“Through songwriting and music, I can truly shape my identity and narrate my experiences.” This journey began while creating her recent single ‘Praying For Your Downfall.’ With a new sense of maturity, Jensen addressed post-breakup pettiness, marking a significant moment in her life. “It helped me recognize that some of the feelings I experience stem from my inner child expressing itself. When a child is upset, you don’t hand them a microphone; instead, you help them calm down in another room.” By allowing her younger self to be validated, she retrospectively delves into the wide range of her emotional journey.
Finding catharsis in rich, guitar-driven arrangements and openly sincere lyrics, each song chronicles her healing process from heartbreak with remarkable clarity. “The main takeaway I’ve had is that once you part ways with someone, their life is no longer connected to yours.” After ample time for introspection (and admittedly, plenty of therapy), this realization forms the foundation for her album’s lead single. “'Massachusetts' speaks to the idea that I will always carry you with me, but ultimately, we are no longer intertwined,” she explains.
Having first shared a snippet of the song’s chorus on TikTok in November 2023, her message quickly resonated with audiences worldwide. Garnering millions of views and receiving endorsements from Justin Bieber, Stormzy, and producer Dan Nigro, Jensen is still adjusting to this experience. “I wrote this very personal song about my ex-boyfriend and shared it online… I never expected it would lead to Bieber!” she beams.
Reflecting on the unpredictable yet transformative influence social media has had on her music, that brief demo initiated a new chapter; it became her first release under Dead Oceans (home to artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Mitski). ‘Massachusetts’ served as a springboard for the music we now hear. While it would be understandable for her to chase further virality after her past year, Jensen remains focused on other priorities. “Every time I find myself as the only Black woman in a room, particularly in the folk music realm, I know I need to keep pushing,” she asserts.
Discussing the challenges and stereotypes she has encountered as a Black woman in this genre, she highlights how many other artists face similar hurdles. “There are so many talented young women of color creating amazing music outside of R&B who have yet to be discovered,” she observes, emphasizing that many seek to bypass traditional pathways to showcase their work.
Aiming to be the representation still needed in the industry, the multi-instrumentalist continues to leverage her platform to elevate the voices of those who remain unheard. “The world hasn’t quite caught up yet,” she stresses. However, with Jensen and a rising wave of Black female artists carving out their space in the folk scene and beyond, the outlook appears promising. ‘I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!’ is set for release on April 25 via Dead Oceans.
With her emotionally insightful songwriting taking new directions, Jensen McRae is redefining heartbreak in her forthcoming second album, ‘I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!’.