How Conan Gray crafted Wishbone from his bedroom to the stage

Conan Gray sits on his bedroom floor, guitar in hand, scribbling lyrics as sunlight streams in. He once called the leap from writing alone to performing live “pretty insane,” but fans made him feel safe.

Album Release DateAugust 15, 2025

Wishbone marks his fourth studio album, and it’s a big step.

Songwriting

Limited edition Shooting Star vinyl of Conan Gray’s Wishbone, showcasing exclusive artwork and collector’s packaging.

Conan Gray’s Creative Space

Conan Gray didn’t just sit in one place to write his songs. He found inspiration in all sorts of spaces. Sometimes he wrote in the basement of a concert venue, other times he scribbled lyrics while laying on a hotel bed. He even wrote in the small gaps between tour stops. These moments felt private and a little bit secret. When he finally got home, he returned to his bedroom, which always felt safe and familiar. That’s where he wrote all twelve songs for “Wishbone.” He liked the quiet and the feeling that nobody else was listening. This space let him experiment and figure out who he was in his twenties. He said that music helped him rediscover himself during this time. Conan Gray also worked closely with his longtime producer, Dan Nigro, which made the process feel steady even when everything else changed.

“I wrote these songs in places where I felt like nobody could hear me. That’s when I’m most honest,” Conan once shared in an interview.

Emotional Drive

The songs on “Wishbone” come from real feelings and personal stories. Conan Gray used his music to talk about love that people don’t always say out loud. He wrote about hoping someone feels the same way you do, but not knowing for sure. Some songs talk about queer love, and he even mentions Elton John, who is a big icon for the LGBTQ+ community. The lyrics show how scary and exciting first love can feel. Conan wanted listeners to remember what it’s like to have a crush for the first time or to feel like a kid again. He said that writing these songs helped him understand himself better.

The lead single, “This Song,” played a big part in sharing the album with the world. Conan Gray first performed it live at Governors Ball 2025, which surprised fans and made them excited for the new album. He also sang it at a small acoustic show in London, telling the crowd that it marked the beginning of “Wishbone.” The song talks about breakups, growing up, and trying to connect with other people. When he performed it, the stage and his outfit matched the album’s style, making everything feel connected. Fans loved the performance and felt closer to him because of it. Conan posted on Instagram that these songs, including “This Song,” came from a time when he was trying new things and learning about himself.

  • The lyrics focus on unspoken love and the hope that feelings are returned.
  • There are strong hints of queer love, like the mention of Elton John.
  • The songs capture the feeling of first love and the emotions that come with it.
  • Conan Gray wanted to make people feel like they were experiencing a first crush all over again.

Production

Conan Gray singing during the Wishbone tour, with vibrant stage lighting and themed set design matching the album’s artwork.

Collaborators

Conan Gray teamed up with some familiar faces and a few new ones for “Wishbone.” Dan Nigro, who produced Conan’s earlier albums “Kid Krow” and “Superache,” came back as the executive producer. Their partnership felt like a reunion of old friends. Dan knows how Conan likes to work, so the sessions moved fast and felt comfortable.

But Conan didn’t stop there. He wanted to try new things, so he brought in Ethan Gruska, Noah Conrad, Luka Kloser, and Elvira Anderfjärd. These producers hadn’t worked with Conan before, but they brought fresh ideas to the table. Each one added their own style, which helped the album sound different from his past music. Conan liked how everyone listened to each other and tried out wild ideas, even if they seemed weird at first.

Recording Process

The recording process for “Wishbone” was all about experimenting. Conan said he wanted to break away from the retro sound of his earlier albums. He didn’t want every song to sound the same. Instead, he wrote and recorded slowly, sometimes in his pajamas, sometimes late at night. He let the music remind him who he was, even when he felt lost.

“I just wanted to make something that felt like me, not like anyone else,” Conan shared in a behind-the-scenes video.

The team tried out new sounds and instruments. Sometimes they would record a song, then change it completely the next day. The sessions felt relaxed but also a little bit wild. Conan and his producers didn’t worry about making mistakes. They just wanted to see what would happen.

“Wishbone” comes in a few different formats. Fans can get it on CD, digital download, or as an exclusive vinyl. The vinyl version has special artwork and feels like a collector’s item. People who love music will probably want to get their hands on that one!

Conan Gray on Stage

Tour Announcement

Conan Gray will go on tour for the Wishbone Pajama Show in 2025. He starts in Ohio and ends in Mexico. This is his first time performing in Mexico. The tour lasts from September 11 to October 19. There are nineteen shows in the U.S. and Mexico. Fans feel excited because this tour is different. He does not play in Europe or other countries. This is the first time since the Comfort Crowd Tour that he stays in America. Hemlocke Springs will open most U.S. shows. The opening act for Mexico is not announced yet.

