Vevo Launches “Artist Portrait” With Conan Gray’s Intimate Performance of “Actor”

Vevo, the leading global music video platform, has introduced its latest original series, “Artist Portrait,” a project devoted to showcasing the music world’s brightest rising talents in uniquely intimate settings. The franchise aims to reimagine the conventional music video format by blending live performances, candid interviews, and exclusive commentary—all filmed in spaces that hold personal significance for the artists themselves. This approach offers viewers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into each artist’s creative process and personal journey, setting the stage for a new era of music storytelling .

“Artist Portrait” launches with Conan Gray, the acclaimed singer-songwriter whose sophomore album Wishbone explores themes of identity, heartbreak, and self-acceptance. For the series debut, Gray performs his emotionally resonant track “Actor” in a cozy, attic-style bedroom suffused with natural light—a setting chosen to reflect the warmth and vulnerability at the heart of his music. Seated cross-legged on the bed, guitar in hand and surrounded by his band, Gray delivers a powerful, stripped-back rendition that underscores the song’s narrative of lost love and the pain of erasure .

The “Artist Portrait” series builds on Vevo’s reputation for innovative, artist-centric programming. Senior Vice President of Content, Programming & Marketing JP Evangelista describes the new series as “showing fans their favorite musicians in environments that mean something to them.” By bringing the production to the artist’s chosen space, Vevo hopes to foster authenticity and emotional connection—qualities that resonate strongly with today’s audiences .

Executive Producer Chris Pereira emphasizes that the series is “a window into an artist’s current creative state,” providing fans with access to the quieter moments between tours and recording sessions where the artist’s true self emerges .

Gray’s relationship with Vevo dates back to his appearance in the 2020 DSCVR Artists to Watch segment, followed by multiple Live from Vevo Studios sessions and a feature in Vevo Footnotes earlier in 2025. This history of collaboration underscores Vevo’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging voices and diverse perspectives in music .

Conan Gray’s performance of “Actor” is notable for its emotional immediacy and thematic depth. The song, which grapples with the pain of a relationship erased from memory, is rendered with striking honesty in the series’ opening episode. Lyrics such as “Let’s pretend nothing happened, I agree, but you’re a much better actor than me” capture the heartbreak and longing that have become hallmarks of Gray’s songwriting .

The intimate setting—a wood-paneled bedroom filled with gentle light—mirrors the introspective tone of Wishbone, inviting viewers to experience both the music and the artist’s emotional landscape up close. For LGBTQ+ listeners, Gray’s openness about his journey resonates as both relatable and affirming, reinforcing the importance of authentic representation in mainstream media .

Gray, who has often spoken candidly about his experiences as a queer artist, continues to be a touchstone for LGBTQ+ audiences seeking visibility and affirmation in popular culture. The “Artist Portrait” series amplifies this impact by centering artists’ own narratives, celebrating the diversity of identities and creative expressions within the music industry .

In interviews and commentary, Gray has discussed how his songwriting is shaped by his own journey of self-acceptance, heartbreak, and resilience. These themes are woven into both his performances and the broader storytelling approach adopted by Vevo for “Artist Portrait,” reflecting the lived realities of LGBTQ+ people and fostering a sense of community among viewers .

The series also advances affirming and inclusive language, highlighting the importance of authentic representation for transgender people, nonbinary individuals, and others who have historically been marginalized in entertainment media. By foregrounding artists’ voices, “Artist Portrait” contributes to a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity and respect for all identities .

The debut episode was directed by Skyler Brown, with executive production led by Chris Periera and Claudia Guevara, and a full creative team credited with bringing Gray’s vision to life. The collaborative environment fostered by Vevo’s production team enabled Gray and his band to deliver a performance that is both technically polished and emotionally raw .

Vevo has announced that the “Artist Portrait” series will continue with more performances from Conan Gray throughout October, culminating in a short film that weaves together music and narrative moments. Future episodes are expected to feature additional rising stars, each offering their own unique perspective and creative voice .

For Gray’s fans—and for the broader music and LGBTQ+ communities—the series promises to be a vital platform for storytelling, visibility, and connection. In a media landscape increasingly defined by authenticity, “Artist Portrait” stands out as an innovative and inclusive project, setting a new standard for how music and narrative intersect onscreen.