Rachel Chinouriri is back with another infectious indie-pop anthem with the release of her new song “Never Need Me,” as well as the announcement that her highly-anticipated debut album What A Devastating Turn Of Events arrives on May 3rd via Elektra. She will also be playing her first headlining tour dates in the U.S. this spring which includes a stop at The Echo in Los Angeles on March 20th.
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Coming on the heels of previous singles “The Hills” and “All I Ever Asked,” her latest is a surging affirmation dedicated to placing your well-being above someone else’s. Against a burst of effervescent melodics and pulsating rhythms “Never Need Me” scrambles euphorically toward a seemingly selfish but necessary act. One that’s rooted in the recognition that your own mental and emotional stability is being drained in carrying the burdens of another.
Gliding through the track’s gleaming soundscape Chinouriri alters the power dynamics by forcing the issue, separating herself from a damaging co-dependency with rapt urgency. “If you can’t change / I doubt that I can help you,” she coos weightlessly on the song’s vibrant chorus. “I’ve made plans and sorry they’re without you.”
The single also comes with a playfully moving music video directed by Jake Erland that also stars Florence Pugh alongside Chinouriri. Together the two best friends spend a night reveling in the newfound freedom that comes with letting go of the redundant baggage of a romantic relationship defined by crises. Instead of heading back into the fray the two push one another to enjoy a night that doesn’t feature putting out the fires in someone else’s life. Soundtracked as it is by the song’s emphatically feel-good though slightly bittersweet anthemics.
Chinouriri said of the single: “I made this song with a sense of heartbreak but empowerment. It’s about taking your power back the moment you realize that helping someone is actually hurting you because they aren’t willing to change. Sometimes you end up enabling someone instead of actually helping them and carrying their load is tough. ‘Never Need Me’ is the moment you wish them well but can’t continue to harm yourself by helping them. It’s always a tough decision to make but once you make it, it’s a weight lifted off your shoulders for sure.”
Words: Steven Ward
What A Devastating Turn Of Events the new album from Rachel Chinouriri is out on May 3rd, pre-order it here. See Chinouriri at The Echo in Los Angeles on March 20th.
Visit Rachel Chinouriri on her website, TikTok, and Instagram to stay updated on new releases and tour announcements.
Rachel Chinouriri tour
March 12 Baby’s All Right Brooklyn, NY
March 20 The Echo Los Angeles, CA
Watch the music video for “Never Need Me” the new single from Rachel Chinouriri below!
