Rachel Chinouriri: Redefining Indie Pop with Authenticity
By: Catherine Wong
With over 1.8M monthly listeners, Rachel Chinouriri is taking over the world one song at a time. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter rose to popularity on TikTok with her release of “So My Darling.” After capturing the attention of millions, Chinouriri’s online presence expanded, giving her a platform of over 406K followers on TikTok and 140K on Instagram.
Chinouriri began her music career at a very young age. As a child of immigrants, Chinouriri was rarely connected with her parents. She did not speak their native language, Shona; however, the family was able to build relationships through music. She gravitated towards playing the guitar, and piano and, like all young fangirls, sang along to songs on YouTube. At 16 years old, Chinouriri faced a pivotal decision: should she pursue her passion for music or follow a more traditional path in criminal psychology? On a whim, she applied to The BRIT School, a prestigious performing arts school, knowing that if she did not get in, studying music might fade into a distant memory.
Years later, The BRIT School provided Chinouriri with her foundational knowledge of music but, what truly kick-started her career was the release of “So My Darling.” The song is a beautiful ode to the gift of loving and being loved. Its melancholic piano chords and Chinouriri’s soothing vocals are highlights, but the true standout is in the opening 45 seconds. Here, voice notes of Chinouriri’s friends professing their love for each other can be heard, creating an enchanting and intimate atmosphere. “That song was my saving grace,” Chinouriri said for Teen Vogue.
Expanding Beyond Labels
However, in all her successes Chinouriri could see herself getting slapped with genre labels. The singer released her debut album Four° In Winter in 2021, embracing a more R&B, electro-style of music. Though her listening numbers increased, her sound was not authentic. Deeply inspired by Oasis and Coldplay, Chinouriri wanted to return to her indie-folk roots. When “So My Darling”’s acoustic version began picking up speed, the artist saw it as a sign to keep pursuing the music she wanted to produce.
Now, despite Chinouriri insisting that she is an indie artist, various marketing departments claim she is R&B or neo-soul. Chinouriri has denied every claim and has the music to back it up. “To be put into genres I never grew up listening to was so bizarre to me, then it clicked because of my skin,” she said for British GQ. Though it is a constant battle, Chinouriri confirms she is nothing but an indie-pop artist and is determined to craft a space for Black girls in predominantly White scenes. “People like me must keep changing the narrative and continue the conversation so that it makes it easier for everyone else trying to do what they want while being Black or POC,” Chinouriri said for British GQ.
What a Devastating Turn of Events
This past May, Chinouriri announced her debut album, What a Devastating Turn of Events: her first chart success, debuting at no. 17 on the UK charts. Composed of 14 tracks, the album is a reflection of heartbreak and self-sabotage as well as a projection of hope. Every aspect of the album stems from Chinourini’s inherent ability to be introspective as well as her desire to be honest.
The album kicks off with “Garden of Eden,” a devastatingly cinematic opener discussing growing up and leaving youth behind. The Garden of Eden is meant to symbolize a place you are never able to go back to. With innovative guitar riffs and a persistent beat, “Garden of Eden” signifies Chinourini’s growth as an artist.
The second single, “Never Need Me,” is a heartbreaking track disguised by a pop beat and dance-able energy. Chinourini sings about the revelation that a person will never change, despite your overwhelming desire for them to do so. “I hope you just take it easy/I hope that you never need me,” are painful lyrics masked by synth-pop and innovative sounds. “Never Need Me”’s music video also features world-renowned actress, Florence Pugh.
Throughout the album, Chinouriri tells stories of eating disorders, self-sabotage, and insecurities. Her raw emotion and confronting portrayal of mental health issues make her songs incredibly relatable. Chinouriri’s voice speaks to listeners and combined with gorgeous melodies creates 14 beautifully, dynamic tracks. It’s safe to say that What a Devastating Turn of Events will turn anyone into a Chinouriri fan (a “darling,” if you will).
What’s Next for Chinouriri?
The future is promising for Chinouriri as she continues to pave the way for indie music. In 2025, she is set to open for the European leg of Sabrina Carpenter’s upcoming Short n’ Sweet tour. Chinouriri’s name can also be found in the lineup of popular music festivals, such as All Things Go. We hope to see more of Chinouriri in the future and hopefully, on her own headlined tour!
Where to find Rachel Chinouriri: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Twitter
