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Dan Nigro knows what its like to be on the other side of the production process.
The pair have consistently worked together since Grays 2018 debut EPSunset Season.
Theres no better representation of the landscape Nigro thrives in than Grays music.
It seems this generation is much more into something thats right on the nose.
Im never trying to overproduce something and make a song about the production.
To me, its always about the song itself.
You began working with Conan at the very beginning of his career when he was signed to Republic.
And Im feeding off of them.
Working with them and seeing those reactions is one of my favorite parts about making music.
My skill set comes from years and years of working in the studio deeply with other people.
Or I felt like there were always times that producers did things that made me feel more shut off.
So I always take a stab at like, not do those things.
Conans work, especially on this new album, is deeply personal.
Whats it like to step into that space as a third party?
Hes also insanely prolific as a songwriter.
He said he wrote 250 songs for this album.[Laughs.]
He writes a lot of songs.
How do you go about whittling that down to 12?
But its a really interesting process.
Theres more sonic palettes and lyrical subject matter explored.
It feels like its just a bigger version of it.
Its either their voice just blows me away in a way that its undeniable.
Or their lyrical perspective is something that I just feel is super unique.
Do you think its because theres a universality to what theyre singing about?
Or just that you bring complementary skill sets to the table?I think its both.
Theres actually been tons of times people will send me an artist that is incredible.
And theyre like, We really want you to work with this artist, and Ill listen to it.
So I guess in a way, I always knew that it was the best song.
What about this time around?
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
