Pop and R&B star Tinashe, alongside genre-bending artist Amaarae, recently offered a candid look into the often-misunderstood financial realities of touring, revealing that creating a compelling live show can lead to significant monetary losses despite popular perception. Their conversation for Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians issue challenges the glamorous facade of the road, shedding light on the sacrifices artists make to deliver their creative vision to fans worldwide.
For many fans, the idea of a musician hitting the road conjures images of sold-out arenas, lavish lifestyles, and endless profits. However, as Tinashe, the 32-year-old acclaimed “2 On” singer, recently revealed, the financial picture of touring is often far less rosy than it appears. In a revealing conversation with fellow artist Amaarae for Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians, Tinashe candidly discussed the “financial burden” that often accompanies bringing a creative vision to life on stage.
Chasing the Vision: Why Touring Can Mean Losing Money
During their chat on October 22, Tinashe articulated a common misconception about the music industry. “A lot of people think that you go on tour and you make all this money, win-win,” she shared. The reality, in her experience, is quite different. “A lot of the tours I’ve gone on, I’ve ended up losing money because I have the vision of the creative and the things that I want to achieve.”
This pursuit of a specific artistic standard, she explained, often necessitates significant investment in production, stage design, dancers, lighting, sound, and a dedicated crew. These costs frequently outweigh the earnings from ticket sales and venue payouts, making it difficult to achieve a “net positive” outcome. “There’s some level of sacrifice if you want to kind of create the vision to the degree that you want to create it,” Tinashe emphasized, a sentiment that resonates deeply with artists striving for authenticity in their performances.
The Broader Impact on Artists
While Tinashe acknowledged feeling “blessed” to have reached a point where she can “play bigger rooms and make more money,” she also voiced concern for emerging talents. She understands that for new artists, touring can be “super tough.” The desire to connect with fans in different cities often clashes with the prohibitive costs of travel, accommodation, and putting on a show that meets expectations. This financial barrier can prevent artists from reaching their audience, even when demand exists.
The conversation highlights a critical challenge in the modern music industry: balancing artistic integrity with economic viability. Many fans, eagerly awaiting their favorite artists in their hometowns, may not fully grasp the complex logistical and financial hurdles involved in bringing a live performance to fruition. This behind-the-scenes look offers valuable context for understanding why tours might be selective or why ticket prices can sometimes feel steep.
The Love-Hate Relationship with the Road
Beyond the financial intricacies, Tinashe and Amaarae also delved into their personal feelings about touring. When asked by Amaarae if she enjoys touring, Tinashe affirmed her love for performing. However, she revealed a significant personal challenge: “I have a really hard time doing both at once.” She elaborated that she needs to dedicate her entire energy to each phase of her career – first to creating a project, then to promoting it, and finally to the tour itself.
Amaarae, 31, expressed an even stronger distinction, stating, “I love to perform. I hate to tour.” The “Angels in Tibet” artist described herself as a “real homebody” and shared that her stage persona, “Amaarae,” is essentially “just my imagination of a personality,” a shell distinct from her private self. This perspective provides a fascinating insight into the mental and emotional toll touring can take, separating the joy of performance from the rigors of constant travel and public life.
The Current Momentum: Tours and New Music
Despite the challenges, both artists continue to deliver new music and connect with their fan bases. Tinashe recently concluded her Match My Freak: World Tour, which supported her latest album, Quantum Baby. The tour showcased her commitment to her creative vision, even with its inherent financial sacrifices.
Meanwhile, Amaarae is gearing up for her own four-night run, The Black Star Experience, set to kick off on November 1. This tour supports her new album, Black Star, an album she previously told People marked “the first time I’ve been excited to drop an album.” She expressed her excitement for the album’s sound, describing it as “a lot of dance music” and “a lot of sexy music.”
This candid discussion, originally featured in Rolling Stone’s Musicians on Musicians, serves as a crucial reminder that the dazzling performances fans witness are the culmination of immense passion, meticulous planning, and often, significant personal and financial sacrifice. It offers fans a deeper appreciation for the dedication artists like Tinashe and Amaarae pour into their craft, both on and off the stage.
