On The Rise: Jensen McRae
A timeless indie folk storyteller who will steal your literary-laced musical heart.
Jensen McRae is a master at weaving vivid imagery and sharp social commentary into her rich narratives. That the artist has a huge love of books and reading should come as no surprise as her music is littered with gorgeous songwriting that evokes feelings both of great intimacy and deep familiarity.
"I heard Alicia Keys for the first time as a child and knew immediately that I was glimpsing into my future."
Since releasing her debut album in 2022 and riding the joyous wave of many a viral moment with her music, McRae gears up to share a new project in 2025, recorded with Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, Suki Waterhouse, Bon Iver) and including (among others) her younger brother, Holden McRae, on keys. Sophomore album I Don't Know How But They Found Me! - it's title taken from a line in her favourite film, Back to the Future - marks a new chapter of artistic maturity. Described by Jensen as "like summer camp", you can really feel the elation of the recording process seep and sweep throughout, brilliantly juxtaposed with the evocative melodies and lyricism that carefully deploy a focus on emotional devastation.
That so many of Jensen McRae's songs craft universally relatable emotions only attests to her burgeoning career in affecting musical literature, I Don't Know How But They Found Me! an addictive page-turner of majestic proportions. Listen in earnest.
Jensen McRae - I Don't Know How But They Found Me!
Rough Trade Exclusive splatter vinyl + signed print.
We're excited to announce Jensen McRae as part of Rough Trade On The Rise, our dedicated curation putting a spotlight on the emerging music we are the most excited for you to hear, to follow and become a fan of. Read on to discover more about the artist in her own words and don't miss brand new album I Don't Know How But They Found Me! on Dead Oceans.
Jensen McRae on Jensen McRae
A self-penned bio
Five by Five
5 Qs, 5 As
Describe Jensen McRae in 5 words
Creative, curious, prolific, sensitive, devoted.
5 records you listened to prior to making your album?
Crushing by Julia Jacklin
Honey by Samia
Preacher's Daughter by Ethel Cain
SOS by SZA
MUNA by MUNA
Top 5 career moments since forming?
In no particular order...
Watching the crowd put their phone lights up for the then-unreleased "Massachusetts" at my first arena show opening for Noah Kahan in 2024.
Hearing my words sung back to me for the first time at the Troubadour in 2021 opening for Jake Wesley Rogers.
Signing with Dead Oceans, a longtime dream label in 2024.
Hearing myself on the radio for the first time in 2019.
Every message I've ever gotten from a fan saying that my music made them want to go on living when all hope was lost.
Best piece of advice for an artist entering the industry in 2025?
When in doubt, reconnect with the music that you loved as a child - the music that made you want to be an artist or writer in the first place.
Top 5 essential tour snacks?
Almond butter
Blueberries
Cucumber
Macadamia nuts
Apple juice