Rachel Chinouriri is an English singer-songwriter known for the way she blends indie, alternative, and R&B sounds. Chinouriri started making music in her teenage years, recording songs in her bedroom using basic equipment and uploading them to SoundCloud and YouTube. She experimented with production and songwriting during this time, aiming to create music that felt true to her lived experience and emotions. These early uploads helped her develop a small but devoted following and gave her the confidence to pursue music more seriously.
Early Beginnings & Influences
Chinouriri’s music stands out in the indie scene because of her heartfelt lyrics and distinct voice. She describes her music as deeply personal. While many artists attempt to mix indie and R&B, few have achieved the same authenticity and connection with listeners as she has. Born and raised in Croydon, London, she grew up surrounded by a mix of cultures. Growing up, Chinouriri liked listening to indie music, pop girl groups, and Britpop bands. She has stated that some of her main influences are Daughter and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and that her favorite band is Coldplay. She has spoken about how living in Croydon shaped her artistry, giving her a unique perspective on life and music. Her songs often explore themes of identity, relationships, and self-discovery.
Chinouriri’s Zimbabwean heritage also influences her sound, especially in the way she uses rhythm, vocal layering, and melodies inspired by traditional African music. These elements give her music a rich texture and emotional resonance that connects with listeners across cultural backgrounds. She is vocal about her experiences as a Black woman in the alternative music scene, pushing for more inclusivity in the industry. She’s also spoken about wanting to honor her roots while also redefining what it means to be a Black woman making alternative music in the UK today. She’s emphasized wanting to be known for her full self, not boxed in by race or genre.
Musical Evolution & Projects
Over the years, Rachel Chinouriri has released several notable projects, each showcasing her growth and versatility as an artist. Her 2018 single called “So My Darling” went viral on TikTok, helping her reach a wider audience. Her debut EP, Mama’s Boy (2019), introduced a lot of new listeners to her sound too. Tracks like “Mama’s Boy,” “Riptide,” “Adrenaline,” and “Good Enough,”on the EP set the tone for her future music. The EP as a whole established Chinouriri as an emerging talent in the indie music scene.
In 2021, she followed up with Four° in Winter, a mini album released after she was signed to Parlophone Records. Previously, she had been signed with Marathon Artists, a London-based independent label. This mini album introduced a more electronic sound while still maintaining her signature introspective style. The mini album features eight tracks: “Give Me A Reason,” “Darker Place,” “Plain Jane,” “Through The Eye,” “Blue – Interlude,” “Beautiful Disaster (featuring Sam Dotia),” “Lose Anything,” and “I.D.R.N.” The electronic influences gave the mini album a fresh, modern feel.
The Better Off Without EP (2022) marked a shift back to indie-pop, exploring the complexities of heartbreak after a five-year relationship. Tracks like “Better Off Without” and “Fall Right Out Of Love” were deeply emotional, addressing the pain of love lost and personal growth. The EP’s introspective lyrics and catchy melodies resonated with listeners who had gone through similar experiences. The whole EP felt like a personal reflection of Rachel’s journey, showcasing her ability to craft relatable songs that blend vulnerability with pop sensibilities.
Rachel Chinouriri's Live at KOKO EP was released on August 23, 2024. This EP features four live tracks recorded during her sold-out performance at London's iconic KOKO venue in March 2024. The tracklist includes "The Hills," “Never Need Me,” "All I Ever Asked," and "It Is What It Is." The renowned KOKO venue in Camden, London is known for hosting legendary performances. The recording, produced with attention to both audio and visual quality, preserves the intimacy of her sound while showcasing her ability to engage with the audience through her emotive performances. The EP was well-received by both fans and critics.
Rachel's debut album, What a Devastating Turn of Events (2024), delves into themes of life, love, and self-discovery. The album received critical acclaim for its honest exploration of relationships and personal growth, with tracks like “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Friend” and “Blue” standing out for their emotional depth. The tracks “Never Needed Me” and “All I Ever Asked” further explored themes of self-worth and longing, showcasing Rachel’s ability to evoke deep emotions through her lyrics. Her 2018 single “So My Darling” is on the album as well. The album’s mix of indie-pop, electronic elements, and heartfelt lyrics helped it reach the Top 20 on the UK Official Charts, marking a significant milestone in her career. As a whole, the album showcases Rachel as a standout artist in the indie scene, cementing her place in the music world with its blend of vulnerability, creativity, and authenticity.
