California Singer-Songwriter Jensen McRae Releases New Album Amid Personal Reflections
In early 2021, as the COVID-19 vaccine rolled out, Jensen McRae, a singer-songwriter from California, humorously tweeted about fellow artist Phoebe Bridgers supposedly writing a song about the unique experiences of getting vaccinated. While Bridgers didn’t follow through with that idea, McRae took the opportunity and created her own track, "Immune," inspired by the shared experiences of lockdowns and the pandemic.
McRae explained that her rise to fame coincided with Bridgers’ growing popularity. The playful tweet turned into a significant moment for McRae, and soon after, she released her debut EP in 2021 and an album in 2022. Last year, she signed with Dead Oceans, the same label that represents Bridgers, further establishing her place in the music scene.
Her new folk-pop album, titled "I Don’t Know How, But They Found Me!" is set to be released soon, and the title pays homage to a line from the beloved classic film "Back to the Future." McRae relates to the character Doc Brown’s resilience, likening her own experiences in her twenties to surviving challenges while continuously persevering through them.
Resilience is a prominent theme in McRae’s songwriting. Her debut album, "Are You Happy Now?", skillfully tackled serious topics like abuse and identity, blending personal narratives with broader societal commentary. Her most popular song from that album, "My Ego Dies in the End," reflects her commitment to using her music as a form of expression and storytelling.
“It’s been said that by the age of 25, a writer has enough experiences to draw from for a lifetime,” McRae shared, noting how her reflective process has helped her craft heartfelt songs. The new album consists of tracks she wrote during significant relationships, culminating in a full story that resonates with her listeners.
McRae recorded the album with producer Brad Cook, who has worked with notable artists like Bon Iver. Their collaborative effort gave McRae the opportunity to hone her craft in an environment where she felt both supported and inspired.
Recently, a clip of McRae singing her song "Massachusetts" gained attention on TikTok, garnering millions of views even before its official release. While she initially felt unsure about the song’s framing within her album, an endorsement from pop star Justin Bieber prompted her to include it as part of her narrative.
"Massachusetts" captures memories tied to relationships, and Cook’s minimalistic production allows McRae’s voice and lyrics to shine through. Their collaboration focused on enhancing the song’s authenticity, a quality that resonates deeply with listeners.
As McRae navigates the complexities of online fame and fan expectations, she remains committed to her artistic vision. She acknowledges the fleeting nature of viral moments while focusing on the importance of creating music that is true to her experiences.
Reflecting on her songwriting journey, McRae recognizes the universal aspects of personal struggles shared through her music. "Going through hard times can feel isolating, but revisiting these songs later highlights how we’re not alone in our emotions," she said.
As she prepares for her upcoming tour, McRae aims to connect with her audience by sharing stories that reflect not only her journey but also the challenges faced by many. In a world often divided, her music serves as a reminder of our shared humanity amid personal and collective trials.
