Tinashe, the multi-talented artist, has made a remarkable comeback with her hit single "Nasty," which has taken the music world by storm. After a rocky start in the major-label system, Tinashe has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, proving her resilience and artistic prowess as an independent artist. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the rewards of creative freedom.

Tinashe's Resurgence: Reclaiming Her Rightful Spot on the Charts

Riding the Wave of "Nasty"

This year, Tinashe has notched her first Hot 100 entry in eight years with the captivating and propulsive song "Nasty." The track started climbing the charts in June, and around the same time, a TikTok video of dancer Nate Di Winer went viral, featuring the nerdy-looking white boy winding his hips to the song's infectious chorus. The resulting memes helped to cement "Nasty" as part of the cultural lexicon, further propelling Tinashe's success.

A Decade in the Game: Tinashe's Unwavering Dedication

For the 31-year-old star, "Nasty" represents the culmination of hard-earned success after a rocky road that began in the major-label system. Now, after a few years as an independent artist, Tinashe says her work is just beginning. This fall, she's on her second tour of the year, and around the holidays, she's getting back into the studio to record the third installment of an album trilogy she's been rolling out. "I feel like everything that I've been putting in the work for, for all these years, has led up to these moments," she says. "I've been in the game 10 years now, so it's like, I'm not new to this. I'm true to this."

The Roses and Thorns of Independence

Tinashe's journey as an independent artist has been a double-edged sword. The best thing she's gained is a sense of confidence in her decisions and the freedom to drop music and put out whatever she wants, something she didn't have the opportunity to do before when she was signed to a major label. However, the hardest part has been the financial burden, as so much is coming out of her own pocket. Despite the challenges, Tinashe believes it's been worth it. Yet, she acknowledges that there are still many spaces and places that are gatekept by the major-label system, making it difficult to break through in certain ways.

The Power of Community: Tinashe's Peers Rally Behind Her

One of the most validating aspects of Tinashe's success this year has been the support and rallying of her peers. Even the legendary Janet Jackson performed a bit of Tinashe's "Nasty" with her own hit "Nasty," a moment that Tinashe describes as deeply meaningful. "I always go back to Janet Jackson as being my ultimate reference, just because I feel like she embodies all of the things that I love," Tinashe says. "I feel like she was constantly genre-blending, and she was very ahead of her time in that sense. And she also is a great performer, entertainer, dancer. She's still probably my top inspo, top mother."

A Sisterhood of Support

Tinashe's success has also been celebrated by a community of women in music, including Meghan Trainor, Bebe Rexha, SZA, Kehlani, and Tyla, among others. Even Christina Aguilera, one of Tinashe's "Big Three" inspirations, alongside Janet Jackson and Britney Spears, reached out to express her support. This sense of camaraderie and mutual upliftment is something Tinashe finds rare in her experience, as she acknowledges the competitive nature that can often exist among women in the industry due to the limited number of seats at the table.

Evolving and Adapting: Tinashe's Trilogy Approach

Tinashe's latest musical endeavors, including the Quantum Baby and BB/Ang3l projects, are part of a planned trilogy. This approach, she explains, was an idea she had before releasing the first two installments. Tinashe recognizes the challenges of maintaining audience attention in the modern music landscape, where albums can quickly become overshadowed. The trilogy format allows her to adapt and change the project in real-time, rather than being locked into a rigid album release schedule.

Tinashe's Ideal Night Out: A Dance-Fueled Escape

While Tinashe may not consider herself a "huge partier," she does enjoy the occasional night out filled with music that inspires her to move. Her perfect night would involve dancing to high-tempo tracks that make her want to groove. However, Tinashe also values her alone time, preferring to spend time with her cat, engage in creative hobbies like painting and cooking, and connect with nature through activities like walking and working out.

Tinashe's Musical Influences and Inspirations

In her solo moments, Tinashe gravitates towards a diverse range of musical genres, including jazz, classical, and contemporary R&B. She's been particularly drawn to the work of artists like Tems, Bryson Tiller, Erykah Badu, and Thundercat, finding inspiration in their unique styles and sonic explorations.

Embracing the Present, Focusing on the Future

When it comes to her long-term goals, Tinashe takes a refreshingly organic approach. Rather than mapping out a rigid five-year plan, she prefers to take things one day at a time, focusing on the present and allowing her path to unfold naturally. This mindset has served her well, as she continues to navigate the ever-evolving music industry and capitalize on the momentum of her recent successes.