Theres working hard, and then theres whateverTate McRaehas been up to over the past few years.
You were touringThink Laterall the way up to November of last year.
When did all this happen?
Photo: Charlie Denis
Tate McRae:Thats a really great question.
Honestly, whenever I had a moment off the road, I was just in the studio.
I think as a dancer Im inherently a workaholic, so time off doesnt suit me very well.
Photo: Charlie Denis
Being on the road is such an interesting thing.
Youre putting yourself out there to be judged every night, which is weird for the brain to process.
I think thats the balance Im always trying to find, which sometimes feels impossible.
Photo: Charlie Denis
Do you have to be quite strict about carving out that time for yourself?
Its really crucial for the creative process, but also my own sanity.
Do you know now when its finished?
I mean, I feel like I could pick an album apart until the day of the release.
I feel like its hard for me to find that finished moment.
Tell me more about the albums titleis it supposed to be a little cryptic?
I liked the fact that it had a bit of an ambiguous meaning to it.
It felt like I was trying to change, but I couldnt quite…
I was feeling grown up for the first time, but Im still 21, which was confusing.
I felt very conflicted, and like a walking contradiction, andSo Close to Whatperfectly summed that up.
And I was like, Oh my God.
Am I going to feel like this for the rest of my life?
Is that what this job entails, constantly chasing this perfection that doesnt really exist?
How do you feel about that now?
Were you able to reconcile those feelings in making the album?
I really do think I have found a way better perspective on it.
And also that I shouldnt be putting that much pressure on myself: Im 21 years old.
I dont need to have everything figured out right this second.
It does feel more grown, in my opinion.
It also feels a lot more feminine.
I had never actually experienced so many of these emotions before.
I never experienced female rage before.
Your public profile grew quite significantly during the last album cycle, accompanied by speculation around your love life.
That kind of drama eats at me inside.
I definitely dont love to air out things that should be dealt with between two people.
I think thats just in my DNA.
And once I release a song, honestly, its no longer mine, its everyone elses.
Its for other people to insert their own characters into the song.
But I think thats a really good thing.
I think that fear sometimes can equal your greatest work.
Last time there was a lot of ice hockey, this time its all about motorsports?
Before, I dont think Id focused on fashion that much in my creative vision.
Its a pretty hectic schedule.
How are you pacing yourself, and making sure you maintain your sanity amid all of this?
I mean, I took Christmas off…
But as for my sanity?
I think Ill find that in my time alone, and making sure Im taking care of myself.
It must be incredibly physically demanding as well though, right?
The choreo you do is insane.
Yeah, its definitely exhausting, the dancing.
I shot a music video yesterday, and I have bruises over my entire body!
I just have to keep working out and eating healthy and making sure Im fueling my body properly.
Its always worth it in the end.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
