Celebrities often hide behind their picture-perfect smiles on screens and fans who conform to the “halo effect.” The “halo effect” is a term used when referring to the idolizing of celebrities while subconsciously assuming they can do no wrong. Deferring from these societal normalities for stars, Tate McRae, a 20-year-old Canadian singer, songwriter, and dancer, centralizes her songs around her imperfections.
Born in Calgary, Canada, McRae was raised by her parents, Todd and Tanja. She also lived with her older brother, Tucker, who currently plays for the Okotoks Oilers hockey team. Due to her father’s job, she had to move to Oman when she was four years old but moved back to Calgary four years later. McRae became very serious about dance during these years as she took classes at a studio owned by her mom. Later entering into competitions, McRae was named Mini Best Female Dancer in New York. However, dance was not her only hobby as she began voice acting for the Nickelodeon show, Lalaloopsy. Ultimately, her career set off when she was 13 after competing in So You Think You Can Dance, representing Canada’s first finalist.
As for McRae’s songwriting career, she began posting songs on her YouTube channel, Create with Tate, in 2017. Her first hit song, “One Day,” has 40 million views on YouTube and pulled the attention of 11 record labels. In 2019 she signed with RCA, Radio Corporation of America, and they granted her freedom to continue progressing as a dancer while focusing on music.
Although inspired by her mother who used to be a dancer, dance is what rooted a lot of her mental health issues. McRae struggled with body image issues as a young girl, which is common in the dance industry. These thoughts were not solely based on how she felt about herself, but as a result of the company’s tactics. She explained how, “They would take measurements of every single part of my body at age nine.”
McRae released her first album in 2022, I Used to Think I Could Fly, bringing listeners through the constant back and forth that is heartbreak. Some songs such as “Hate Myself” focus on the overbearing heavy heart of losing someone and the blame that one may put on oneself. On the upside, “Don’t Come Back” illuminates confidence that is found while taking care of oneself amid a heartbreak.
On June 15th, 2023, McRae finally announced her Are We Flying Yet Tour, consisting of 15 songs. Originally rooted in her childhood aspirations of flying, McRae reflects on the times when she was once so young and innocent. She believes the setting off of her career often felt like she was on top of the world and “flying,” as she has exceeded her childhood dreams. Not only do songs within the album discuss the struggles of heartbreak, but McRae also dives into the challenges of growing up.
“I think it’s so interesting how kids have this perspective of the world where because they don’t know enough yet, they’re not scared of things yet, they don’t know what they’re insecure about yet, and they have this innocent, pure brain that hasn’t been harmed by the world,” McRae said.
Finishing up her tour in October of this year, McRae announced her new album dropping on December 8th, Think Later, followed by an upcoming world tour in 2024.
Despite the inevitable struggles that come along with life, McRae doesn’t allow her listeners to feel alone in their journeys, which attracts many people to her music.
“My writing was very much like my diary, and I just put it out there to put it out there because I didn’t really know what I was doing. The fact that people related to the songs made me feel less alone in a lot of situations.”