Tinashe Exclusive FAULT Magazine Cover shoot and Interview

Tinashe X FAULT Magazine

Photographer: Raen Badua | Exclusive Artists

Stylist: Wilford Lenov | Celestine Agency

Makeup: Mylah Morales | Six K Management

Hair: Nina J

Photo Assistant: Jojo Reyes

Style Assistant: Kyle Hayes

Interview: Miles Holder

It’s been over seven years since the release on Tinashe’s breakthrough debut single ‘2 on’. While it’s easy to gloss over the time between then and now, it’s essential to understand the critical role her artistic journey has played in moulding today’s pop music zeitgeist. Her 2012 debut Mixtape ‘In Case We Die’ saw Tinashe slip the surly bonds of music categorisation and harness her own unique style. This boundless musical exploration was certainly present once more in her 2020 independently released critically acclaimed studio album ‘Songs For You’. 

Indeed, the internet is ablaze with discussions concerning the supposed appropriation of Tinashe’s artistic vision; however, Tinashe stays too concentrated on her own journey to find time to worry about anyone else’s.

We caught up with Tinashe to discover more about her music, her fears and of course, her FAULTs. 

When you look back on all your previous releases, what do you want your art to have said about you as an artist?

Tinashe: I hope that my bodies of work show that I am fearless. When creating music, I always try to step outside of my personal comfort zone and push myself further creatively. None of my projects feel the same to me, and that is because I have attempted to be fearless in the pursuit of a fresh perspective every time. I hope to continue to keep people guessing in the future.

You’re an artist who is always growing; naturally, some choices have been counter to what certain fans have expected from you. Is it difficult to follow your heart when knowing it puts you at risk of criticism from certain areas of your fanbase?

Tinashe: I used to take criticism from fans into a much higher consideration than I do now. Interestingly enough, I felt the most pressure from fans when I also felt the most outside of my “zone” creatively. Perhaps they picked up on my own uncertainty on some level. Now that I am more in alignment with who I am as an artist and songwriter, I am unwilling to compromise that perspective. Not allowing the opinions of others to affect your work is crucial to an artists’ spirit. I think most of my fans appreciate whatever I put out as long as it feels authentic to my true artistry, even if it evolves a bit.

What would you say has been the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome to take your music to the next level?

Tinashe: I think the biggest hurdle I have overcome is the expectations of people to fit into a particular genre “box”. My music is often difficult to categorize genre-wise in my opinion, and initially, that lead some people to believe that I was unfocused, or lacked direction when in reality it is just an example of my sonic range.

In such chaotic times, what’s something positive you’ve done to protect your mental health?

Tinashe: I do a lot more personal work now, identifying my emotions, feeling them as opposed to just pushing them to the side, meditation, and reflection.

What’s something new you learned about yourself last year?

Tinashe: I learned that I can easily cut people out of my life if I feel like our core values are not aligned.

What’s your biggest fear as it pertains to your art?

Tinashe: I don’t really like to put negativity into the universe, so I’m going to keep much of that thought to myself. However, on a lighthearted note, I suppose it would be running out of time to accomplish everything that I want to creatively!

There’s a lot of discussions online of the increasing number of Kpop music videos which appropriate the Tinashe aesthetic without giving credit, is this something that popped up on your radar and what does it mean to you as a black female artist to see this occurring?

Tinashe: This isn’t a particularly new phenomenon, I have noticed. However, I always take anything that seems similar to something I have done in the past as a compliment. It is very flattering to know that I can inspire my fellow creatives in some small way. I don’t worry about credit because those who know, know.

If you could return to the start of your musical journey and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Tinashe: Be patient with every move that you make. A successful music career is about long-game.

What’s something rarely spoken that you wish more people knew?

Tinashe: Black girls can be popstars too!

What is your FAULT?

Tinashe: I can be very impatient, and I always want to fast forward to the “big win” or the end result. I think that perspective is critically flawed, though, and I am working on slowing down and enjoying the journey more. The life I’ve always imagined, I’m already living it.