CONCERT CAPSULE: RACHEL CHINOURIRI
Photo By Ian Henriquez
Witnessing Rachel Chinouriri live for the first time at Los Angeles Night 1 of the All I Ever Asked For Was A North American Tour in the cozy 1,200-capacity Fonda Theater was a rare kind of intimacy. I’ve been following Rachel since 2022, when So My Darling first grabbed my attention, and she further cemented my admiration with All I Ever Asked. I had already believed Rachel was poised to become one of the next dominant forces in pop, wielding lyrical honesty and raw emotion, but this night without a doubt confirmed my prejudgments.
Before Rachel took the stage, Bizzy and Alemeda set the tone perfectly. I’m always the one to give openers all of my attention, because they don’t deserve any less, but even as I was unfamiliar with both openers prior to the show, they made reveling feel effortless.
After the chorus to “Tuesday,” “Hit me with your car (Okay), Break my fuckin' heart (Cliché), Think I'll fall apart (No way) It's just another Tuesday,” Bizzy instantly became a personal favorite of mine by the end of her set, alluding to her bubbly personality and electric vocals. Alemeda was also an immediate standout, her opener grabbed attention from the first note. Tracks like I hate your face and I already dug your grave combined humor, attitude, and pure fun. Her set had the crowd buzzing, especially with her magnetic stage presence and that playful vibe that led to an absolute ball.
Photo By ian Henriquez
Rachel’s set began with “Garden of Eden,” a haunting reflection on youth slipping away. Lyrics like “No matter what, your youth is gonna end, My God, it’s sinking in” set the emotional tone for the night. Portraying a candid exploration of growing up, self-reflection, and the often-painful process of coming of age, Rachel immediately connected with me and the rest of the crowd through transparent vulnerability. That emotional honesty continued with “Cold Call,” combining the lyrical context of a relationship’s toxicity with strobing stage visuals. The technical lighting paired perfectly with Rachel’s vocals, enhancing the song’s tension and illustrating the cold distance in the lyrics: “I’m living in your world of fear, a terrifying hemisphere.”
The atmosphere would shift briefly with 23:42, a lighthearted love song about the fluttery excitement of new affection. Before launching into it, Rachel asked the crowd what time it was…cue the loud chorus of “23:42!” from fans, an inside joke that sparked a wave of warmth and energy through the room. “It Is What It Is” was undeniably a highlight for me, full of sass and fun wordplay. The song’s message about self-worth was a clear pivot from earlier melancholy, a reminder of empowerment wrapped in catchy beats. In the song's instrumental break, Rachel had the whole crowd (and me) doing a two-step dance… so-called ‘free-thinkers.’
The theme of identity came powerfully in “Even,” where Rachel brought out Alemeda to sing alongside her. Rachel’s speech about diversity and being a Black woman in the music industry was a rare and touching moment that brought tears to many eyes, including mine. The song speaks to the experience of being an outsider and facing double standards, a reality that many people of color can relate to.
The show refused to shy away from darker, more intense emotions. “What a Devastating Turn of Events” told a tragic, heartbreaking story with theatrical gravitas. Rachel’s emotive performance, paired with the song’s narrative about love, judgment, and loss, was gut-wrenching. “My Blood” followed, a raw, personal recount of struggles with depression and self-harm. Rachel’s heartfelt speech beforehand underscored how much this song means to her and to anyone facing similar battles. The track, both metaphorical and literal in its imagery, gave the night a profound gravity, reminding us all of the many powers music can withhold; to heal.
Photo By Ian Henriquez
In contrast, “Pocket” provided a softer, almost meditative moment. Rachel led the crowd through a breathing exercise, asking us to close our eyes and feel alone in the room with her. It was unlike anything I’d experienced at a concert before, a moment of calm intimacy amid the energy. Playful and self-aware, “Dumb Bitch Juice” brought humor back into the mix with its clever nod to internet culture and the ridiculousness of staying with unworthy partners. The set went on to close on a fiery, cathartic high with “Never Need Me,” a rock-inspired anthem of reclaiming power and moving on. The crowd was fully alive, singing every word of this reclamation anthem with unrelenting energy.
Rachel Chinouriri’s performance at the Fonda Theater was a powerful testament to her artistry and promise. She seamlessly blended vulnerability with strength, joy with pain, and candid storytelling with infectious energy. It’s clear she has all it takes: the lyrics, the presence, and most importantly the heart. I cannot wait to watch her dominate the pop landscape in the years ahead.
