Rachel Chinouriri on Owning Her Pop Moment, Supporting Olivia Rodrigo & Bringing ‘More Sparkles’ Into Her Life
With a dazzling new era in full swing, the British-Zimbabwean singer opens up about finding her feet and making friends in pop’s inner circle.
Rachel Chinouriri, a 27-year-old British-Zimbabwean artist, has experienced significant transformation in the past few years, according to Billboard U.K. The singer, who is preparing for the release of her second album, I Think I Spoke Too Soon, on October 16 via Parlophone, has grown immensely as a person and as an artist. Chinouriri describes herself as a "totally different person" to who she was at 22, and this change is evident in her new music.
Her transition from an indie-leaning, lo-fi sound to a more propulsive, genre-busting pop sound on her new album is indicative of her personal growth, both as an individual and a musician. The album reflects a newfound confidence and a shift in her lyrical themes, dealing openly with mid-20s ennui and sobriety.
"I've said my piece, and if for some reason this album comes out and everyone goes, 'Ooh, she's doing R&B and soul', then I can't do anything — but at least I know I've tried," Chinouriri says. "I have my community who know who I am. Now it's time to just have some fun and a lil' boogie!"
In addition to her musical evolution, Chinouriri has also focused on her sobriety. After experimenting with alcohol for the first time at 22, she went sober at 26. This change has positively impacted her mental and physical health, as well as her relationships. By becoming sober, Chinouriri has felt more comfortable in industry situations and has been able to focus on her own well-being, rather than relying on alcohol to cope with the stress of the music industry.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
