How local singer-songwriter Gray Connors’ viral TikTok moment helped turn a lifelong passion into a rising music career
Photograph: Katharine Calderwood
At 22, Gray Connors is navigating a “pinch me” moment of overnight fame with the release of her third single, “The Smoke,” and the sense that the sky is the limit for the singer-songwriter. “It was crazy, my [social media] posts had been doing well, so I kind of assumed that it was only a matter of time until it lost its traction, but the success and virality just continued,” says Connors.
Her raw, vulnerable lyrics, natural musical talent and sense of humor—paired with a willingness to wear her heart on her sleeve—have quickly built a devoted following. With more than 1 million Spotify streams and nearly 250,000 TikTok followers, both numbers continue to climb each day.
Becoming BiCoastal
Connors spent her early childhood years in Rowayton before moving to New Canaan, where she attended New Canaan Country School through eighth grade. She later went on to Loomis Chaffe in Windsor,.
She asked for her first guitar for her eighth birthday and remembers being “very impatient” to learn. Largely self-taught, she is now expanding her skillset by adding the piano as both a songwriting tool and a way to perform covers.
Connors is currently splitting her time between Los Angeles and Wilton and, while she loves the L.A. vibe, she also recognizes the value of being close to home and within reach of New York’s creative scene. She feels grateful to be experiencing what she calls “the best of both worlds.”
Finding Her Sound
Flattered to be frequently compared to Taylor Swift, Connors is working on defining her own unique sound. “Being compared to Taylor is awesome; she’s the biggest pop star in the world and basically raised me in songwriting,” she says. “I’m working to differentiate my music and just stay true to myself.”
When we sat down with Connors in May, she had just recently played her first live show at The Woodbridge, a warehouse venue in downtown Los Angeles, marking her first real experience performing onstage. “I was very nervous and was having a lot of trouble hearing myself,” she says.
Due to a ruptured eardrum and subsequent tube surgery, Connors has lived with hearing loss in one ear since childhood—an obstacle that has shaped both her process and her resilience. She says it affects her ability to stay on pitch and on time when recording vocals. “And, of course, during live performances, I notice it even more,” she adds. “I wore hearing aids when I was younger, but I never liked how they felt or sounded. It’s definitely a challenge, but I’ve learned to work around it—and I’ll continue to do that.”
Despite those challenges, playing live marked a major milestone for Connors. “It was so fun getting to perform with such talented musicians. I love making connections and hope to one day play with a band—my songs go so well with additional instruments,” she says. “I even met a fan for the first time. I didn’t realize he had come just to see me at first, it was definitely ‘an OMG’ moment.”
Building a Musical Identity
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan and, of course, Taylor Swift, it’s no wonder that Connors has cultivated a sound that’s quickly gaining attention. But it was during her time singing lead vocals at New Canaan’s School of Rock that she developed a deeper appreciation for classic female artists like Pat Benatar, Carol King and Blondie.
As her sound has taken shape, so too has her relationship to performing—whether recording herself for social media or preparing for her first live performance earlier this year. When it comes to pre-performance jitters, Connors keeps it simple. She prepares herself mentally by trying not to think too much ahead of time. Instead, she just gets up there and sings. “I’m always the most anxious before I start playing,” she says. “The self-doubt is challenging, but I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Eyes on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Connors is focused on steady growth. “I know I have a long journey ahead, so I’ve been setting small goals,” she says. “Long-term, I’d love to work with some of the top producers, collaborate with songwriters and of course play to big crowds and sell out stadiums.”
When she’s not writing, singing or playing guitar, Connors enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Carson, whom she met while they were students at Loyola Marymount University. She also enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors. When she’s back home in Connecticut, she’s surrounded by her three dogs, two cats and five chickens.