An air of excitement surrounds 25-year-old singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri, whose recently released debut collection is making waves on the British alt-pop scene. On the surface, What A Devastating Turn Of Events is full of intricately produced bops, combining catchy guitar hooks with dancey drums and synths, but its lyrics tell an altogether different story.

Songs such as ‘My Blood’ and the title track are about Chinouriri’s relationship with self-harm and the devastating suicide of her cousin in Zimbabwe, while ‘Garden Of Eden’ and ‘The Hills’ explore the notion of home and belonging. The Londoner’s delicate, almost jazzy vocals make her an endearing narrator, always packaging her tales in musical melodies, even when their contents plunge into darkness. Lighter moments come too, care of ‘So My Darling’ (which gave Chinouriri a spike of success when it surged on TikTok) and lead single ‘Never Need Me’, which stars Florence Pugh in its Euphoria-coded music video.

‘When I went viral on TikTok, I was constantly chasing after fast songs for quick spurts of success which didn’t really last that long,’ Chinouriri says over Zoom. Hoping to follow down the paths paved by alt-pop icons Charli XCX, Lana Del Rey and Doja Cat who have built large discographies over many years rather than enjoying overnight success, Chinouriri is trying to take that pressure off herself. ‘Even though my first mini-album was a huge deal a few years ago, now it’s such a tiny part of a potentially really long career. The long game will take time and effort. I’m lucky enough to be in a position where I can take that time.’

In what could be seen as an antithesis to TikTok culture, Chinouriri wants people to consume her 14-track debut from beginning to end. ‘An album is like watching a film versus watching the trailers. I feel like we live in a very trailer world.’ Despite having a gratitude for TikTok and all that it’s done for her, Chinouriri is part of a wave of Gen Z artists who romanticise a world before social media. ‘There is a craving for nostalgia or to go back to a time before technology. And I really feel it not just in music but in fashion and the way people hang out. There’s more people than ever who are like “I need social-media breaks, I need phone breaks.”’

This is reflected in the record’s sonic universe, from the addition of analogue cassette sound effects to more general Y2K musical influences that span Noisettes, Coldplay, Sugababes and Adele, who recently gave Chinouriri a shout-out on stage during her ongoing Las Vegas residency. Funnily enough, that’s not the only thing linking the pair. Both singer-songwriters are alumni of The BRIT School in South London. ‘I think I thrived a lot in BRIT. That’s when I wrote “So My Darling”. I’d always go to the head teacher (who would walk around with no shoes on) and show him my songs.’ Chinouriri’s performing background makes a lot of sense when you see her on stage. Unlike some young acts who are still learning how to feel comfortable in front of a crowd, Chinouriri comes into her own. ‘I think I’m the most free when performing live. Backstage at a show, you have your band there, your family, your friends, your tour manager, singing teacher, glam team. And everyone’s like “are you OK? Are you OK?” And it’s so lovely but it becomes like a cloud where you’re just like “I need to be left alone”. But when I walk on stage, I can say whatever I want and do whatever I want and not a single person can tell me to stop. I have that moment by myself.’

What about the hundreds, sometimes thousands of people in the crowd who are there with you? ‘That’s a group of people who I’ve told that my cousin has died and I’ve been suicidal and I’ve had body dysmorphia. In those moments the compassionate side of myself just ends up coming out. That’s why this year I’ve been prioritising making sure that my live shows are the best, because out of everything I’ve done, even with releasing the album, the live shows are the most spiritually freeing.’

Among these live shows are multiple festivals, including Chinouriri’s first ever TRNSMT performance. ‘I do love festivals but bloody hell can they be chaotic! There’s an excitement of knowing that something might go completely wrong. And then getting off stage and being like “well, most of these people don’t know me, but if I can convince them to like me after, that’s an achievement.”’

Rachel Chinouriri is on tour Friday 8–Saturday 16 November; main picture: Lauren Harris.