Jensen McRae facts for kids

Jensen Paige McRae (born September 10, 1997) 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. 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.

Early life and education

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

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

Artistry

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

Career

2017-2018: Early EPs

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

2019-2021: Debut Singles

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

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

In January 2021, McRae tweeted "in 2023 Phoebe Bridgers is gonna drop her third album." The Tweet went viral, and Bridgers also retweeted it. Soon after she released the parody vaccination theme song "Immune" in the style of Bridgers, produced by Rahki. That month she also collaborated with fellow Black folk artist Joy Oladokun on the track "Wish You the Best".

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.

Her debut extended play Who Hurt You? was released on June 22, 2021. 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".

2023-Present: It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This... and "Massachusetts"

On September 20, 2023, McRae released the visual EP It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This... on her Youtube channel. In November 2023, she uploaded the first verse and chorus of an unnamed song that garnered popularity on TikTok. She released the song under the name "Massachusetts" on June 11, 2024. This was her first release after signing with record label Dead Oceans.

Openers

• Noah Kahan - The Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) Tour (2024)

Discography

Studio album

Extended plays

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Accolades

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