In a dynamic collaboration, two emerging Irish music talents, Alicia Raye hailing from Drogheda, and Becky McNeice from Belfast, have proudly announced the upcoming release of their fresh single, “Faucet,” scheduled for launch on October 13th. This soulful track heralds the inception of their joint EP, “Love Letters,” a profoundly intimate musical journey spanning four captivating tracks, set to unravel from August to November.
“Faucet” and the forthcoming EP harmoniously blend the unique musical styles of Raye and McNeice, encapsulating the very essence of their collaboration. Seamlessly fusing elements of R&B, and vibrant afro-pop melodies, these musical powerhouses provide an authentic glimpse into their personal odysseys of love and life. Their music beautifully captures the individual experiences of romance and intimacy, offering a truly genuine and relatable musical journey.
Alicia and Becky are on a mission to elevate Irish music to a global stage. As part of their project’s grand unveiling, the dynamic duo recently celebrated their presence at Ireland Music Week, just after embarking on their journey to New York City. The city, renowned for its creative pulse, offers them the perfect backdrop to cultivate new fan bases, establish strategic partnerships, and bring their project to life through visually stunning music videos. Their adventure in the United States will also lay the foundation for an eagerly anticipated nationwide tour.
“With“Love Letters” we are not just creating music, we are creating a transformative movement that celebrates diversity, bridges cultures, and amplifies the presence of Irish artists around the world. Our individualities harmonised into something truly captivating, an authentic artistic synergy that mirrors the beauty of our creative partnership, both as artists and as business allies”
This release is an invitation to people to witness the birth of a new era in Irish music, as Alicia Raye and Becky McNeice revolutionise the scene. “Faucet” serves as the sonic invitation, teasing the masterpiece and transformative journey that is the “Love Letters” joint EP.
“Faucet” will be available on all major streaming platforms on October 13th
Alicia Raye
Born Alice Esambe, Alicia Raye is an Afro-Irish singer-songwriter, and rapper also known as “Alicia Taqueilla”. With unapologetic lyrics and a hybrid of trap-soul and jazz infused vocals, Alicia is a rising sensation.Alicia Raye began working with Irish label Trust It Entertainment early 2020 and has since consistently released highly anticipated singles and collaborations that have positioned her as the future of the Urban sound in Ireland.
In 2020 Alicia Raye released her debut mixtape ‘Alphabet’ , a collaborative tape with 35 Irish artists. Following on from this, 2021 was graced with Alicia releases of ‘Nobody 2.0’ featuring some of Ireland’s finests rappers such as Smilez , Reggie , Larry Alabi and A92 Dbo Fundz directed by Ovie. The video premiered on UK platform GRM Daily (5.2m subscribers) and has over 165k views.
Alicia Raye was recently featured as the cover girl for the Independent and for Spotify’s editorial playlist “The New Éire”, which speaks volumes on the impact her music has had on the Urban genre. The young artist has appeared in big Spotify editorial playlists such as New Music Friday UK, Afro Bashment, Who We Be and The New Eire.
Originally from Cameroon, Alicia Raye began residing in Ireland in 2006. Alicia Raye grew up in a direct provision centre near Drogheda, where she attended both primary and secondary school. Her love of music grew from an interest in English literature and rap. As she grew, Alicia’s style transitioned to softer melodies and grooves, which was a decisive moment in her music career. Alicia Raye is also a mentor at NOISE Music funded by South Dublin City Council, helping other youths pursue their dreams and talents.
Becky McNeice
Existing within the cross-section between alternative pop and mainstream sensibility, Becky McNeice represents the new wave of Ireland. Distinctive, heartfelt and with an ear for glitter-littered lyricism, she is uniting the worlds of Pink Pantheress/Biig Piig-styled breakbeat-pop with her own characteristic, hyper-pop friendly addictiveness, ear marking her as one of the most exciting artists to emerge from Ireland in recent years.
With Becky, the beauty is in the small details. Her lyrics aren’t overly complicated by any stretch of the imagination, but there is an irresistible charm to their subtle nature and delivery.
Breaking onto the scene with single Long Days – which garnered support from Spotify editorial playlists New Music Friday UK and New Pop UK, in addition to also being playlisted on Vogue and H&M and gathered nearly 60,000 plays – the emerging star has recently been linking up with Irish producers Spireview and Eulogy, together quietly crafting tears-in-your-eyes bedroom pop, alternative R&B and emotive 2-step & drum & bass. Becky’s ability to transform the simplest phrase into a moment of complete inward contemplation and self-thought is not only a beautifully intimate quality, but it’s honest and genuine delivery ensures that it is entirely believable. Internet-kid sonics delivered through a contemporary lens.
