It’s been over a decade since Conan Gray first found fame as a teen YouTuber, initially making vlog content about his life in small-town Texas, before increasingly transitioning to acoustic covers, and, eventually, original music, helping him build an organic, loyal following before formally launching his career as an artist in 2017 (he’d sign a major label deal with Republic, and release his debut EP, Sunset Season, a year later). Born in California, Gray’s family briefly moved to Japan when he was an infant, to help with his ailing paternal grandfather, but ultimately returned to the states, and eventually settled in Georgetown, Texas, when Conan was still a preteen. He’d return to Southern California briefly for college, but opted to drop out as his career began to take off, earning tons of buzz for his first EP and early singles, and landing at festivals, TV appearances, and supporting prominent artists before his debut album, Kid Krow, even arrived in 2020 (it would go on to be certified platinum, land in the Billboard top 10, and earn praise from the likes of Taylor Swift and Elton John).
The five years since have been a whirlwind for Gray, who balances a shimmering, accessible pop sound with more introspective, melancholy indie and bedroom pop. He’s prolifically released three more full-lengths- 2022’s Superache, last year’s Found Heaven, and last month’s Wishbone– frequently working with producer Dan Nigro (of Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan fame). He’s also toured the world to increasingly larger crowds (despite the early-career hurdle of the pandemic), earned diverse critical accolades, modeled for some major brands, and has continued to explore new sonic horizons for his synthy, catchy, yet emotionally resonant sound. Following a pair of shows at The Ryman in 2022, Gray returns to Music City on Sept. 24, this time to headline the considerably larger Ascend Amphitheater! Tickets are still available right here, and buzzy indie pop singer hemlocke springs will open; we’re also thrilled to announce that we’re giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky fan. Preview the lineup and enter below!
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Conan Gray and hemlocke springs will perform Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Ascend Amphitheater. The show is all ages, begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are available for $54.50-408.10.