Music Videos & Visual Storytelling
In her music videos, Rachel Chinouriri brings storytelling to the forefront. She carefully crafts visual narratives that complement the emotional depth of her songs. One standout example is the video for "Never Need Me," which features actress Florence Pugh. The video focuses on the theme of empowerment, with Pugh playing the role of a supportive friend. The narrative explores self-worth and emotional resilience, amplifying the song's message of finding strength through difficult times. This collaboration came about after Florence Pugh expressed her admiration for Rachel’s music, which led to the two artists connecting and collaborating creatively.
In the music video for "So My Darling," Rachel Chinouriri takes a more intimate and nostalgic approach, using warm, vintage-inspired visuals to evoke a sense of longing and tenderness. The video is shot with a soft, almost dreamlike quality, featuring grainy textures and natural lighting that enhance its sentimental tone. The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the story, with much of the video composed of layered home video-style clips, each moment blurring into the next. Chinouriri incorporates these visual elements to mimic the feeling of flipping through an old family tape, where past and present melt together. The video’s pacing is deliberately slow, allowing each frame to linger, much like the feeling of reminiscing on the past or remembering memories. Through close-up shots and intimate framing, the video captures raw emotion, making the viewer feel as though they are experiencing the past alongside Chinouriri.
Fashion & Personal Style
Rachel Chinouriri’s fashion sense is as unique and expressive as her music, often blending vintage-inspired pieces with modern elements that reflect her individuality. She is known for her effortless style, mixing bold colors, patterned pieces, and relaxed fits, creating a look that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Her fashion choices often highlight her strong sense of self and are a testament to her confidence in expressing who she is. Rachel embraces natural hairstyles, sometimes adorned with accessories like headbands or pins. Her style celebrates her roots and identity, which adds an extra layer of meaning to her overall aesthetic.
Live Performances & Recognition
Rachel has graced several prominent stages, performing at well-known festivals like Latitude, Reading & Leeds, The Great Escape, and Glastonbury's Other Stage in 2024. When watching Chinouriri perform, it’s clear she has a deep emotional connection to her music. She brings a raw, honest energy to the stage, making every song feel personal. Her performance at Glastonbury was particularly memorable, as it was listed among BBC's 15 magical and memorable moments of the festival, solidifying her growing influence in the music industry. In addition to festival appearances, Rachel has supported a range of artists, including Celeste, Tems, and Kojey Radical, on tour. These experiences have helped her expand her fanbase and gain recognition among industry giants. In March 2025, Rachel began opening for Sabrina Carpenter on the European leg of her Short N’ Sweet arena tour, which will provide her with an even larger platform to reach new audiences, showcasing her talent to music lovers across the country.
Chinouriri has been nominated for two BRIT Awards, recognizing her contributions to the UK music industry. Her song “Give Me A Reason” was nominated for the Best Contemporary Song category at the Ivor Novello Awards, which honors excellence in songwriting and composition. Several of her singles have been featured on BBC Radio 1’s playlists, and she has been highlighted as a rising star by major platforms such as Spotify’s Radar program and Apple Music’s Up Next series. Music critics have praised her artistry, with publications like The Guardian, NME, and Clash Magazine recognizing her as one of the most promising voices in contemporary British music. Additionally, she was included in the BBC Sound of 2023 longlist, which predicts the most promising new artists in the UK.
Upcoming Projects & Future Direction
Following the success of her live EP, Live at KOKO, and debut album, What A Devastating Turn Of Events, Rachel announced her upcoming EP titled Little House, which was released on April 4, 2025. The lead single, "Can We Talk About Isaac?," reflects a more optimistic phase in her songwriting, inspired by her experiences in therapy and finding love. Rachel expressed that this song marks a departure from writing from a place of trauma, focusing instead on the joy and protection she feels in her current relationship. Whether she’s performing live or releasing new music, Rachel Chinouriri’s passion for her art is ever present.
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