Explore Tate McRae's journey from Calgary to global sensation. Learn how she turns vulnerability and bold dreams into chart-topping hits as a Billboard Hitma...
- April 20, 2026
AceShowbiz - Tate McRae, honored as a Billboard Women in Music Hitmaker Award recipient, shares insights into her creative process and artistic evolution. From her beginnings in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, to becoming a global sensation, Tate McRae reveals how she channels deep emotions and bold dreams into her songwriting.
Tate McRae explains, "I want people to listen to my music and feel like the best, most elevated version of themselves." She approaches songwriting by exploring her vulnerabilities and insecurities or embracing ambitious visions. This balance shapes the emotional core of her work.
Receiving the Hitmaker Award holds special significance for Tate McRae. She reflects on her journey, stating that her passion initially centered on writing—poetry and short stories created in her bedroom. The fact that this passion has blossomed into an international music career feels surreal to her. As a performer and dancer, Tate McRae values this recognition for her songwriting.
When asked what defines a hit song, Tate McRae describes it as a moment when every element aligns perfectly. "A hit song is when the full story has been told, there’s nothing left to say, and the message resonates deeply both in your chest and the listener's," she says.
Tate McRae emphasizes the importance of openness and honesty during the writing process. She encourages songwriters to bring every thought and feeling to the surface while in the creative space. "It’s about exhausting your emotions and exploring the farthest depths of what one person can feel," she explains.
Collaboration also plays a key role in Tate McRae’s work, having teamed up with notable writers like Julia Michaels, Ryan Tedder, and Amy Allen. These partnerships help deepen her artistic vision and refine her sound.