Jensen McRae
I always thought virality was not real… I thought it had to be manufactured by some other entity and anyone who’s ever gone viral did so because of the work of some marketing executives pulling strings behind the scenes. But I see now that it can just happen completely by accident. – Jensen McRae in W Magazine interview
Jensen McRae (b. 9/10/97) 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.
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.
Early Life:
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.
Musical Beginnings:
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. She released her first two EPs online during college, Lighter (2017) and Milkshakes (2018).
Discography:
|
Studio albums |
1 |
|---|---|
|
EPs |
1 |
|
Singles |
10 |
As featured artist: 1
One thing to share: In March 2020 she released “The Plague” in reference to the United States government’s failure to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Official website: I did not find an official website but it looks like Instagram is a pretty active spot for her.
Document Journal published an interview and a Spotify playlist of songs that Jensen wish she would have written.
Sources:
wikipedia
Tao Talk 
Finally an artist I’ve heard of AND previously covered!😀 Jensen McRae is very impressive, and she’s only 25.
Listening to her music makes me feel I’m listening to a contemporary version of Tracy Chapman. That said, I wouldn’t call her a straight folkie. I can also hear some Alicia Keys in here and even some (post-folk) Joni Mitchell, especially the vocals.
I predict this talented young lady has a great career ahead of her!
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Fabulous, Christian! Would you please put a link to your write-up in the comments? I’d like to know more about her. I just re-listened to, “Wolves” again and I daresay ever woman — and some men — can relate to the song. Thanks for reading along this month, Christian, and your comments.
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Here you go! I included another tune from her first full-length album in a Best of What’s New post a year ago. 🙂
https://christiansmusicmusings.wordpress.com/2022/03/26/best-of-whats-new-105/
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Christian, thanks for sharing the link to your post. Much appreciated 🙂
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New to me! Quite talented but it’s a tough game these days for a cerebral artist to get any traction. Unfortunately
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I hope she makes it big. Maybe she will be the one to bring cerebral artists back?
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Hope springs eternal
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I’ve heard of her and she is really good…what a powerful voice she has!
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Max, I agree on her voice. There is a confidence to it that draws me in.
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I’ve done one lone post on her….I want to do more. She was in command when she took the mic.
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You did?? Will you please link it here in a comment? The more info the better 🙂
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Lisa…we read so many blogs a day it’s hard to keep track…I think it will ring a bell…no pun intended lol… when you read it.
https://powerpop.blog/2022/10/15/maggie-bell-wishing-well/
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Ah yes! I do remember. Like you said so many blogs a day every day for years. This one was only a few months ago, I should have remembered 😦 Thanks for including the link, Max!
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No problem! I do that ALL of the time! It’s impossible to take completely all of what we read in.
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She’s excellent, so expressive. I too wish her great success. (K)
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I’m glad you like her, Kerfe.
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