Known For Her Hit Single, “2 On”, R&B Singer TINASHE, Opens Up About Her Music, Her Inspirations and What’s Ahead For Her!

Tinashe began her entertainment career at just 3 years old when she began modeling and acting. In 2012 from her own home studio, she released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, In Case We Die and Reverie. Just last year, Tinashe put out her debut solo album, “Aquarius”. The single, “2 On” stayed at number 1 on the Rhythmic Top 40 for over 4 consecutive weeks.

Learn more about Tinashe in the following All Access interview:

Can you remember the moment that you decided to be a performer? Was there ever a time when you wanted to be something else? Why did you make the jump from acting to singing?

I knew I wanted to be an artist before I knew anything else.  There was never that “aha moment for me”.  Since I was 3 years old, I knew my direction in life.  That said, at 3 its hard to break into the music industry, (Haha) so to satiate the performer in me I would go out on auditions for TV and film roles.

Before your music career, what was it like sharing screen time with Charlie Sheen on Two and a Half Men?

He was extremely professional and a genuinely nice person.  Being a teenager and getting cast to play a character alongside Charlie Sheen was a very big deal.

How do you think being a performer has changed you? How different are you now then when you first started singing? 

Honestly, I don’t think I’ve changed at all. If anything, I have just gained life experience.

Your debut album, Aquarius was two years in the making. What was starting it like? Why did it take you so long to put together that collection?

What’s the old adage, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”?  I knew I wanted this body of work to be something memorable.  Something that you can play from start to finish and not want to skip a song.  Attempting to create something like that takes a minute, especially when you are working with producers that you have never worked with before.  I was used to recording music alone in my bedroom, so it took a minute to find my groove.

Did you really record almost 200 songs for the album? With that many songs, how did you choose what songs would go on “Aquarius”?

Yes, that’s true. I really followed my instincts, but in the end a lot of great songs didn’t make this album.  The exciting thing about that though is, there is more to come…

How much of “Aquarius” was made in your home studio? Do you prefer working at home at times?  

I’d say, 65% of the album was done in my room. My bedroom is where I feel most comfortable, so yes, I prefer to work at home mostly.

How did the collaborations come about with Kid Ink on “Body Language” and Calvin Harris on “Dollar Signs”? And what about your collaboration with Nick Jonas on the “Jealous” remix? 

All of the collaborations came about in a pretty natural way. Calvin first hit me up on Twitter. He loved my song, “2on” and wanted to do a record together so we did. Kid Ink is the homie. We were both in Vegas at the same time while he was recording “Body Language”.   As with everything else in life, timing was perfect so I went in, recorded part of the record and voila! As for “Jealous”, my A&R Trevor Jerideau shot me a note asking if I would want to jump on the “Jealous” record.  I absolutely loved the record so doing the remix was a complete no brainer.

What’s been your favorite or most memorable collaboration so far?

My most favorite studio experience so far has been working with Stuart Matthewman from Sade.

Several months ago, The New York Times ran an awesome review of “Aquarius” that said you and Beyoncé are pretty much the only female voices in a male-dominated era of R&B. What did you think of that statement? 

Humbled.  Being grouped in the same sentence as Beyonce is a blessing.

More times than not, influences tend to bleed through. What artists have consistently inspired you and your music?

Michael and Janet Jackson.  Sade.

What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far and what do you have your eyes set on next? 

My biggest accomplishment to date is being able to travel the world doing exactly what I love to do, perform. On top of that, for them to know words to my songs, is absolutely amazing.  My eyes are set on album 2.

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music?

The one thing is that if you put your mind to something you can accomplish anything you want.  Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.