R&B singer/songwriter Tinashe released her debut album, Aquarius, on Oct. 7. Ahead of the album's release, Tinashe visited The Recording Academy's headquarters in Santa Monica, Calif., to participate in an exclusive GRAMMY.com interview, discussing what inspires her creative process, the importance of following your instincts as an artist, her Top 25 hit "2 On" featuring Schoolboy Q, and the making of Aquarius.
"I began recording my debut album, Aquarius, at the beginning of 2013, so it's been quite the process," said Tinashe. "I've worked with some of the most amazing producers in the game. … I've had a really terrific creative journey as I've made the album, so I'm very excited to finally put it out."
The Lexington, Ky.-born, Tinashe was raised in Los Angeles, where she established a successful acting career with roles in films such as 2000's Cora Unashamed and 2004's Polar Bear Express, in addition to a recurring role on the television series "Two And A Half Men." In 2007 she joined the girl group the Stunners, who opened on tour for GRAMMY nominee Justin Beiber before disbanding in 2011. In 2012 Tinashe released two mixtapes, In Case We Die and Reverie, and subsequently signed a deal with RCA Records. Released in 2013, her third mixtape, Black Water, included "Vulnerable" featuring rapper Travis Scott.
Co-produced by Tinashe, Mike Will Made It, DJ Mustard, and Stargate, among others, Aquarius features 18 tracks, including "2 On," "How Many Times" featuring rapper Future and "Pretend" featuring GRAMMY-nominated rapper A$AP Rocky.
Tinashe is currently scheduled to perform select dates in the United States through November.