Rachel Chinouriri has teamed up with Cat Burns on their new single ‘Even’ – calling out the double standards they’ve experienced within the industry.
The two met while studying at the BRIT School in London and have remained friends. Now, Chinouriri and Burns took the time to create a track in which they question their personal experiences with the additional obstacles both artists have encountered while navigating their careers as young British Black women.
“We talk the same, dress for fame / Why does no one else believe in / Us the same? Never change / Guess they never played us even,” Chinouriri sings detailing the struggle of doing the same as her counterparts but not getting treated as an equal.
On a later verse, Burns sings: “Wish I didn’t have to climb twice as high / For them to see me, isn’t it crazy / That if I raise my voice or speak my mind / That I risk everything being taken from me?” describing the double standard that she has dealt with while trying to push her career forward.
Speaking about the meaning of the song in a press release, Chinouriri said: “‘Even’ is about the injustice black and POC people feel with identity in a world that can treat them foreign. Sometimes it feels like no matter what we do to fit in, we have to work twice as hard to take one step forward.
She continued: “The limitations that black people have had to go through are something every black person has to accept at some point but this song questions how far we need to take it and it questions why these things happen to us.”
Burns also added: “I felt honoured when Rachel asked me to jump on this beautiful song, it felt real and authentic because we genuinely have supported each other since we were in school together! I hope people listen to our hearts with this one and understand our experience even more.”
Chinouriri and Burns have also teamed up on an accompanying podcast miniseries in which the two musicians share their stories about the experiences they shared on ‘Even’. Taking to TikTok to announce the podcast, Chinouriri said: “I joined forces with @Cat Burns to create a podcast to dive deeper into our personal experiences and what it’s like to make music as black women in the UK indie and pop music scene, joined by some more special friends along the way.”
@rachelchinouriri Ahead of our song ‘Even’ dropping next week, I joined forces with @Cat Burns to create a podcast to dive deeper into our personal experiences and what it’s like to make music as black women in the UK indie and pop music scene, joined by some more special friends along the way ✨ The first episode is available now on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 #rachelchinouriri #catburns #newmusic
♬ Even (with Cat Burns) – Rachel Chinouriri
In other news, Chinouriri, the former NME Cover star, will be hitting the road next month on her sold-out UK headlining tour in support of her debut LP ‘What A Devastating Turn Of Events’.
Next year, she will serve as opening support for Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Short N’ Sweet’ UK and European tour. Check out the full dates below and visit here to purchase tickets.
Sabrina Carpenter’s 2025 UK and European tour dates are:
MARCH
3 – Dublin, 3Arena
4 – Dublin, 3Arena
6 — Birmingham, Utilita Arena
8 – London, The O2
9 – London, The O2
11 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro
13 – Manchester, Co-Op Live
14 – Manchester, Co-Op Live
16 – Paris, Accor Arena
17 – Paris, Accor Arena
19 –Berlin, Uber Arena
22 – Brussels, ING Arena
23 – Amsterdam, Ziggo Dome
Back in August, the ‘Never Need Me’ singer announced that she had dropped out of the Remi Wolf tour and several festival slots due to the financial strain becoming “too much”.
I’m deeply saddened to announce that I have to withdraw from the Remi Wolf tour and several festivals. This year I’ve invested all my savings and earnings into my shows, styling, and band to be able to tour. While my debut album has opened many amazing opportunities, the financial strain on touring has become too much,” she wrote on X/Twitter.
“Despite my best efforts to secure funding for this incredible opportunity, it hasn’t been possible. This is the tough reality of the music industry, whether you’re signed or independent. I’ve explored every possible option to make this work because I adore Remi and her fanbase, and I was so excited to come to the States. However, I cannot justify the financial risk it would entail.”
