Jensen McRae facts for kids

Jensen Paige McRae (born September 10, 1997) is a talented American singer and songwriter. She became well-known for her first songs, "White Boy" (released in 2019) and "Wolves" (released in 2020). Many popular music magazines and news outlets, like Rolling Stone, Vulture, Nylon, NPR, and The Fader, 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.

Early Life and Music Start

Jensen McRae was born in Santa Monica, California. She grew up in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles. She has both Black and 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 first music heroes were Carole King, James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys. When she was in high school, she went to a summer program called Grammy Camp. This experience helped her decide that she wanted to make music her career.

Jensen went to the USC Thornton School of Music and earned a bachelor's degree in popular music performance. She received a special scholarship that paid for her entire education there.

Her Unique Music Style

Jensen McRae's music is often compared to folk artists like Tracy Chapman. She describes her own music as "folk-alternative-pop." She has a deep, rich singing voice. Jensen has shared that sometimes people in the music business try to label her music as R&B or soul just because she is a Black artist. However, her music has a unique sound. WNUR described her voice as "rich and soothing." They also noted that her songs often have strong messages about society and politics. Jensen often writes lyrics about her own experiences and important social topics.

Jensen McRae's Music Journey

First Songs and EPs

While she was in college, Jensen McRae released her first two EPs online. An EP is like a mini-album with a few songs. Her first EP was Lighter (released in 2017), followed by Milkshakes (released in 2018).

After she finished college in 2019, she released her first official song, "White Boy." In 2020, she released another popular song called "Wolves."

In March 2020, Jensen 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 funny tweet about what a future Phoebe Bridgers song might be like. The tweet became very popular, and Phoebe Bridgers herself even shared it! Soon after, Jensen released a parody song called "Immune." It was a vaccination-themed song made in the style of Phoebe Bridgers' music. Rahki produced this song. That same month, Jensen also worked with another Black folk artist, Joy Oladokun, on a song called "Wish You the Best."

First Albums and EPs

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 official EP, Who Hurt You?, was released on June 22, 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, except for "Immune."

Recent Music and Releases

On September 20, 2023, Jensen McRae released a visual EP called It Wasn't Supposed To Be Like This... on her YouTube channel. A visual EP means it came with videos for the songs. In November 2023, she shared a part of a new song on TikTok, and it quickly became very popular. She officially released this song as "Massachusetts" on June 11, 2024. This was her first song released after she signed with a new record label called Dead Oceans.

Jensen's second album, I Don't Know How But They Found Me!, was released on April 25, 2025. This album also came out with the Dead Oceans label. It included the songs "Praying For Your Downfall," "Massachusetts," and "Savannah." Other artists like Jake Wesley Rodgers, Joe London, and Grant Averill helped write songs on this album.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Jensen was featured on a national TV show called CBS News Mornings.

Opening for Other Artists

Jensen McRae has also performed as an opening act for other popular musicians on their tours:

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

Jensen McRae's Music

Studio Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Singles (Songs)

As the Main Artist

As a Featured Artist

Awards and Recognition

Jensen McRae has received several honors for her music:

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