For Tinashe, the path to becoming a pop star started with getting out of a prepackaged singing group. As a member of The Stunners from 2007 to 2011, Tinashe sang on several singles, signed a record deal and co-starred in a TV pilot, but it wasn’t until the group disbanded and Tinashe started working on solo music in her home studio that she caught the attention of critics and tastemakers. Tinashe independently released three mixtapes of alternative-leaning pop/R&B before signing with RCA and putting out her major-label debut, Aquarius, in 2014.
That album launched the hits “2 On” and “All Hands on Deck,” and helped Tinashe move from indie artist to nascent pop star. After dropping another mixtape in 2015, Tinashe has been hard at work on her second studio album, Joyride, set for release later this year. Tinashe remains fiercely independent, continuing to write and record her mixtapes herself at home, co-writing the songs on her studio albums and even directing her own music videos.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 7 p.m. March 31, starting at $25 plus tax and fee, 18+. 800.745.3000 Ticketmaster
