Jensen McRae’s Second Album: A Deep Dive into ‘I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!’

Jensen McRae’s extraordinary memory doesn’t just serve as a songwriting tool: it’s her superpower. The Los Angeles-based artist possesses an almost supernatural ability to transform fleeting moments into art. “I think I notice things other people don’t always notice,” she says, highlighting her unique narrative style.

This keen eye for detail permeates her upcoming album ‘I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!’, releasing via Dead Oceans this spring. The title, borrowed from ‘Back to the Future’, reflects McRae’s intricate dance between past and present, observation and participation. “A big part of my Back to the Future fandom is just nostalgia, childhood – I loved the movie as a kid,” she explains.

McRae’s relationship with pop culture is refreshingly unpretentious. “While I need my literature to be rigorous, I prefer my TV and film to simply make me feel good.” Following the release of her debut album ‘Are You Happy Now?’ in 2022, McRae wasted no time in crafting her next project. “I never stop writing,” she notes, emphasizing her ongoing creative journey.

The album features both old and new songs, with the latest track, ‘Massachusetts’, emerging from a viral moment. Despite the buzz, McRae remained steadfast in her artistic vision. “The integrity of a song rests in my ability to express what I wanted to express from the beginning,” she articulates.

Her commitment to authenticity is central to her creative approach. “Ultimately, trying to please everybody means you please nobody,” she asserts, guiding her artistic choices. In contrast to her first album’s contained process, this latest effort involved more collaboration and conceptual expansion.

Recording in North Carolina with producer Brad Cook turned out to be transformative. “Having my little brother there pushed me,” she says, referring to their sibling dynamic during the creative sessions. The project evolved into a family affair, striking a balance between collective creativity and personal vision.

“Music runs deep in the McRae family,” she shares, reflecting on her early experiences with music. “Songwriting became a natural extension of my love for storytelling.” This storytelling instinct has evolved into what she calls “narrator syndrome” — a perspective that defines her lyrical approach. Her willingness to observe and remember translates into beautiful, overlooked details in her songs.

McRae’s aspirations are ambitious yet grounded. “I hope to sell out this tour and explore other creative passions,” she says, focusing on her audience connection. As release day approaches, she embraces the chaotic excitement of tour preparations.

Among her creative recharges, gaming has captured her interest. “I’ve been playing The Sims a lot, and I think I want to start streaming,” she shares, seeking fun challenges amidst her musical journey. Her reflection serves as both a personal mantra and an artistic mission statement: “I’m hanging in there. I hope you are, too.”

As a continuation of an ongoing conversation, ‘I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!’ is more than just an album; it’s heartfelt storytelling that promises to resonate deeply with listeners. Fans can look forward to its release on April 25th.