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Tinashe

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 38.107.150.106 (talk) at 15:45, 3 August 2015 (→2014–present: Aquarius, Amethyst, and upcoming second studio album). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

This article is about the American female singer and actress. For the British male singer, see Tinashé.
For other uses, see Tinashe (disambiguation).

Tinashe
Tinashe performing with the Stunners at 103.5 KISS FM on April 30, 2010
Born
Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe

(1993-02-06) February 6, 1993 (age 31)
Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • actress
  • dancer
  • director
Websitetinashenow.com

Tinashe Jorgenson Kachingwe,[1] also known as simply Tinashe (born February 6, 1993), is an American singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, dancer, actress, director, and former model.[2] She began her entertainment career at the age of 3 when she began modeling and acting. In 2012, Tinashe released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, In Case We Die and Reverie, which she created in her home studio. After the release of the mixtapes, Tinashe signed with RCA Records. She released her third mixtape, Black Water, on November 26, 2013, and her debut solo album Aquarius, on October 7, 2014.[3] Her debut single, "2 On", was released in January 2014. The song stayed at number 1 on the Rhythmic Top 40 for over 4 consecutive weeks, and peaked at number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming her first Top 40 hit single.[4]

Tinashe is also an actress. She made her acting debut in the television film Cora Unashamed in 2000. In 2004, Tinashe appeared in box-office hit The Polar Express alongside actor Tom Hanks, providing the motion capture for the female protagonist. From 2008 to 2009, Tinashe had a recurring role in American sitcom Two and a Half Men as Celeste, Jake's girlfriend. And she had a photoshoot with Kode Magazine.

Early life

Tinashe Kachingwe was born on February 6, 1993 in Lexington, Kentucky, the eldest child of Michael and Aimie Kachingwe. Her father is from Zimbabwe, while her mother is of Danish, Norwegian, and Irish descent.[5][6] Tinashe's name means "We are with God" in the Shona language which she speaks fluently. She has two younger brothers, Thulani and Kudzai.[7] She and her family moved to Los Angeles, California when she was eight years old.[1] She attended Crescenta Valley High School for a year before finishing early to pursue a career in music full-time.[8] She began studying ballet, tap, and jazz dancing at the age of 4, and continued to compete in various styles as a part of a dance company until she was 18.[9]

Career

2007–10: The Stunners

Main article: The Stunners

In 2007, Tinashe joined girl group The Stunners, founded by Vitamin C. Her bandmates were friends Marisol Esparza, Allie Gonino, Hayley Kiyoko, and Kelsey Sanders.[10] Six months after their formation, the group signed with Columbia Records. The Stunners recorded a single that was to be used for the iCarly soundtrack; however, the single was never released. In 2009, the group left Columbia Records[11] and signed a production deal with Lionsgate Entertainment, who also produced a scripted television show pilot based on the group for MTV.[11][12] On March 18, 2009, they released a single, "Bubblegum", on iTunes, along with the official video. In October, the group released a 5-song EP, influenced by artists such as Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Rihanna.[13] The music video for their promo single, "We Got It", was released on February 22, 2010.[11]

The group performed the song "We Got It" on The Today Show,[14] as well as The Wendy Williams Show.[11][15] After meeting with various labels, they signed a deal to Universal Republic Records[11] in 2010. They released a single, "Dancin' Around the Truth" on iTunes, as well as Top 40 radio stations.[16] The music video premiered on June 2, 2010, just before the group was announced as an opening act on Justin Bieber's My World Tour.[17] The Stunners finished their run, after twenty dates on the tour, and returned to Los Angeles to record new songs with producers and writers such as Toby Gad, The Cataracs, Dave Broome,[18] Livvi Franc,[19] Sheppard Soloman, Jimmy Harry, and Tony Kanal of No Doubt.[20] A fourth music video for their song "Spin The Bottle", which was shot in the California desert, premiered on December 31, 2010. A full album was planned,[21] but was ultimately scrapped when the group split in 2011.[11][22][23]

