as he filmed the music videos in his hometown of Georgetown, Texas. This introspective album serves as a reminder of Gray’s identity and childhood dreams, reflecting the person he has always been.
Despite having touched on queer themes in his songwriting previously, Gray’s decision to explicitly depict queer love in his visuals is a notable step forward in his artistic journey. The music videos for “This Song,” “Vodka Cranberry,” and “Caramel” offer audiences a glimpse into a heartfelt summer romance between two boys, a storyline that Gray felt compelled to bring to life. He expressed that depicting this narrative felt instinctual and timely, reflecting a story he personally wanted to see unfold on screen.
Gray’s exploration of queer representation in his music videos signifies a personal and creative evolution for the artist. Through the wishbone superstition, Gray reflects on his own journey of transformation and self-discovery while creating the album. The metaphorical symbolism of the wishbone breaking and leading to unexpected outcomes resonates with Gray’s own experiences of growth and realization.
As Gray continues to push boundaries and explore new artistic territories, his decision to authentically portray a queer love story in his visuals contributes to the broader conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry. By embracing this narrative in his work, Gray not only connects with his audience on a deeper level but also sets a meaningful precedent for inclusion and diversity in the realm of music.
“Wishbone” is now available on all streaming platforms, inviting listeners to delve into Gray’s introspective world and immerse themselves in the poignant storytelling woven throughout the album. Gray’s bold artistic choices and heartfelt narratives pave the way for a more inclusive and authentic representation of love and identity in music, resonating with fans and newcomers alike.