In Conversation with Eileen Alister: Diary of a Pop girl in her 20s.

Firstly, congratulations for the release of your first album! I bet that’s been so surreal – can you tell us a bit about the process of writing and recording these songs? 

Thank you so much! Making this album was incredibly special. I got to learn so much, process so many big feelings, and compared to the singles I’ve released so far, it felt like there was enough space to say everything that needed to be said. I had this book the length of 11 songs, and I got to write down every word that I wanted. I treated this album pretty much like it was my diary, sometimes even kind of forgetting that these songs would be available for everyone to listen to. I love to be personal and honest in my songs, and I don’t shy away from the fact that I’m revealing a lot. This album captures maybe the last two years of my life, and I’m incredibly grateful that I got to capture it that way.

You’ve been releasing music for years, so an album has been a long time coming. What inspired you to pursue a music career?

There was always music playing at my house, and I don’t think there was a moment when I didn’t sing along or at least try. I’ve always loved performing and would perform songs, dances, or even fashion shows in the living room for everyone who was willing to watch. I was a very extroverted child, but also very anxious, and I struggled to talk about my feelings and uncomfortable topics. I started writing songs when I was around 8 years old, and I would write about everything that I didn’t want to talk about. This felt very natural and very meant to be. I found such comfort in that and found the same comfort in listening to songs or music in general. I really wanted to share that feeling. The dream has always been the same, and there was never a Plan B for me — especially after I watched Hannah Montana.

For new listeners, if you had to describe ‘Honeymoon In A Motel’ in three words, what words are you choosing and why?

Bold
Unhinged
Honest
I got to be very vulnerable in so many different ways — whether it was a breakup song, a love song, or a reflective one. Each song is very much in the “exactly how I feel” zone and very much in your face, rather than sweet-talking it. I’m someone who tends to cope with sarcasm and humor, so it only felt right to have that be present in the album as well.

Was there a core experience that inspired the making of this album? If so, what was it?

Just my life as someone who’s in her early 20s. I don’t think there was one core experience specifically.

Were you inspired by any artists during the making of this album, if so, who?

Many artists! Olivia Rodrigo inspired me to not really set one tone for the album. I really wanted sad ballads and edgy, upbeat songs to coexist on this album. Lana Del Rey always inspires me sonically — everything sounds so cinematic and nostalgic, and I love that. Other inspirations were definitely Gracie Abrams, Lorde, Suki Waterhouse, and Sabrina Carpenter.

If you could re-release one of the tracks in this album as a collaboration (like Charlix XCX ‘Guess’ with Billie Eilish etc), what track are you choosing and who are you choosing to sing it with, and why?

Maybe “KEEP IT COOL” with Sabrina Carpenter? I feel like that would be fun since this song is very straightforward. Or perhaps “Training Wheels” with Role Model. I don’t know why, but I feel like a male voice on an emotional song like that could be very fitting.

Do you have a favourite track from this album?

I hate choosing favorites. “Touch Me Where They Can’t” is definitely one of them, though. I love that it’s a little spicy and sexy, but equally deep and emotional. Of course, the lyrics “I’m giving you the green light to touch me where they can’t” are meant physically, but also metaphorically. Letting someone close to you after a bad experience or breakup is always scary — whether it’s close to your body or your heart.

Was there a problem child of ‘Honeymoon In A Motel’ – a track that was just that little bit harder than the others to finish writing?

“Touch Me Where They Can’t” sounded very different in the beginning. It was faster, more uptempo, and “dark poppy.” Sonically, it didn’t fit with the other songs. We started the instrumental from scratch about a week before we had to hand in the album. “Pretty Girl Thriller” is my most personal song on the album. Speaking up about my eating disorder and general issues in today’s society when it comes to beauty standards was a really big step for me, and I wanted every single word on this song to be right and perfect. It took me a long time until I was at a point where I felt like it was done — it says everything that it needs to, and it comes across the way I intend it to.

Do you have a lyric you're most proud of from this album?

“Losing the training wheels means I’m gonna fall.
Just ’cause I’m wearing heels doesn’t mean I feel tall.
If I keep the candles burning, the years would still be turning” — from “Training Wheels.”
I’m not shy to admit that growing up scares the sh*t out of me, and I think the chorus captures that perfectly.

You’re going on a headline tour next year, which is so exciting! What venue are you most excited to play at? 

I just got back from my first headline tour, and I had the time of my life. Every night felt like a dream coming true, and I feel incredibly lucky that I get to do it all over again next year. The fact that I get to play “MELKWEG MAX” in Amsterdam is insane to me, and I’m already counting down the days. I feel very honored that we get to do that, and seeing how many artists I’m a big fan of have already played this room is nuts to me. But returning from my first tour, I have to say that every single show, no matter the size of the room or the city, felt equally special, and each show was unique for its own details. I’m looking forward to every show.