2011–13: In Case We Die, Reverie and Black Water

After the Stunners officially disbanded, Tinashe began pursuing a solo career.[24][unreliable source?] On May 3, 2011, Tinashe gave her first televised solo performance during the Dodgers—Cubs game, singing "God Bless America".[25][26] On June 24, 2011, Tinashe released her first solo music video, a cover of Lil Wayne's single "How to Love". The song was later released as a free digital download via Tinashe's official website.[27][28] Following the video's release, Tinashe confirmed she had officially been released from her recording contract with Universal Republic.[29][unreliable source?] Tinashe was featured on the dance single "Artificial People" by OFM, released on September 12, 2011.[30] On November 25, 2011 Tinashe released the music video for "Can't Say No", her first original solo song.[31] The track samples Britney Spears's song "Blur" from her sixth studio album, Circus.[32][unreliable source?] The song was released for download on November 28, 2011.[33]

Tinashe performing "Vulnerable" from her "Black Water" mixtape

In Case We Die, Tinashe's debut solo mixtape, was released in February 2012, recorded in her home studio.[34] The mixtape spawned four singles, the first being promotional song, "Chainless", released to iTunes on December 19, 2011.[35] "My High" was released for streaming on her official website.[36] The music video for single "This Feeling" directed by Cole Walliser was released on May 1, 2012 to Global Grind.[37][38] The mixtape's final single, Boss, was released August 20, 2012, after the song was featured in an episode of the VH1 series Single Ladies.[39] The music video for the song was self-directed, and co-written by Tinashe and Jt Ervin.[39][40][41] The mixtape was received positively by the blogosphere.[42]

On July 13, 2012, Tinashe announced that she had signed with RCA Records.[39][43] Following the signing, her second mixtape, Reverie, was released on September 6, 2012 through her official website.[44] The mixtape released three singles: the first "Stargazing", released on August 21, 2012; the second, "Ecstasy", released on December 18, 2012; and the final, "Who Am I Working For?", released on March 12, 2013.[45] Upon its release, reviews for Reverie were generally positive.[46]

From August to November 2012, a series of remixes of songs from Tinashe's two mixtapes leaked online to critical acclaim.[47][48][49][50] On November 26, 2013, Tinashe released her third mixtape, Black Water. The mixtape was composed of thirteen tracks produced by Dev Hynes, Boi-1da, Ryan Hemsworth, and Tinashe herself. The single "Vulnerable", which features rapper Travis Scott, was declared a "Must-Hear Pop Song of the Week" by MTV's Buzzworthy on November 26, 2013.[51]

2014–present: Aquarius, Amethyst, and upcoming second studio album

Tinashe worked on her debut studio album in 2014.[52] Recording took place in Los Angeles, London, Atlanta, New York, and Toronto.[53] Tinashe worked with several producers, including Clams Casino, Ryan Hemsworth,[54] Stuart Matthewman, DJ Mustard, T-Minus, Mike Will Made It, Boi-1da, Fisticuffs, Best Kept Secret, and Ritz Reynolds.[55] On January 13, 2014, Tinashe released her first single from her debut album, "2 On". The song features American rapper Schoolboy Q, and was produced by DJ Mustard.[56][57] The song entered the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 89, and has since peaked at number 24.[58]

On June 29, 2014, Tinashe made her national television debut, performing her hit single "2 On" at the BET Awards pre-show. That same day, she also announced that her anticipated debut album, Aquarius, would be officially released on October 7, 2014.[59][60] Speaking about the theme of the album, Tinashe said: "It combines the essence of all my previous work. I've stayed true to who I am. Obviously, there's some progression as I've grown as an artist, and I'm influenced by new things and what not. I think my fans will be really happy with it. I think it really embodies who I am and where I am creatively right now".[61]

The second single, "Pretend" featuring ASAP Rocky, was released on August 22, 2014. The song failed to chart anywhere.[62] "Aquarius" debuted at number 17 on Billboard 200 with 11k copies sold on its first week. Tinashe is featured on Nick Jonas' "Jealous" remix. In late January 2015, Tinashe was reported working with writers and producers from Prescription Songs — Dr. Luke's publishing company —, Max Martin[63] and Taylor Parks on her upcoming second studio album.[64][65] On March 16, 2015, Tinashe released a seven song mixtape entitled Amethyst for free download. The project was recorded in Tinashe's bedroom during her Christmas vacation, and features production from Ryan Hemsworth, Iamsu!, DJ Dahi, Ritz Reynolds, Nez & Rio, Mae N. Maejor, and Smash David.[66]

Tinashe performed at the 2nd Annual Guam Live International Music Festival. In the latter half of 2015, Tinashe joined rapper Nicki Minaj on the American leg of her Pinkprint Tour to promote Aquarius.

