Jensen McRae

Jensen McRae (born September 10, 1997)[3] is an American singer-songwriter and poet. She gained prominence for her debut singles "White Boy" (2019) and "Wolves"(2020). Her music has been recommended by Rolling Stone, Vulture, Nylon, NPR, and The Fader.[4][5][6] Her debut EP Who Hurt You? was released on June 25, 2021, followed by her debut studio album Are You Happy Now?, which was released on March 22, 2022.

Jensen McRae
Born (1997-09-10) September 10, 1997
Santa Monica, California
OriginLos Angeles, California
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter, poet
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active2017–present
Labels

Early life and education

McRae was born in Santa Monica, California[7] and raised in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.[8][9] She is of Black and white Jewish descent.[9] She has been singing since childhood and began to study piano at age 7.[6] Her early music influences were Carole King, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys.[6] She attended a summer program, Grammy Camp, during high school, which helped her decide to pursue music as a career path.[6]

McRae received a bachelor’s degree in popular music performance from USC Thornton School of Music on a full-ride scholarship.[6][10]

Artistry

McRae is compared to folk artists like Tracy Chapman and describes her music as "folk-alternative-pop".[6] She is an alto.[9] She said that music industry professionals attempt to box her music into r&b and soul because she's a Black artist.[6] Her music was described by WNUR: "Her rich, soothing voice complements the poised rebellion rooted in her socially and politically conscious lyrics."[6][8] Her lyrics frequently reference personal experiences and larger social and political themes.[8]

Career

2017-2018: Early EPs

McRae released her first two EPs online during college, Lighter (2017) and Milkshakes (2018).[11]

2019-2021: Debut Singles

Her debut single "White Boy" was released after her college graduation in 2019, followed by "Wolves" in 2020.[6][8]

In March 2020 she released "The Plague" in reference to the United States government's failure to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic.[4]

In January 2021, McRae tweeted "in 2023 Phoebe Bridgers is gonna drop her third album & the opening track will be about hooking up in the car while waiting in line to get vaccinated at dodger stadium and it’s gonna make me cry." The Tweet went viral, and Bridgers also retweeted it.[12] Soon after she released the parody vaccination theme song "Immune" in the style of Bridgers,[5] produced by Rahki.[5] That month she also collaborated with fellow Black folk artist Joy Oladokun on the track "Wish You the Best".[9]

2021-2022: Who Hurt You? and Are You Happy Now?

In March 2021 she released the track "Starting To Get To You," which was named one of NPR's 16 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing.[12]

Her debut extended play Who Hurt You? was released on June 22, 2021.[13] On February 22, 2022 McRae announced her debut studio album Are You Happy Now?. It was released on March 22, 2022 and features all of the songs from Who Hurt You? except "Immune".[14]

Discography
Jensen McRae discography
Studio albums1
EPs1
Singles10

Studio album
Title Details
Are You Happy Now?
  • Released: March 22, 2022
  • Label: Human Re Sources, The Orchard
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Extended plays
Title Details
Who Hurt You?
  • Released: June 25, 2021
  • Label: Human Re Sources, The Orchard
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

As lead artist
Title Year Album
"White Boy" 2019 Who Hurt You? and Are You Happy Now?
"Wolves" 2020
"The Plague" Non-album single
"Strange Fruit" I Can't Breathe / Music for the Movement
"Immune" 2021 Who Hurt You?
"skip.that.party"
(with X Ambassadors)		 Non-album single
"Starting to Get You" Who Hurt You? and Are You Happy Now?
"Gone"
(with Chiiild)		 Hope For Sale
"My Ego Dies at the End" Are You Happy Now?
"Happy Girl" 2022
Title Year Album
"Wish You the Best"
(Joy Oladokun featuring Jensen McRae)		 2021 In Defense of My Own Happiness

Accolades
  • 2020 - Complex, Best New Artists of the Month (March)[15]
  • 2020 - KCRW, 10 Best Songs of the Year (for "Wolves")[16]
  • 2021 - NPR, Slingshot's 2021 Artists To Watch[3]
  • 2021 - #YOUTUBEBLACK Voices Artist, Class of 2021[10]

References
  1. "Jensen McRae Artist Bio". AllMusic. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  2. Robinson, Chloe (28 June 2021). "JENSEN MCRAE STUNS WITH STIRRING EP 'WHO HURT YOU?'". Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  3. "17 Emerging Musicians To Watch In 2021". NPR.org. 2021-01-06. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
  4. Wang, Steffanee (2020-03-30). "Jensen McRae's "The Plague" Is A Timely, Crucial Listen". Nylon. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  5. Shaffer, Claire (2021-01-28). "Jensen McRae Turns Her Viral Phoebe Bridgers Parody Into a Real Song". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  6. Shanfeld, Ethan (2020-04-13). "A Conversation with Jensen McRae". WNUR. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  7. Rashed, Ayana (2021-01-27). "Jensen Mcrae Shares "Immune"; Debut Project Slated For 2021". Respect Mag.
  8. "NEW NOISE: JENSEN MCRAE". Wonderland. 2020-03-04. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  9. Castel, Gregory (2021-02-11). "Jensen McRae is having a moment for Black artists in folk [Interview]". EARMILK. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  10. "Jensen McRae named to #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021". music.usc.edu. 4 February 2021. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  11. Stories, Local (2019-04-02). "Meet Jensen McRae - Voyage LA Magazine | LA City Guide". voyagela.com. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  12. "Heavy Rotation: 16 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing". NPR.org. 2021-03-31. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  13. Murphy, Chris (2021-01-28). "That Perfect Fake Cover of a Phoebe Bridgers Song Is Now a Perfect Real Song". Vulture. Retrieved 2021-04-09.
  14. Chelonsky, Danielle (February 22, 2022). "Jensen McRae Announces Her New Album 'Are You Happy Now?' And Releases The Emotional Single 'Happy Girl'". Uproxx. Retrieved February 27, 2022.
  15. Gardner, Alex; Moore, Jacob (2020-03-24). "Best New Artists of the Month (March)". Complex. Retrieved 2021-05-13.
  16. "BEST OF 2020 MUSIC: Songs, albums, and artists that shined in a WTF year". KCRW. 2020-12-17. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
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