Belfast artist Becky McNeice is embracing a new vibe.
The alternative pop solo artist is releasing the Popular Loner 2 EP on Friday April 3rd, and it’s a release blends her hyperpop-leaning dreamy electronic side with a nostalgic indie-rock vibe from her formative listening years.
Becky McNeice
“This EP is about reclaiming solitude as power. Where the first chapter explored isolation, Popular Loner 2 is about finding confidence in that space—turning the bedroom pop ethos into something you can scream live. Working with Still Searching and F3miii pushed me to explore heavier sonic territories while keeping that diary-entry honesty intact. It’s hyperpop when it wants to be, indie rock when it needs to be, and unapologetically me throughout.”
To honour that vibe, Becky has selected 10 tracks that define the indie-rock side of her artistry.
I tried to keep all these picks to women/queer people as there is so much underappreciated talent that deserves more recognition
Annie Dog – The Car
Annie Dog’s lyricism particularly interests me, it feels a bit more abstract and I love the production on this song.
CMAT – Aw, Shoot!
I love CMAT and her whole brand / personality. I think she’s one of the most inspiring and creative artists in the world at the minute.
Cosha – No Kink In The Wire
I’ve loved this song for years and it’s one of those ones that never stops being interesting. I think Cosha is a really underrated artist here and she deserves more recognition.
Eve Belle & Still Searching – Thought You Were a Sweet Thing
Such a well written song and Eve’s voice reminds me a lot of Adrianne Lenker, just such an easy listen and evokes so much emotion.
The Cranberries – Linger
Classic tune, not much explanation needed!
Biig Piig – 4AM
I really look up to Biig Piig and her style of music. I like how versatile she is and this song is one of my faves off her recent album.
vi0let – Shy
Love the production on this and how fun & confident vi0let’s lyrics are.
All Thumbs – Slipping
I loveeee the instrumental and lyrics, the bridge is especially satisfying, I’ve not really heard anything like this song!
Anna Leah – Gold Star Baby
Great songwriter, this is my favourite song by Anna Leah.
Vera – Lo-fi
I heard this song for the first time live and just think the lyrics are so good, haven’t stopped listening since I heard Vera play it in Whelan’s.
Becky McNeice plays Dublin’s Whelan’s Upstairs on June 18, 2026, with her live band Sparkle.
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Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
