Illustrations by Elke Schorer // Words by Raman Gill

At only 22 and she has already doing her first ever world tour alongside a pretty powerful female team including Nicki Minaj and Dej Loaf. She’s not a newbie to this scene either. Before embarking on her solo career she was a part of a girl group called The Stunners (founded by Vitamin C oddly enough), and even before that she was acting on shows like Two and a Half Men, and modelling and dancing since her childhood. She has since grown up, evident by her hit single ‘2 On.’ But with all of the unfamiliar ways of living one can encounter on tour, we knew we wanted to catch up with the triple threat that is Tinashe and get some insights on what she’s discovering along the way.

We got to the Bell Centre a few hours before her show and waited in one of the long lost rooms at the Bell Centre surrounded by buzzing fluorescent lights, empty tables, and photos of old Montreal hockey legends, a far contrast to who we are about to meet.

Tinashe entered in true All Hands On Deck form with her two hefty bodyguards (who surprisingly didn’t crush my hand while shaking it) while riding a Cinetree iBoard. Sandwiched between them, you could barely see her petite dancer’s physique, but don’t let her small frame fool you, she could definitely kick your ass. She’s got plenty of experience seeing as she’s a black belt in karate. I put my hand out to greet her but she immediately gave me a hug. It’s this immediate likeability and honest nature that clearly resonates with that her fans so much.

We walked around to a table by the window, overlooking Montreal’s famous landmarks like the Farine Cinq Roses and Canal Lachine and took in the view together. It’s in this environment where the artist began to share her thoughts on Canada, women's position in music, and what she thinks about the state of music festivals.

Have you been able to take in the sights and surroundings yet?

I haven’t been able to see too much actually. I’ve only been here for a couple hours, mostly just seen the inside of the hotel room and here- there’s lot of French though. I love it, it’s been awesome. Someone told me I need to get this fry thing?

Poutine! Of course. You’ll definitely have to try it, maybe more at 4am when you’ve had some drinks though. You’ve been on tour now for a while though, how has it been being around such a strong female team? Even with Rae Sremmurd, who you’ve said are your new favourite artists?

It’s been a really great energy, it feels good having so much support from other artists, you don’t necessarily get that all the time. Just when you’re kicking backstage and hanging out in our downtime really, but we’ve [Rae Sremmurd] been able to hang out during the shows and even go out! I came onto their set yesterday [in Toronto] and jumped on a couple songs. It's been really inspirational, going to see new things and places, the cultures. You get to see how people really live in their daily lives and it helps me when I’m writing to go back and revisit all those memories.

You know that every set back is a process, but only makes you want to be better. I think that really helped mold me at a young age.

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You sing, dance, and act professionally, what’s the most important thing that you’ve been able to learn from having this arsenal of talent to push your career forward?

The biggest thing it taught me is rejection- you can’t always take things personally and continue have a tunnel vision. You know that every set back is a process, but only makes you want to be better. I think that really helped mold me at a young age. I still have goals to do other things, I’m just taking a break from acting to focus on music.

How about fashion? You’re videos and red carpet attire definitely reflect some more experimental influences. How would you describe your relationship with someone like Nasir Mazhar?

I’m a fan of his work and I think he's a fan of my work, we met in London a few years ago and collaborated on a shoot.

Are there any other designers you would like to work with? Maybe branch out into that industry more?

Definitely, I’ve recently gotten into Hood By Air, Alexander Wang, so we shall see what happens in the future. I just got a denim ad for a Ralph Lauren campaign, it’s fun to be a part of all of it.

Recently a female producer/artist had brought to the attention that whenever she tries to complete a project by herself, she feels her gender causes many to underestimate and disrespect what she is trying to build- offering to help her finish and such. Do you ever feel outside pressure from people rushing you to finish and offering their help? Not necessarily from your management, but perhaps other artists? Even fans?

I mean the fan base always pressures you for material, but I think I pressure myself more for new content.. I get bored you know? I wanna put on something fresh, it's always fun and exciting. I definitely give myself pressure.

What are your plans for after the tour?

Well, immediately I want to work on music, I have a new album in the works, continue to finish that up and hopefully release that and keep being able to continue to tour, maybe even do my own tour.

 

Not long after our interview Tinashe wrapped up her tour with Nicki Minaj and released a new music video for her song ‘Bet’ with British producer Dev Hynes, as well as a preview for her next album, ‘Joyride,’ due to come out in late Fall. The album will mark an important part in her career as she is branching out and working with other superstar producers like Diplo and Max Martin. You can sense in her voice that she really wants people to be able connect to her personal experiences through her lyrics, at the same time as vibing to the production.

There’s no doubt that we can expect a lot of things from Tinashe in the future as she is truly hands on with all of her projects and willing to experiment with any aspect of entertainment.