Tate McRae has fuelled speculation about her next music era after mysterious posters appeared in Chicago ahead of her headline performances at Osheaga and Lollapalooza. The cryptic campaign, combined with a series of social media posts, has left fans convinced that a major announcement could be on the way.
While neither McRae nor her team has confirmed the meaning behind the teasers, fans have been analysing every clue as anticipation builds for her festival appearances this weekend.
Mysterious posters leave fans searching for clues
Hand-drawn posters featuring four different images of the Canadian singer appeared across Chicago, promoting her upcoming performances at Osheaga in Montreal and Lollapalooza in Chicago.
The detail that immediately caught fans’ attention was a small set of numbers printed on the artwork: “10 1”.
With no explanation accompanying the posters, many fans have speculated the numbers could point to 1 October, potentially signalling the date of a new release or announcement. However, this has not been confirmed.
Social media posts add to the speculation
The poster campaign followed a new photoshoot shared by McRae on social media.
Posting a series of minimalist images, she captioned the post:
“Montreal, Chicago. See u soon.”
Fans quickly noted the visual style differed from the aesthetic used during the So Close to What album campaign and the Miss Possessive Tour, prompting speculation that a new creative era may be beginning.
McRae then added to the mystery by sharing a light-hearted TikTok filmed during the same shoot.
“Hi I’m Tate McRae and ur watching Disney channel.”
The video prompted an immediate reaction from fans, with many commenting that “TM4 is coming“, referring to what would be her fourth studio album.
Festival performances could offer first clues
The timing of the campaign has only increased expectations.
McRae is scheduled to headline Osheaga in Montreal on 1 August, before performing at Lollapalooza Chicago on 2 August.
The singer has previously used major festival appearances to introduce new material. Last year, fans heard It’s ok I’m ok live for the first time during her Lollapalooza set.
Whether this year’s performances will include another surprise remains to be seen.
Following the success of so close to what
McRae’s latest album, So Close to What, was released in 2025 and topped charts in multiple countries. The record featured the hit single Sports Car, further cementing her status as one of pop music’s fastest-rising stars.
For now, the meaning behind the “10 1” posters remains unknown, but with two major festival performances just days away, fans are watching closely for what comes next.
