Singer-songwriter Jensen McRae poses for a portrait on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in LA. AP Photo
Jensen McRae, the California-born singer-songwriter, has captivated the internet with her authentic folk-pop style. Her musical journey took a remarkable turn in early 2021 when she joked on Twitter that Phoebe Bridgers would write a song about “hooking up in the car while waiting in line to get vaccinated at Dodger Stadium.” While Bridgers didn’t release such a song, McRae did. Her humorous tweet led to the release of "Immune," a song she penned in Bridgers’ introspective style. The track quickly gained traction, and McRae’s career began to skyrocket.
From Parody to Popularity
The moment was a perfect storm. McRae, 27, said it felt surreal to parody Phoebe Bridgers during her meteoric rise to fame. At the time, the world was deep in lockdown, and everyone was reflecting on the pandemic. McRae’s song resonated with listeners, with Bridgers herself sharing McRae’s video and exclaiming, “Oh my god.”
"Immune" marked the beginning of McRae's musical journey, leading to her debut EP in 2021 and her first full album in 2022. Following the release, she toured with bands like Muna and Noah Kahan. McRae’s talent caught the attention of Dead Oceans, the same record label that represents Phoebe Bridgers. This year, McRae is set to release her highly anticipated sophomore album, I Don’t Know How, But They Found Me!
An Album Inspired by ‘Back to the Future’
The album’s title, inspired by Back to the Future, is a nod to McRae's reflections on her life and her 20s. The phrase, spoken by Doc Brown in the film, symbolizes resilience. Jensen McRae explains, “There are moments in life that should break you, but you just keep standing up anyway." The title encapsulates the theme of her album: overcoming life’s challenges.
Exploring Personal Growth Through Music
Resilience has always been a central theme in McRae's songwriting. Her debut album, Are You Happy Now?, tackled difficult subjects like sexual predators and microaggressions, all while offering introspective takes on love and personal growth. The album's most-streamed track, "My Ego Dies in the End," reflects McRae’s tendency to use songwriting as therapy, asking, “If I don’t write about it, was it really worth it?”
In McRae's eyes, by the age of 25, life has already provided enough material for a lifetime of songwriting. Her experiences, combined with years of reflection, shaped the music that would become I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!
The Making of a Masterpiece
McRae's sophomore album was crafted in North Carolina with producer Brad Cook, a well-known collaborator of Bon Iver and Waxahatchee. McRae describes the ten-day recording process as a “master class.” Cook, who had never worked with McRae before, was blown away by her artistry. “She’s so emotionally organized that it was easy to go where the songs needed to go,” he said.
Viral Moments and Unexpected Fame
In the fall of 2023, McRae shared a video on TikTok singing the first verse of her song "Massachusetts." The video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views even before the song's official release in July 2024. The unexpected attention initially felt overwhelming. McRae, unsure how to handle the viral success, considered shelving the track for later.
However, things took a turn when Justin Bieber shared the video, pushing McRae to release the song. “When Justin Bieber posted about it, I had no choice,” she laughs. “So, I changed my course.”
"Massachusetts" became the emotional heart of the album, marking its conclusion. With minimal production, the song centers on McRae's heartfelt vocals and acoustic guitar, allowing the raw emotion of the song to shine.
Staying True to Her Creative Vision
Despite the viral attention, McRae remains focused on staying true to her creative vision. “Every decision I make is about what feels right for me,” she says. She knows that the viral moment will eventually fade, and that staying authentic is key to her longevity in the music industry.
As McRae prepares for her upcoming tour, she reflects on how fans have connected with her deeply personal music. “When you're going through something difficult, it feels like you're the only one experiencing it," she says. "But I’ve come to appreciate how my songs resonate with others. We’re not alone in our struggles.”
