Embracing Autonomy: Tinashe's Vision for 'Popstar' and Beyond

The Genesis of 'Popstar' and Creative Liberation

Tinashe reveals that the concept for her album, "Popstar," had been developing in her mind for a considerable period. The 33-year-old artist, known for her innovative approach to pop music, explains that the album, released on September 25 with sixteen tracks, represents a culmination of her personal and professional growth. She expresses a profound sense of self-assurance and confidence in her current standing, both within the music industry and as an individual.

Redefining the 'Popstar' Identity Beyond Genre

After parting ways with her major record label in 2019, Tinashe found renewed success by pursuing her authentic musical and creative inclinations. She acknowledges that this path has involved significant learning and growth, but it has also restored her confidence in her creative abilities. Despite the album's title, Tinashe emphasizes that she does not wish to be confined to a single genre, viewing genre categorization as a significant barrier to public perception. For her, "pop star" signifies more than a musical category; it embodies an energetic presence, a sense of ownership, and a deliberate occupation of her space in the world.

Expanding the Boundaries of Pop Music and Artistic Expression

Tinashe aims to broaden the public's understanding of what it truly means to be a pop star. She hopes that the concept of pop music can become more inclusive and expansive, challenging the narrow-minded views often associated with the genre. She states her ambition to disrupt conventional perceptions of pop's sound and aesthetics.

DJing: An Extension of Tinashe's Multifaceted Talent

Tinashe discusses her connection to DJing through her love for dance music and culture. She highlights the importance of community and connection, especially in live musical settings, and expresses her desire to share this energy through various platforms, from large concerts to intimate after-parties. She also sees DJing as an opportunity for genre exploration and collaboration, particularly advocating for greater representation of women, especially Black women, in this space. Tinashe believes in blending different artistic realms to foster new conversations and prevent creative silos.

A Pop Star's Diverse Skill Set: Beyond the Vocal Booth

Tinashe views DJing as an additional skill and a valuable asset in her artistic arsenal, rather than a completely separate endeavor from her identity as a pop star. To her, being a pop star encompasses a range of talents, including dancing, singing, DJing, composing, writing, and serving as a muse. This holistic approach defines her vision of a contemporary pop star.

Challenging Industry Perceptions and Embracing Authenticity

Tinashe acknowledges the frustration that arises from the misconception that pop music is a manufactured product, rather than a genuine creation by artists. She aims to visually explore and playfully satirize the industry's machine-like aspects and pursuit of perfection in her album's concept. While recognizing the clichés associated with being a pop star, she believes that audiences are now more capable of seeing beyond the facade. For Tinashe, embodying the pop star persona allows her to both engage with the spectacle and reject rigid expectations, asserting her unique definition of what a pop star can be.

Reclaiming Creative Control: A North Star for Artistic Direction

Tinashe emphasizes the immense importance of reclaiming creative control. This autonomy served as the guiding principle for the entire creative process of her new project, shaping its direction and ensuring its authenticity. She finds great satisfaction in being able to make her own artistic decisions.

Navigating Social Media as a Performance Platform

Tinashe describes her current relationship with social media as positive, a departure from past experiences. She now views it as an integral part of her artistic performance, aligning with her album's conceptual framework. Social media, for her, is a tool for storytelling and engaging with her audience, which has transformed her perspective and made the experience more enjoyable, reducing the pressure she once felt to constantly post or conform.

Engaging in Online Discourse and Industry Evolution

Tinashe is actively engaged online, enjoying participation in conversations and discourse. While acknowledging the challenges of negative discourse, she finds value in being part of broader discussions. Reflecting on the music industry's evolution, she maintains an optimistic outlook, recognizing its constant transformations. This dynamic nature excites her, as she anticipates continued experimentation and innovation in music. Despite inherent challenges, she views the industry as a vibrant and unpredictable space, akin to the "wild, wild west."