Meet Tate McRae, who promises something special with tear myself apart

In a time where open-upload platforms such as YouTube and Soundcloud mean that anyone and everyone can upload their music to the internet, it's hard to stand out. Over the years, we've seen musicians do everything - set themselves on fire, for example - to break free from the music world's intense saturation, while often it's as simple as having a clear-cut vision and the music to back it up; something that 16-year-old Canadian musician Tate McRae has seemingly had from the get-go.

While she's released a handful of singles over the last two years, her most recent two - this year's Kids Are Alright and tear myself apart - are the perfect summation of why Tate McRae is an artist with the potential and promise to go big, capturing the relatability of a growing teen without the clichés and 'fellow kids' isms that often plague artists attempting to replicate the same thing inorganically. She does so through poetic lyricism ("Can you see my hands shake? Heart is now an earthquake," she sings on tear myself apart) and this slight edge of humourous wit, capturing the complexities of growing up from someone actually doing that.

Her latest single, tear myself apart, is the greatest sign of McRae's looming brilliant and up-most promise. It's a shimmering alt-pop ballad, with woozy melodies and a high sense of craft meeting underneath those aforementioned vocals and lyricism which completely steal the show - a difficult feat, considering that the track was written alongside Billie Eilish and her songwriter partner and brother, Finneas. It also marks her signing to RCA Records - a bright step in her future - and signals the arrival of someone incredibly special to our music scene, who with a dedicated vision and strong skillset in her arsenal, is primed to do great things. 

"I’m super excited to be releasing my new single and signing to a label," she says on the signing. "This whole process of me releasing music started in my bedroom and now I am recording in a studio – it’s crazy! It’s been a lot of hard work, multiple hours in the studio, and now it’s finally getting released to the world. I hope everyone loves this song as much as I do."

Dive into the track below via its official video clip, and better introduce yourself to the artist-on-the-rise while you're at it:

Tell us about yourself?

I am 16-years-old and live in Calgary, Canada. I have an 18-year-old brother who is a hockey player and we live with my mom and dad. I go to high school and am currently in grade 11. I began dancing and singing at a really young age, but did not really sing in public until I released my first self written song on my YouTube Channel in the fall of 2017.

What’s the vibe music-wise?

I don’t think my music is a specific genre, but if anything it is leaning towards pop and alternative. Sometimes I take inspiration from the people around me, life events or Pinterest and mood boards!

What are your production and writing processes like?

It depends, for my YouTube channel I literally just write with my phone and my keyboard! It’s super casual. When I go to LA or NYC to write it is always a bit different. Sometimes it is just a producer in the room and myself writing all the melodies and lyrics, other times there are other writers in the room. I love the writing process- coming up with a concept, laying down the beats, creating the lyrics and melody and then at the end of the day having a demo!

Can you tell us about your new single, tear myself apart, and its video clip?

Tear Myself Apart is about how as people, when a relationship falls apart, we tend to blame ourselves. It's when you feel so much for someone, and then in return take it out on yourself, even when you're not in the wrong. The video tells the story in a house as I dance from room to room, dealing with my agony. There is a masked man in the video who represents the person the song is about. He is faceless so people can identify with someone or something that is personal to them.

Any tour dates coming up?

Yes… it will be announced soon! I am so excited! January 2020…ok I may be a little nervous too!

What does the rest of 2019 have in store for you?

I am releasing more music, videos, and writing, writing, writing. You should hear a new song from me every month!

Where can we find more of your music?

My music is on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon! I am amazed by all the support I have received. It is an incredible feeling.

Follow Tate McRae: FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM