Jensen McRae facts for kids

Jensen Paige McRae (born September 10, 1997) is an American singer and songwriter. She also writes poetry. Jensen became well-known for her first songs, "White Boy" (2019) and "Wolves" (2020). Many popular music magazines and websites, like Rolling Stone and NPR, have recommended her music.

Her first collection of songs, called an EP, was Who Hurt You?, released on June 25, 2021. Her first full album, Are You Happy Now?, came out on March 22, 2022.

Jensen's Early Life

Jensen McRae was born in Santa Monica, California. She grew up in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles. Her family background includes both Black and white Jewish heritage.

Jensen has loved singing since she was a little kid. She started learning to play the piano when she was seven years old. Some of her early music heroes were Carole King, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys. When she was in high school, she went to a special summer music program called Grammy Camp. This camp helped her decide that she wanted to make music her career.

Jensen later went to the USC Thornton School of Music. She earned a bachelor’s degree in popular music performance. She attended on a special scholarship that paid for all her schooling.

Her Music Style

Jensen McRae's music is often compared to folk artists like Tracy Chapman. Jensen herself describes her music as "folk-alternative-pop." She has a deep, rich singing voice, known as an alto.

Jensen has shared that some people in the music industry try to label her music as R&B or soul. This happens because she is a Black artist. However, she wants her music to be seen for its unique folk-pop sound. A radio station, WNUR, described her voice as "rich and soothing." They also noted that her songs often have "socially and politically conscious lyrics." This means her songs talk about important ideas in society and politics. Jensen often writes about her own experiences. She also sings about bigger social and political topics.

Jensen's Music Journey

First Songs and EPs

While she was in college, Jensen McRae released her first two EPs online. These were Lighter in 2017 and Milkshakes in 2018.

Becoming Well-Known

After she finished college, Jensen released her first official song, "White Boy," in 2019. Her song "Wolves" followed in 2020.

In March 2020, she released a song called "The Plague." This song was about how the United States government handled the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January 2021, Jensen posted a tweet that became very popular. She joked that singer Phoebe Bridgers would release her third album in 2023. Phoebe Bridgers even shared Jensen's tweet! Soon after, Jensen released a fun song called "Immune." It was a parody song about getting vaccinated, and it sounded like Phoebe Bridgers' music. That same month, Jensen also worked with another Black folk artist, Joy Oladokun. They sang together on a song called "Wish You the Best."

First EP and Album

In March 2021, Jensen released the song "Starting To Get To You." This song was chosen by NPR as one of their "16 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing."

Her first EP, Who Hurt You?, came out on June 25, 2021. Then, on February 22, 2022, Jensen announced her first full studio album, Are You Happy Now?. This album was released on March 22, 2022. It included almost all the songs from her Who Hurt You? EP.

Recent Music

On September 20, 2023, Jensen McRae released a "visual EP" called It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This.... A visual EP means it's a collection of songs that also have videos. She shared it on her YouTube channel. In November 2023, she put a short clip of a new song on TikTok. This song became very popular. She officially released the full song, named "Massachusetts," on June 11, 2024. This was her first song released after she signed with a new record label called Dead Oceans.

Opening for Other Artists

Jensen McRae has also performed as an "opener" for other popular artists. An opener is a musician who performs before the main artist at a concert.

• Noah Kahan - The Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) Tour (2024)
• MUNA - North American Tour (2022)
• Maude Latour (2022)

Jensen's Music

Studio Album

Extended Plays

Singles

As Lead Artist

As Featured Artist

Awards and Recognition

Jensen McRae has received several honors for her music:

• 2020 - Complex magazine named her one of the Best New Artists of the Month (March).
• 2020 - KCRW radio station listed "Wolves" as one of their 10 Best Songs of the Year.
• 2021 - NPR chose her as one of Slingshot's 2021 Artists To Watch.
• 2021 - She was part of the #YOUTUBEBLACK Voices Artist Class of 2021.