From karaoke nights at home to tour and festival stages across North America, Jade LeMac is crafting a story all her own – one built on introspection, unapologetic self-expression, and a sharp sensibility. Her breakout single “Constellations” has now surpassed 325 million streams worldwide, and over 200 million in the US; with a growing fanbase fueled by a strong social media presence and Gen Z word-of-mouth, LeMac is no longer just a rising star, she’s a prominent voice for a new generation.
The Vancouver-based artist first captured attention online, quickly amassing over a million followers on TikTok by sharing original songs and lending vocals to tracks for electronic label Monstercat. Her debut single, “Constellations,” released independently in 2021, likened freckles on lovers’ bodies to stars in the sky – a poetic song that resonated with listeners worldwide.
Now signed to Warner Music Canada/East West Records, LeMac is ready for her next chapter. The indie-pop singer-songwriter made her Lollapalooza debut on both the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Stage and at the Toyota Music Den this month, and is currently preparing for a fall tour with Maren Morris, where she’ll introduce new material from an upcoming release.
“For the Maren tour, I’m going to perform every song that’s on my upcoming EP, which I’m really excited about,” LeMac shares. “There will be a few songs that I’ve yet to perform live. That’s a big thing for me – it’s going to be an awesome and new experience. I’m excited!”
While the full details of the EP are still under wraps, fans won’t have to wait long for a taste. LeMac’s next single, “Running Home,” drops on August 15.
“I think the song I’m most excited to perform on tour is “Running Home.” I just performed it for the first time at Lollapalooza yesterday, and it was super fun. The crowd reacted amazingly to it. I created the song with the intention of it being a really fun track to perform live, and I’m very excited to share it during the upcoming tour.”
A blend of emotional honesty and performance-ready energy has become a hallmark of LeMac’s music. Her 2023 EP, Confessions, showcased a more personal side, influenced by diverse experiences and an evolving creative process.
“There were just so many things about Confessions – I wrote each song with a different story,” LeMac explains. “It was a way to get things off my chest, and that’s why I think I called it Confessions. It was fun – I got to co-write with different people and experience that process, which was super cool.”
When asked how she usually brings a song to life, she explains: “It’s different for each track,” she says. “Sometimes I start with a title, or other times I might freestyle on the guitar. If something sounds awesome, I’ll keep repeating it and build out the song from that. It’s different every time.”
LeMac announced that her newest single, “Running Home,” is set to be released this week, giving listeners an exciting preview of what’s to come. When asked about her upcoming EP, she smiled and glanced at her team before teasing, “I can’t tell you the release date for that one.” After a quick check, she added, “But it’s coming out in the fall; I can share that much.” With this hint, fans can look forward to more new music in the coming months.
Offstage, LeMac’s playlist reflects a mix of classic and contemporary influences, ranging from introspective pop to mainstream mainstays. Taking a moment to check her phone, she suggested the following:
“Absolutely’s “I Just Don’t Know You Yet,” is so good – an amazing song that just came out. I have some Kendrick on my list – love Me Some Kendrick. Oh, and I always go back to Journals by Justin Bieber. I really like that album, so it’s definitely on my playlist.”
Despite rocking a White Sox hat at Lollapalooza, LeMac admits she hasn’t had much time to see the sights in Chicago. “I haven’t been able to explore very much, unfortunately, and it’s something I really want to do,” she says. “I’ve been a bit busy during this trip, so I’ll have to come back to Chicago and be more of a tourist next time.”
With a tour ahead, a fall EP on the horizon, and a growing list of collaborations including song placements in the 2023 series My Life with the Walter Boys, and the Tubi movie Sidelined: The QB and Me – LeMac is poised for a breakout moment that’s been years in the making. What started with bedroom demos and viral clips has evolved into something far more expansive: a career grounded in her multicultural roots, queer identity, and unwavering authenticity as an artist.
LeMac may be leaving Chicago for now, but she assured, “I’ll definitely have to come back soon!”
Portraits and Polaroids by Ann Storlie
Interview by Ann Storlie and Sarah Peter
Keep Up With Jade LeMac: Website // Instagram // TikTok // Facebook // YouTube
