Tinashe Is Her Own Kind Of Popstar

Tinashe, the 33-year-old singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor, has a keen eye for detail and a knack for challenging herself to create unexpected music. This is evident in her upcoming eighth album, Popstar, which she describes as a record that bucks expectations. The album, a fusion of R&B, trap, jazz, and new age sounds, features tracks like "Sunglasses" with producer Arca, and "Melatonin," which incorporates rubbery synths and acid breaks.

Tinashe's voice, described as chameleonic, ranges from blunt and staccato on "Too Easy," to belting on "I'd Rather Be Alone." The album's cover, a close-up of her face looking past the camera with irises dotted with stars, captures the "uncanny valley" of fame. Tinashe acknowledges the glamorous side of fame, but also the negative aspects such as hyperawareness in public, surveillance, judgment, and media scrutiny.

She resists the "authenticity" trap, stating that while people want music to be personal and autobiographical, authenticity can also be performative. Tinashe's sexuality, she says, is often expressed through her music, a sentiment that she has found through her steamy 2024 single "Nasty."

Janet Jackson and Britney Spears, two unapologetic popstars who embodied the popstar persona, are Tinashe's north stars. Despite the scrutiny that comes with being a popstar, Tinashe maintains a relentless self-scrutiny. She attributes her confidence in the studio to her family, who have provided her with a stable and secure foundation amidst the instability of the industry. Her confidence in her art has grown over time, as she has become more firm with her ideas and less open to the collaborative process.