Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, announces the launch of a new original content franchise, titled “Artist Portrait,” a series that includes exclusive commentary and live performances by popular artists in one-of-a-kind locations. Vevo’s first “Artist Portrait” features Conan Gray (@conangray), with two of the series’ performances to be released throughout October, culminating in a short film that weaves in both performances and narrative.
Conan Gray – “Actor” (Live) | Vevo ‘Artist Portrait’
Conan’s first “Artist Portrait” performance of “Actor” takes place in a wood-paneled attic of a home facing the sea. Surrounded by his band with his guitar in hand, he strums, sitting cross-legged at the foot of the bed. He sings of the heartbreak of watching a love interest pretend that nothing romantic ever happened – and doing it so convincingly that you start to question if it was even real.
Conan and Vevo have a long history of working together: Vevo “DSCVR Artists to Watch” performances of “Maniac” and “Comfort Crowd” in 2020; “Live from Vevo Studios” performances of “Memories” and “Disaster” in 2021; “Live from Vevo Studios” performances of “Alley Rose” and “Never Ending Song” in 2024; and “Vevo Footnotes” for “This Song” in 2025.
“Let’s pretend nothing happened. I agree.”
In his own words, JP Evangelista (SVP, Content, Programming & Marketing, Vevo) explains, “Vevo has a rich heritage and vast expertise in capturing beautiful, top-quality content for artists. We’re expanding the Vevo Originals portfolio and building upon the success of our ‘Extended Play’ series, which marked our official foray into on-location short films that blend narrative with performance. With ‘Artist Portrait,’ we bring the set to the artist, wherever they are. Meanwhile, fans get to enjoy the very best of their favorite artists, live, from select real-world locations that are special to them – where they can connect in a uniquely powerful way, unlike anywhere else. Having worked with Conan at Vevo Studios since the early days of his career, it is such a pleasure to see him flourish! In this series, fans will see Conan like never before, by the seaside: raw, authentic, and deeply personal.”
“You’re a much better actor than me.”
“Artist Portrait” spotlights the spirit of an artist outside of the studio, with each piece of content providing an immersive, artist-led portrait in locations reflective of their creative vision and personal identity. Shaped by the artists themselves, the series’ performances and interviews are held in locations near and dear to their hearts, providing a unique look into their creative framework.
“Vevo’s ‘Artist Portrait’ series delves into the spirit—the inner creative life—of an artist in the present tense,” explains Chris Pereira, Executive Producer, Vevo. “We meet each artist where they are—on the road, in the studio, or at home—for quiet conversations and stripped-back performances that unfold with minimal convention or setup, removing barriers between the viewer and the artist’s words and songs. For the launch of the series, we met Conan at a seaside writing cabin for some intimate performances, and spoke with him about the long, winding process of sifting through a body of material to find the eventual voice of his second album, Wishbone.”
Listen to Conan Gray’s “Wishbone” Album
When Conan Gray announced the arrival of his fourth studio album, “Wishbone,” he shared in a statement that he wrote the album in secret. While touring his 2024 album “Found Heaven,” he would finish shows and sketch demos with zero stakes attached. He showed the songs to Dan Nigro, who helped Gray record his first album, “Kid Krow,” way back in 2020. The tracks, created with the sort of vulnerability only achievable when writing without an audience in mind, ended up becoming the bones of “Wishbone,” Gray’s cathartic exploration of his foray into adulthood.
We recommend adding Conan Gray’s “Actor” single to your favorite contemporary pop playlist. We would love to hear your thoughts! Comment below and let us know how you feel. Your feedback helps us bring you more of what you love to discover. As always, thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment, your go-to source for new music and entertainment news. Connect with us on X, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to share your thoughts and stay updated. Subscribe to our newsletter, grab some merch, and support us as a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment, “the hot spot for new music.” Remember, (P)ositive (E)nergy (A)lways (C)reates (E)levation—P.E.A.C.E.
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