Conan Gray's popularity is rising fast only for his hard work and talent

Conan Gray Official Instagram

2015–2017: Career beginnings on YouTube/ Influences

Conan Lee Gray is 21-years-old. On December 5, 1998, he was born in Lemon Grove, California. He started making YouTube videos from an early age, and the first one, "Let Me Introduce Myself," was posted on January 20, 2013. By 12, he had started putting up videos of himself singing. He usually uploads a mix of original songs, covers, cooking videos with friends and sits down straight to camera conversations on his channel. After posting more covers from Lana Del Rey, Lorde, Troye Sivan, and Frank Ocean, Gray began uploading his acoustic performances.

"Idle Town" is a tribute to Gray's hometown and high school memories leading to his ample opportunity. Gray did most of the work on the video himself, alongside his best friend, Ashley, and wrote the song by himself.

Conan Gray has affirmed that Taylor Swift raised him "both as a writer and a human." He also named Lorde as one of his other primary influences. His EP, "Sunset Season" was inspired by her debut album, "Pure Heroine." He has also cited Dixie Chicks and Adele as his main musical influences, revealing a mutual admiration for V of BTS and his friend Billie Eilish.

Conan Gray Official Instagram

2018–2019: "Sunset Season"

In October 2018, Gray released the single "Generation Why" on Republic Records. In November 2018, the singer released the five-track EP "Sunset Season," which includes the songs "Idle Town," "Generation Why," "Crush Culture," "Greek God," and "Lookalike." Gray embarked on a North American tour supporting the EP with Girl in Red, a Norwegian indie-pop singer-songwriter.

He made his late-night television debut when he performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers on the eve of February 2019 before performing several shows as an opening act for Panic! at the Disco during their "Pray for the Wicked Tour."

Between March and October 2019, Gray released a series of singles off of his debut album, "Kid Krow," namely "Checkmate," "Comfort Crowd," and "Maniac," and an independent single, "The King." In October 2019, he embarked on his second headlining tour, "The Comfort Crowd Tour," of North America, with support from New Zealand musician Benee and American recording artist UMI.

Conan Gray Official Instagram

2020–present: "Kid Krow"

The debut album was, at that point, inevitable. On January 9, 2020, Conan Gray revealed "Kid Krow," and wrote, "I say more on this album than I've ever said in my life, and I can't wait to tell you all of my secrets. Love y'all." He also released "The Story" on the same day of the album's announcement and "Wish You Were Sober" as a surprise release two days before its release.

Gray released his debut album on March 20, 2020. The record has been acclaimed by Paper, Billboard, NPR, Teen Vogue, and Paste.

Photographer: Dillon Matthew