Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Episode: "Locked In" (w/ Tate McRae)
Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In the "Locked In" episode of Las Culturistas, hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang welcome the multi-talented artist Tate McRae. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartPodcasts, this episode delves deep into Tate's journey through dance and music, her songwriting process, and her experiences performing on mainstream platforms like Saturday Night Live (SNL).

Award Presentation and Initial Interaction

The episode kicks off with a humorous skit where Matt and Bowen present Tate with a 2024 Webby Award for Best Individual Episodic Comedy Episode. Despite Tate’s playful confusion about the award, the lighthearted moment sets a friendly and engaging tone for the conversation.

Bowen Yang [03:10]: "This is really good. So we were thinking that maybe our guest could present us with the award."

Tate McRae [03:19]: "Yeah, of course."

Tate McRae's Background

Dance Career Beginnings

Tate McRae shares her early life dedication to dance, highlighting her intense training from the age of eight. She discusses how ballet was a central part of her life, even contemplating a professional ballerina career in Berlin at just twelve years old.

Tate McRae [11:35]: "I started off as a dancer, so trained super intensely since I was eight years old. Like, 40 hours a week."

Transition to Music and Songwriting

An unexpected turn occurs when Tate's YouTube channel is derailed by a broken camera, leading her to lock herself in her bedroom to write her first song, "Broke Me First". This pivotal moment marks her entry into the music industry, where she receives immediate attention from record labels.

Matt Rogers [13:30]: "I was locked in for two hours, you wrote a song. I was locked in."

Fusion of Dance and Singing

Tate discusses the initial compartmentalization of her dance and singing careers during the COVID-19 pandemic. As her music career gains momentum, she realizes the importance of blending both disciplines to fully express her artistry.

Tate McRae [14:20]: "So I just never knew how to connect the dots. I was just like, this will be one side of me, and then the other side of me is just a thing of the past."

Songwriting Process and Collaborations

Collaborating with Amy Allen, Julia Michaels, and others, Tate describes her songwriting sessions as dynamic and emotionally driven. She emphasizes the difficulty of balancing personal emotions with creating universally relatable music.

Matt Rogers [23:30]: "Yeah, it's very inspiring. Thinking about tour and thinking about performances while you're writing, it has to be."

SNL Experience

Tate recounts her memorable performance on SNL, where she executed a dance break that left both the hosts and the audience in awe. She describes the challenge of performing choreography in a confined stage space with peculiar acoustics.

Tate McRae [16:17]: "It feels like on that stage is so small that, like, doing a dance break, I was like, is this kind of weird?"

Tour Experiences and Plans

Discussing her upcoming tour, Tate expresses excitement about performing in iconic venues like the Forum and Madison Square Garden. She shares experiences from touring in Tokyo, highlighting unique cultural interactions and memorable performances.

Tate McRae [67:07]: "We've been all the edits all the edits everyone was like, oh, this is great. It was like beige. And the final edit was like so realistic."

Personal Insights and Alter Ego

Tate introduces her alter ego, Tatiana, a persona she embodies during performances to channel her energy and persona on stage. This separation allows her to deliver dynamic performances while maintaining her authentic self offstage.

Tate McRae [64:17]: "I call her Tatiana. And it's just when I go on stage, I black out. Like, I don't actually remember that much. You just, like, perform."

Reflection on Fame and Public Perception

Tate reflects on the duality of her public image as both a dancer and a singer. She addresses the challenges of public perception, where fans often recognize her for one aspect of her talent but may overlook the other.

Tate McRae [25:28]: "Like, these lyrics are great and you're such a great writer. Thank you."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a fun segment where Matt, Bowen, and Tate engage in playful banter about dance choreography and cultural trends, reinforcing the camaraderie and light-hearted spirit of the show. Tate encourages listeners to embrace their passions and balance different facets of their identities.

Tate McRae [90:35]: "I have had this frustration I've had with CarPlay in my car."

Notable Quotes

• Tate McRae [05:19]: "Listen to the album out February 21st. Please welcome into your ears Tate McRae."

• Matt Rogers [14:21]: "I think you've merged both sides of your creativity."

• Tate McRae [24:34]: "It's the way that comes into the songwriting room that just change it for me."

• Matt Rogers [42:35]: "Is there the pressure every time to go in there and, like, write a hit?"

• Tate McRae [44:49]: "Singles happen for a reason. I think they make sense and the album will make it all come together."

This episode offers an intimate look into Tate McRae's artistic journey, her dedication to both dance and music, and the ongoing evolution of her career. Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang ensure that listeners are both entertained and informed, making "Locked In" a must-listen for fans of contemporary pop culture and music.