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Listen "Newfoundland artist Rachel Cousins on her new album 'What Hasn’t Killed Me'"
Episode Synopsis
St. John's, Newfoundland artist Rachel Cousins has released her third studio album, What Hasn’t Killed Me, out October 10, 2025.
SWOMP caught up with Cousins on release day to discuss the record.
Known for her soaring vocals and polished pop sound, the Newfoundland-born singer-songwriter takes a bold new turn with this project, stepping away from pop precision to embrace the more fluid and reflective territory of Adult Contemporary. The nine-track album explores the turbulence and grace of growing into adulthood, weaving together elements of folk intimacy, alternative grit, and pop sensibility.
A six-time MusicNL winner with two East Coast Music Award nominations, Cousins has become one of Atlantic Canada’s most promising voices. Her songs have been streamed more than 600,000 times and featured in television series including Wynonna Earp, Hudson & Rex, and The Wedding Planners. She has also shared the stage with artists such as Alan Doyle, Serena Ryder, the Beaches, and GRAMMY winner K’NAAN.
Beyond her musical success, Cousins has earned respect for her openness about mental health and recovery, speaking candidly about her experiences both in her music and in community settings.
Created in partnership with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Greg Wells, whose credits include Taylor Swift and John Legend, What Hasn’t Killed Me marks a creative breakthrough. “Songs started pouring out of me. What used to take days came in under an hour. For the first time in years, I felt free. Greg saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Cousins said.
The album’s focus track, “Little Help,” co-written with musician Darcy Scott, captures the courage it takes to ask for support when struggling. Built around guitar and raw vocals, the track explores the tension between appearing composed and feeling lost inside.
Previous singles, including “Nora,” “To Fail,” “As A Girl,” and “Standing Still,” reveal the album’s emotional range — from the comfort of lasting friendship to the fear of failure and the strength found in womanhood and self-acceptance.
Cousins will celebrate the release of What Hasn’t Killed Me with a hometown show at The Ship in St. John’s on October 17, following a performance during Music Day in Canada on September 27. She will also appear at the Come Together Showcase in Toronto on November 25 and 26.
Follow Rachel at https://www.rachelcousinsmusic.com/.
Photo Credit: Hilda Cousins
SWOMP caught up with Cousins on release day to discuss the record.
Known for her soaring vocals and polished pop sound, the Newfoundland-born singer-songwriter takes a bold new turn with this project, stepping away from pop precision to embrace the more fluid and reflective territory of Adult Contemporary. The nine-track album explores the turbulence and grace of growing into adulthood, weaving together elements of folk intimacy, alternative grit, and pop sensibility.
A six-time MusicNL winner with two East Coast Music Award nominations, Cousins has become one of Atlantic Canada’s most promising voices. Her songs have been streamed more than 600,000 times and featured in television series including Wynonna Earp, Hudson & Rex, and The Wedding Planners. She has also shared the stage with artists such as Alan Doyle, Serena Ryder, the Beaches, and GRAMMY winner K’NAAN.
Beyond her musical success, Cousins has earned respect for her openness about mental health and recovery, speaking candidly about her experiences both in her music and in community settings.
Created in partnership with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Greg Wells, whose credits include Taylor Swift and John Legend, What Hasn’t Killed Me marks a creative breakthrough. “Songs started pouring out of me. What used to take days came in under an hour. For the first time in years, I felt free. Greg saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Cousins said.
The album’s focus track, “Little Help,” co-written with musician Darcy Scott, captures the courage it takes to ask for support when struggling. Built around guitar and raw vocals, the track explores the tension between appearing composed and feeling lost inside.
Previous singles, including “Nora,” “To Fail,” “As A Girl,” and “Standing Still,” reveal the album’s emotional range — from the comfort of lasting friendship to the fear of failure and the strength found in womanhood and self-acceptance.
Cousins will celebrate the release of What Hasn’t Killed Me with a hometown show at The Ship in St. John’s on October 17, following a performance during Music Day in Canada on September 27. She will also appear at the Come Together Showcase in Toronto on November 25 and 26.
Follow Rachel at https://www.rachelcousinsmusic.com/.
Photo Credit: Hilda Cousins
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