Singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri has made a difficult decision to cancel her upcoming US shows due to the high costs associated with touring. The talented artist, who released her debut album earlier this year, was set to support Remi Wolf and perform at various festivals. However, in a heartfelt statement on social media, Rachel explained that the financial strain of touring has become too much to bear.
The rising costs of visas for performers in the US have been a major concern for artists, with many struggling to make ends meet while on tour. Rachel shared that despite her best efforts to secure funding for the tour, it was not possible, highlighting the harsh reality of the music industry.
Remi Wolf confirmed the news of Rachel’s cancellation and announced that she would be replaced by Slimdan for the upcoming shows. Rachel, who was nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2023, expressed her love for Remi and her fanbase, stating that she had explored every possible option to make the tour work.
The new rules regarding visa costs have more than doubled the expenses for artists, making it increasingly challenging for them to tour in the US. The additional expenses, including legal costs and processing fees, have added to the financial burden faced by musicians.
Despite the setback, Rachel assured her US fans that she would return as soon as possible. She is scheduled to perform at Reading and Leeds festival this weekend before embarking on a UK tour later this year. BBC Newsbeat has reached out to representatives for Rachel Chinouriri and Remi Wolf for further comment on the situation.
The music industry continues to grapple with the financial challenges of touring, with artists like Rachel Chinouriri facing tough decisions due to the high costs involved.