Artistry

Musical style and voice

"I write a lot of it in my car, that's just a very inspiring place to listen to music. I think it puts me in the zone. I just think of melodies usually and then lyrics come after. Sometimes really easily, and then sometimes I'll have a melody for a week before I come up with any lyrics so it just kind of depends."

— Tinashe, speaking on her writing style.[67]

Tinashe writes and produces most of her music in her home studio, and describes her musical style as a mixture of urban, rhythmic, and pop, with influences from indie, alternative, and hip hop music. Tinashe explained her genre influences:

I'm just really inspired by R&B, hip-hop, and alternative music so I just wanted to combine all three of those for the sound. And the type of person I am, I just find darkness interesting in a way. I just love songs that sound like a little crazy, I think it creates an interesting juxtaposition between my voice because it is so bright, and soft, and like pretty, and sweet that I don't want my music to come across sweet or nice. I do like the opposite, so I think of something that's dark and heavy and then I put like sweet and light on top.[67]

After The Stunners disbanded, Tinashe "bought a bunch of equipment, a camera, and microphones", and began to teach herself how to record and mix music. She's written and recorded many of her songs in her bedroom. She also filmed and edited her own music videos with Pro Tools and Final Cut Pro, and uses Logic Pro to produce her beats. Tinashe cites YouTube as her "teacher".[68]

Tinashe's style has been compared by industry critics and fans to Mýa, The Weeknd, James Blake, Cassie, and the late singer Aaliyah.[69]

Influences

Tinashe was inspired by the music her parents would play in the house when she was young. She calls Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Sade as influences and Christina Aguilera as her main inspiration:[70][71]

I think that they're all iconic in some type of way. They're all amazing singers, performers and that live aspect is something I admire. I always want to put on a great live show.[72][73]

Janet Jackson is an influence for her stage presence and dance style.[74]

Personal life

As a child, Tinashe faced bullying from her peers:

I actually did get bullied a lot in school. I went to public school until 9th grade and had a pretty bad experience. I missed out on prom and graduation and the whole college experience but I don't feel bad about it because everything else I was doing was what I actually wanted.[75]

Tinashe lives with her parents and has a bedroom studio, and has a black belt in Taekwondo.

Discography

Main article: Tinashe discography

Stage

Year Title Role Notes
2007 13 Un­known Pre-Broadway; Ran from January 7, 2007 through February 18, 2007 at The Mark Taper Forum[76]

Filmography

List of acting performances in film and television
Year Title Role Notes
2000 Cora Unashamed Josephine Television film
2001 Call Me Claus Young Lucy Television film
2003 Masked and Anonymous Mrs. Brown's Daughter
2004 Rocket Power Leialni Makani Voice; "Island of the Menhune" (Season 3, Episode 24)
2004 Time Out Shawnee Short film
2004 The Polar Express Hero Girl
2006 Akeelah and the Bee Various roles Voice
2006 Holly Hobbie and Friends: Surprise Party Carrie Baker Voice
2006 Holly Hobbie and Friends: Christmas Wishes Carrie Baker Voice
2007 Avatar: The Last Airbender On Ji Voice; "The Headband" (Season 3, Episode 2)
2007 Holly Hobbie and Friends: Secret Adventures Carrie Baker Voice
2007 Holly Hobbie and Friends: Best Friends Forever Carrie Baker Voice
2007 Out of Jimmy's Head Robin Voice; Main role
2008 Two and a Half Men Celeste Burnett Recurring role; 2008–09
2011 Justin Bieber: Never Say Never Herself

Awards and nominations

Year Awards Category Work Outcome
2014 Soul Train Music Awards Best Dance Performance "2 On" featuring Schoolboy Q Nominated
2015 YouTube Music Awards 50 artists to watch Herself Won
BET Awards Best New Artist Herself Nominated

