Tinashe, a name synonymous with innovative R&B for over a decade, recently graced the stage at MTELUS, riding high on the wave of her Quantum Baby album and the Brat Summer buzz. As a long-time fan, I walked in with high expectations, especially considering the energy surrounding her hit single “Nasty.” This track, a bold declaration of needing a partner who can truly Match My Freak Song energy, set the stage for what I anticipated to be a boundary-pushing, visually stunning, and sonically cohesive concert experience. While the show was undeniably polished, showcasing Tinashe’s and her dancers’ undeniable talent, I left with a lingering question: did the live performance truly embody the “freak” aesthetic that her recent music so boldly proclaims?
The evening commenced with Raveena, an American singer-songwriter known for her ethereal sound. While Raveena possesses a captivating sweetness and clearly has her own dedicated fanbase, her set felt like an odd choice to warm up the crowd for Tinashe. An opening act should ideally amplify the audience’s energy and create a sonic bridge to the headliner. Raveena’s gentle, jazz-infused R&B, reminiscent of “relaxing in a bed of the fluffiest pillows,” as the original reviewer aptly described, didn’t quite achieve this. The transition from Raveena’s dreamy ballads to the high-energy, sensual world of Tinashe felt jarring rather than seamless. Perhaps a more intimate venue would have better suited Raveena’s artistic style, allowing her fans to fully immerse themselves in her delicate musicality.
Alt text: Energetic Tinashe concert performance with dancers on a large stage, highlighting dynamic choreography and stage presence, but questioning if it fully embodies the “freak” aesthetic.
As the stage was reset for Tinashe, a comment overheard – “ok budget” – resonated with the overall visual impression. Large screens displaying perfume advertisements (a brand partnership) and video backdrops dominated the stage. While the videos, incorporating snippets of music videos and abstract visuals, were visually interesting at times, they often felt distracting. The slime-covered Tinashe video, in particular, seemed disconnected and didn’t enhance the live performance experience. On the brighter side, Tinashe’s quartet of dancers were captivating. Their effortless shifts between playful backstage moments and sharp, synchronized choreography were a highlight. A particularly engaging moment was when the camera operator at the front of the stage projected close-ups of Tinashe onto the large screens, creating a powerful visual effect of a giant Tinashe towering over the live performance.
The dynamic between Tinashe and her audience was somewhat reserved. Spoken interactions were minimal, and an encore was absent. However, during the final songs, “Broke Boys” and “Nasty,” the audience became part of the show as cameras projected us onto the screens. A surprising and welcome gesture followed the performance: Tinashe spent time signing autographs for front-row fans. In an era where artist-fan interaction can feel increasingly distant, this personal touch was a refreshing contrast to the limited engagement during the main set.
Leading up to the concert, buzz circulated about Tinashe’s on-stage chemistry with her dancers, hinting at potentially provocative moments reminiscent of Troye Sivan’s “Sweat Tour.” While there were indeed sensual interactions, they felt more like rehearsed choreography than spontaneous expressions of the “freak” energy one might expect from someone urging you to match my freak song. This brings us back to the central question: where was the promised “freak” factor?
The concert felt like a collection of disparate elements rather than a cohesive artistic statement. The opening video, styled in the vein of the “Nasty” music video with a post-apocalyptic, desert-escape theme, raised expectations for a consistent concept throughout the show. Unfortunately, this narrative thread was quickly lost. The visuals shifted erratically, and the overarching aesthetic felt disjointed. There was a missed opportunity to build a compelling narrative – a “sexy superhero” or “rebellious fugitive” concept, drawing from the visual language of her album and single covers. Imagine stage props like security cameras integrated to create a “sexy and subversive” atmosphere, truly embodying the “Nasty” vibe.
Tinashe’s vocal talent and stage presence are undeniable. She delivered a technically proficient and energetic performance. However, the concert lacked the uninhibited “freak” energy that her recent music, especially tracks that encourage you to match my freak song, suggests. The styling, choreography, and overall presentation seemed toned down, perhaps aiming for broader appeal. While Tinashe’s fanbase is wonderfully diverse, and her music has evolved from mainstream club hits to more alternative sounds, the concert didn’t fully embrace this edgier direction. The audience included both long-time fans and those perhaps newer to her evolving sound. While it’s heartening to see a wide range of people connect with Tinashe’s music, one can’t help but wonder if catering to a perceived “basic” demographic diluted the potential for a truly “freaky” and boundary-pushing concert experience. The adorable moment with a child dancing on their parent’s shoulders served as a reminder of the diverse audience, but also perhaps highlighted the tightrope walk between mainstream appeal and embracing a more niche, “freak” aesthetic. Ultimately, I left the MTELUS show still searching for the artist who truly wants me to match my freak song in her live performance.
Alt text: Diverse concert audience enthusiastically watching Tinashe perform, highlighting the broad appeal of her music but also raising questions about catering to mainstream vs. “freak” demographics.
