20 Questions with Tinashe

She’s already released one of the albums of the year. Now, the singer-songwriter talks about why she's done feeling underrated, and celebrating Charli xcx and Zara Larsson as her true peers

On Sunday night, Tinashe worked the pink carpet at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles. The following morning at 9am, she’s jumping on to a Zoom to answer 20 questions about creativity, her career strategy and her brilliant new album, Popstar. “I landed on that title because it just so perfectly encompasses all of the things that I was trying to say, and I realised it didn’t have to be any more complicated than that,” she says serenely.

Of course, bop connoisseurs know that Tinashe has always been a premium popstar – ever since she broke through with her beautifully fluid debut single, 2014’s 2 On. Since then, she’s released a series of accomplished albums blending supple alt-R&B with cutting-edge pop, while puncturing the mainstream with hits as varied as 2024’s viral banger Nasty (“Is somebody gonna match my freak?”) and last year’s house heater No Broke Boys. But now, with her eighth studio set Popstar, she’s captured the moment with a transcendent blend of sharp, shapeshifting beats and smart, self-aware lyrics.

“I put the work in and I waited, don’t wanna die underrated,” Tinashe sings on Empty Stadium, a skittering standout track. Well, one way to quash those fears is by making one of the best records of the year. Here, she breezes through our eclectic questions like the unflappable popstar she was born to be.

1. Hi Tinashe! Big question to start: what is the essence of being a popstar?

It’s about self-confidence and owning all the things that make you, you. I think it’s something you’re born with, but also something you can practise and get better at. When did I first feel like a popstar? When I came out of the womb.

2. Who are the ultimate popstars, in your eyes?

Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé. They’re all incredible performers who are constantly evolving their art.

3. Which song on the album was the most challenging to write?

Honestly, none of them were extremely challenging to write, which is probably why they ended up on this project. The records that I started working on that felt difficult to write, I just didn’t end up finishing them. I was guided by an effortlessness and an ease in creating this work. 

4. On Empty Stadium, you sing that you “don’t wanna die underrated”. Was it important for you to take ownership of that word?

I think so. There’s been a lot of discussion over the years where people have called me underrated, and I’ve had different feelings about that term at different times. There were periods when I agreed. And there were periods when I rejected that term because it felt like it was putting me in some type of “other” box. I think that’s what Empty Stadium really talks about. It’s me saying that despite all the amazing things I’m able to experience in my life, there’s still this fear that potentially no one’s gonna see me for who I am. 

5. How do you measure success?

I feel like I’m reaching my ultimate success now because I’m able to find critical acclaim by making art the way I want. I’m really proud of my art regardless of whether it’s popular, but it feels amazing to see those things come together. 

What is the essence of being a popstar? “It’s about self-confidence and owning all the things that make you, you. I think it’s something you’re born with” – Tinashe

6. What does being on stage feel like?

It’s where I feel the most myself. Even as a kid, I loved putting on performances for whoever would watch.

7. Are there any mantras you live by?

I think “life is long” is a really beautiful mantra. I’m naturally a very impatient person who’s constantly asking, “What’s next?” So I feel like it’s an important reminder that everything will unfold the way it’s meant to unfold. You don’t have to force anything, and because life is long, there are still so many amazing adventures to be had. 

8. What one thing could you not live without?

Music.

9. What is your earliest memory?

Probably playing with my friends at preschool. Obviously I’d be recruiting them to be in my performances and directing them. Like, “we need to be on set right now, so get in position!”

10. What is your worst nightmare?

It probably used to be dying underrated, but I think now my worst nightmare is running out of time to do all the things I want to do, which plays into having “life is long” as a mantra.

11. Can you name your favourite song lyrics?

I love A Case of You by Joni Mitchell, but my favourite lyric from my project is: “If you win the rat race and you come in first place, then you’re still a rat.” As soon as I wrote it, I was like, “That’s got to be a bar.”

12. What was the lyrical spark behind Nobody Wanna Dance Anymore?

That was the second song I made for the whole project. I made it the same day I made [the song] Popstar. I think I came to the concept because I felt like the music had such an interesting cadence to it – one that was a bit unexpected for a song about dancing, so I thought that was a really interesting juxtaposition. But honestly, I don’t tend to plan where my lyrics come from. They just come.

13. What is the key to creativity?

Being playful and never judging your work as you’re making it. And honestly, not creating something like it’s a product. 

14. What film have you watched the most?

The Sound of Music. I’ve seen it hundreds of times and can quote all the songs. It's my go-to airplane comfort movie. 

15. What makes you happy?

Being around my family, my people. Obviously making art makes me really happy, and being able to share that art makes me even happier.

Which artists do you regard as your true peers? “Charli xcx and Zara Larsson, the girls who’ve been doing it since 2010” – Tinashe

16. What makes you sad?

Doing things I don’t want to do – I hate doing shit I don’t want to! I’m privileged now because I get to do a lot more of the things I want to do, and a lot less of the things I don’t. 

17. If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?

The places my mind goes first are things like directing [films], creative directing, choreographing, something in fashion, making art – as in literally painting. But those are all [ways of] being an artist, which feels like cheating. So maybe some kind of caregiver or teacher, because I really love kids. 

18. Which artists do you regard as your true peers?

I love the girls who’ve been doing it for a long time – the same way I’ve been in the game for a long time – and are really just thriving. So I think of Charli xcx and Zara Larsson, the girls who’ve been doing it since 2010. 

19. What trip have you always wanted to take?

I’ve never been to Zimbabwe, which is where my dad is from, but I’d really love to one day.

20. And finally, what’s the best way to unwind?

For me? Go outside and get some air. One of the things I love about LA is there’s always a little pocket of nature you can access. 

Tinashe's album Popstar is out now