Tate McRae
Tate McRae, an 18-year-old Canadian singer and dancer, makes alternative pop music. She grew up as a dancer and even competed on FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” finishing in third place. In 2017, she started her own YouTube channel and posted a song she had written in one day. The video went viral and made her popularity grow. She eventually signed with RCA. In 2020, she released her debut EP, “All the Things I Never Said,” which included the song “Tear Myself Apart,” co-written with Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell. She had her first Billboard Top 20 hit, “You Broke me First” from her 2021’s “Too Young to be Sad” EP.
Suit by Grayscale
Top by 0770
Earrings by PR Solo Collection
You have achieved so much at such a young age and are such an inspiration to so many young, aspiring artists. If you could tell the people looking up to you something or offer them a piece of advice you wish you could have told yourself when you were younger, what would it be?
I would’ve told myself “You are always where you are supposed to be.” I have learned, and am still learning, that everything happens for a reason; therefore, just live in the moment.
How did it feel when you found out “You Broke Me First” reached the US Hot 100?
Honestly, I couldn’t really comprehend what was happening. I am still so shocked that anyone even listened to such a personal and vulnerable song of mine.
Growing up you were involved in dance and even competed on a dance TV show. What do you think made you decide to lean more towards music and singing?
The fact that I am able to have my own creative vision. With singing, I am able to dance, perform, and write exactly what I want to say. I obviously love both equally, but I always knew that I wanted to be an artist with full creative control.
Left:
Earrings by Haute Couture
Dress by EDITÉ
Shoes by Papa Dont Preach by Shubhika
Right:
Jumpsuit by Upstreetkid
Jewelry/ Shoes by PR Solo Collection
You are going on your first solo tour. What can fans expect from you on this tour, and what are you most excited about?
Gosh, I am so excited to tour again. Honestly, I am just so excited to see my fans faces again and perform all my new music. It has been two years since I’ve toured.
Your newest EP, “Too Young To Be Sad,” has received such great feedback and is catching the attention of a lot of people. What inspired this album and what makes this EP different from your previous one you came out with last year?
I feel like music changes as a person changes. I am creating all this music at different ages and points in my life; therefore, I am always adjusting to whatever situation I’m in. My taste at 18 is so different from what it was two years ago, so that obviously impacts the music I’m putting out there.
Left:
2 piece by Balmain
Earrings by Louis Vuitton
Shoes by PR Solo Collection
Right:
Glasses : PR Solo Collection
Earrings : PR Solo Collection
Dress by Balmain
Would you say that the pandemic and being home played a part in the direction you took for this new EP?
Yes for sure. I had to write everything over zoom and in my dad’s basement office without seeing a single soul. I feel like that affected how I wrote.
You have an amazing sense of style. How would you describe your fashion sense and how do you think your sense of style has changed over the years?
It’s constantly changing. To be frank, I still have no idea what my fashion style is. I just like to play around and put on whatever I feel inspired by in the moment.
Left:
Earrings by Haute Couture
Dress by EDITÉ
Right:
Jumpsuit by Upstreetkid
Jewelry/ Shoes by PR Solo Collection
How do you stay so true to yourself and be so authentic at such a young age and with the pressure of social media and the internet?
I’m not going lie it’s hard. Social media is a very toxic place, and I have very high expectations for myself as a human. It’s really hard for me to feel satisfied with anything I’m creating when it feels like everything around you is moving so fast. I’m constantly trying to remind myself to stay grounded and live in the moment.
Which song from your new EP would say is your favorite or which one are you most proud of?
“You broke me first” for sure. That was my last in-person session before the pandemic and will forever feel so special to me.
2 piece by Coclouder
Glasses by Versace
Shoes by Haute Couture
If you could pick anyone, who is your dream collaboration for a song?
Post Malone. I am and have been such a huge fan of his music for the longest time. I look up to him so much.
What are your socials?
Instagram: @tatemcrae
Suit by Grayscale
Top by 0770
Earrings by PR Solo Collection
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Sequoia Emmanuelle
Talent: Tate McRae
Styling: Melvin Sanders
Hair: Rene Cortez
Makeup: Gilbert Soliz
Photo Assistant: Helen Perez
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Junior Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Grace Polk, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