References

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  2. ^ http://noisey.vice.com/es/blog/tinashe-black-water-interview
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  4. ^ "Tinashe feat. Schoolboy Q - 2 On Music Video". What's Good?.
  5. ^ Power 105.1. "Tinashe Reveals Her Ethnicity". YouTube. Retrieved March 14, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ https://twitter.com/Tinashé/status/28694064811479040
  7. ^ "Tinashe brings touch of glamour to ZAA". New Zimbabwe. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  8. ^ Inocencio, Marc (October 15, 2014). "Tinashe and Ryan Call Radio Stations to Correct Pronunciation of Her Name". American Top 40. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  9. ^ Carlin, Shannon. "New Music To Know: Tinashe is an R&B Singer on the Verge". Radio. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  10. ^ "The Stunners". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
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  32. ^ "Tinashe Premieres Can't Say No Music Video". I Am Boi Genius. Ronald Rainer. November 26, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
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  38. ^ "Rosewood Radio on UStream". May 15, 2012. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
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  40. ^ "Featured Video: Tinashe - "Boss"". September 22, 2012. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  41. ^ "Tinashe - BOSS (Official Video) From "In Case We Die"". November 19, 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
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  44. ^ ""My new mixtape cover #Reverie (Coming soon)" on Facebook". August 13, 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
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  46. ^ "Video Interview Spread: Tinashe-In Due Time". Page-31.com. December 5, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  47. ^ "Tinashe - The Last Night On Earth (Giraffage Remix)". Retrieved November 18, 2012.
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  49. ^ "New Remix-- goin on... via Tinashe on Facebook". Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  50. ^ "Tinashe - "Boss" (The 83rd Remix)". Retrieved December 26, 2012.
  51. ^ Brad Stern (November 26, 2013). "Britney Spears, Tinashe, Aiden + More: 5 Must-Hear Pop Songs Of The Week". Buzzworthy.mtv.com. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
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  55. ^ "Interview: Tinashe – Meet the New Princess of Pop/R&B – New R&B ..." March 25, 2013. Retrieved March 25, 2013.
  56. ^ "iTunes - Music - 2 On (feat. Schoolboy Q) - Single by Tinashe". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved January 22, 2014.
  57. ^ Breihan, Tom (January 13, 2014). "Tinashe – "2 On" (feat. Schoolboy Q) (Prod. DJ Mustard)". Stereogum. Spin Media. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
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  59. ^ "https://twitter.com/JoJoWright/status/499441394600013824". twitter.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014. {{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
  60. ^ "Recording artist Tinashe performs at the BET Awards PreShow during... News Photo 451468352". Getty Images. gettyimages.ca. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  61. ^ "Tinashe - Artist To Watch". refinery29.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  62. ^ "Tinashe Slows Down and Sweetens Up on "Pretend" Alongside A$AP Rocky". The FADER. thefader.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  63. ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsKV6r1VvPg
  64. ^ https://twitter.com/thedoctorluke/status/559236682818396161
  65. ^ http://www.creativejeniusreport.com/studio-love-tinashe-hits-studio-taylor-parks-jacob-kasher-ammo/
  66. ^ http://pitchfork.com/news/58848-tinashe-drops-amethyst-mixtape/
  67. ^ a b "Tinashe: Are You Ready?". NOISEY. noisey.vice.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  68. ^ "Tinashe Photo - 10 New Artists You Need to Know: July 2014". Rolling Stone. rollingstone.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  69. ^ "Combine Aaliyah, James Blake and Janet Jackson and you might just get a Tinashe". i-D Magazine. i-d.vice.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  70. ^ http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6386058/tinashe-video-interview-aquarius
  71. ^ http://www.idolator.com/7513629/popping-up-tinashe
  72. ^ "The Look: Tinashe - OPENING CEREMONY". openingceremony.us. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  73. ^ "Tinashe | Just Another Day In The Life Of DreIzMe". dreizme.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  74. ^ "TheGrio's artist spotlight: Tinashe talks '2 On' and love for Janet Jackson". theGrio. thegrio.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  75. ^ "How Tinashe Became R&B's Next Breakout Star". bullettmedia.com. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  76. ^ http://www.playbill.com/news/article/middle-school-musical-jason-robert-browns-13-opens-in-los-angeles-137504
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