Eileen Alister: The Meaning Behind “What’s a Girl Gotta Do?”

Eileen Alister is the Queen of the “Sincere Overshare”

Let’s be real: most pop music feels like it’s been through five different focus groups before it hits our ears. That’s why Eileen Alister feels like such a gut punch. The 23-year-old Swiss songwriter isn’t interested in being polished or “relatable” in a fake way. Instead, she’s leaning into the stuff we usually try to hide—the loneliness, the social spirals, and the general mess of being in your early twenties.

Her new single, “What’s a Girl Gotta Do?”, is the perfect entry point for anyone who likes their pop with a side of existential dread.

The Sound: Moody, Dark, and Brutally Honest

If you’ve spent any time listening to early Lorde or Billie Eilish, you’ll recognize the DNA here. It’s got that dark-pop edge, but it’s grounded in the kind of songwriting that feels like a late-night text you probably shouldn’t have sent.

Eileen has a habit of “oversharing,” and honestly? We need more of it. In “What’s a Girl Gotta Do?”, she tackles that specific brand of frustration where you’re trying your best to navigate life and connection, but it still feels like you’re shouting into a void.

Why It Hits Different

• The Honesty: She doesn’t sugarcoat the loneliness. It’s gritty, a little uncomfortable, and entirely sincere.

• The Production: It’s atmospheric and moody—perfect for a night drive or staring at your ceiling at 3:00 AM.

• The Perspective: At just 23, she’s capturing the “messy middle” of adulthood that most artists try to skip over.

The Verdict

Eileen Alister is making music for the people who feel a lot, maybe too much. “What’s a Girl Gotta Do?” is more than just a catchy hook; it’s an invitation to stop pretending everything is fine and just admit that things are a bit of a disaster sometimes.