Here’s the tour schedule:

DateCityVenue
Sep 11, 2025Cuyahoga Falls, OHBlossom Music Center
Sep 13, 2025Cincinnati, OHRiverbend Music Center
Sep 14, 2025Tinley Park, ILCredit Union 1 Amphitheatre
Sep 16, 2025Pittsburgh, PAPetersen Events Center
Sep 17, 2025Clarkston, MIPine Knob Music Theatre
Sep 19, 2025Bridgeport, CTHartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Sep 20, 2025Fairfax, VAEagleBank Arena
Sep 22, 2025Hollywood, FLHard Rock Live
Sep 24, 2025Nashville, TNAscend Amphitheater
Sep 26, 2025Charlotte, NCPNC Music Pavilion
Sep 28, 2025St. Louis, MOHollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Sep 29, 2025Kansas City, MOStarlight Theatre
Oct 1, 2025West Valley City, UTUtah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Oct 3, 2025Mountain View, CAShoreline Amphitheatre
Oct 4, 2025San Diego, CAViejas Arena
Oct 6, 2025Morrison, CORed Rocks Amphitheatre
Oct 16, 2025Mexico City, MexicoPalacio de los Deportes
Oct 17, 2025Guadalajara, MexicoAuditorio Telmex
Oct 19, 2025Monterrey, MexicoAuditorio Banamex

Note: VIP packages do not have pre-show Q&A sessions. Some fans miss these from older tours.

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Live Experience

The Wishbone Pajama Show looks and feels new at Conan Gray’s concerts. The stage has hand-painted waves, a ship, and bright lights. These match the feelings in “Wishbone.” The setlist mixes slow songs, fast pop songs, and surprises. Songs like “Fainted Love,” “Never Ending Song,” “Wish You Were Sober,” and “Eye of the Night” keep fans guessing. Conan Gray also sings older songs like “People Watching” and “Astronomy.” This makes longtime fans happy.

  • New stage art shows the feelings and memories in the album.
  • The setlist changes at each show, so it is always fun.
  • Sometimes fans help pick which songs Conan sings.

Conan Gray’s concerts connect his private songwriting with the crowd’s energy. At Governors Ball 2025, he sang with strong feelings and used cool stage designs. He turned his personal stories into moments everyone could share. The audience likes his honesty and real emotions. Every show feels special. He brings the same feelings from his bedroom to the stage. Fans get to feel the music in a new way.

Some fans say the shows are powerful and well done. They love the guitar solos and bass lines. Others enjoy how Conan talks between songs and shares stories. He makes everyone feel welcome. Most feedback is good, but some people want more surprises in the setlist. Still, most fans think the live show is amazing.

“Conan’s concerts make you feel part of the story. The energy is wild, but the feelings are real,” one fan said after seeing him live.


Conan Gray wrote “Wishbone” with real feelings. He got help from friends. The album shows who he is. Sometimes he felt lost, but music helped. He started making songs in his bedroom. Later, he sang them on stage. Fans feel close to him because of this.

Many people think the songs fit their lives well.
Here are some awards and nominations for “Wishbone”:

Awarding Body / OrganizationAward / Nomination CategoryYear(s)
Academy of Television Arts & SciencesFirst Honor Roll of Children’s Programming1999
George Foster Peabody AwardAward Winner1998
Emmy AwardsArt Direction/Set Decoration/Scenic Design1997
Emmy AwardsCostume Design/Styling1996, 1997
Emmy AwardsGraphics and Title Design1997
Emmy AwardsNominations for “Wishbone’s Dog Days of the West” (Directing, Art Direction, Main Title Design, Costume Design)1998
Television Critics AssociationBest Children’s Show1996, 1997

Conan Gray keeps changing pop music for Gen Z. His story from bedroom to stage gives fans hope.

FAQ

How did Conan Gray choose the album name “Wishbone”?

He picked “Wishbone” because it reminds him of hope. He wanted fans to feel lucky, like making a wish. It just felt right to him.

Will Conan Gray release more behind-the-scenes videos?

Yes, he plans to share more. Fans love seeing his process. He sometimes posts clips on Instagram or YouTube. Keep an eye out for updates!

Can fans expect any surprise guests on the Wishbone tour?

Nobody knows for sure yet. Conan likes surprises, though. He sometimes brings friends on stage. Fans should watch his social media for hints.

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