Hanging out backstage at the Hard Rock Artist Lounge ahead of her performance at Audacy’s We Can Survive 2024, Tate McRae caught up with Bru, to reminisce about the last time she was on the We Can Survive lineup, talk about touring, open up about mental health, and more.

We Can Survive continues Audacy’s mission to support mental health via I’m Listening and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) -- because talk has the power to save lives. Tate opened up about what she does to maintain her mental health in such a demanding and unpredictable industry.

“I mean, obviously I have an outlet which is writing. If I didn't have writing, I would not be in the position I am today. Music is definitely the thing that I reach to whenever I'm hitting like my lowest points,” McRae revealed. “But then I also just think having a good support system, your family, your friends, making sure you trust them and they fill you up is really important.”

Acknowledging that there still might be some lingering stigma that “talking about your emotions is like a sensitive or annoying thing to do,” Tate stressed the importance of “being open with yourself and honest, and honest with your friends too,”

“Have conversations, none of it's embarrassing,” she said, insisting that the idea of not wanting to share in order to feel cool in front of your friends, “that's so overrated.”

Echoing the aim of Audacy’s I’m Listening initiative to share valuable resources for those who need to connect, heal, and share their own stories, Tate encouraged those who are dealing with mental health issues to understand they are not alone. "I feel like just being honest with each other and being your authentic selves is the only time that you're gonna feel actually fulfilled in a friendship. Then you actually can see what your friends are going through, otherwise… you don't really know your friends and you don't really know yourself.”

Words by Maia Kedem Interview by Bru