Alaina May: Casual
- Alex Short
- May 29
- 2 min read
by Alex Short
In her newest single, "Casual", Alaina May captures the emotional confusion of wanting to keep a relationship light while secretly wanting something more. Produced by TOLEDO, an indie-rock duo, the track combines soft indie-pop production with May's more intimate vocals, giving the song a dreamy, emotionally unresolved feeling. As the first glimpse into a new era of music from the Brooklyn-based artist, “Casual” introduces a songwriter more interested in emotional honesty than polished perfection.
The track balances restraint with tension, following the push and pull of wanting connection without becoming too attached. There’s a restless feeling underneath the song’s softer production, as layered guitars and subtle percussion slowly build around May’s vocals. The song remains low-key, making its vulnerability feel authentic. The production never distracts from the songwriting, which remains the strongest part of the track.
What sets "Casual" apart is its self-awareness, evident in lyrics like "swore that I wouldn't feel a thing". May doesn’t romanticize the situation or try to make emotional confusion sound glamorous, but rather, she confronts the uncomfortable truth of recognizing unhealthy patterns and how it feels to still fall back into them. The song lives in that in-between space where temporary closeness starts to feel more meaningful than it probably should, even when both people know it may not last.
There's an emotional honesty in the song that makes it feel more relatable. Unlike many indie-pop songs about modern relationships, May's writing feels grounded and emotionally clear, even in quieter moments. "Casual" has an intensity beneath the surface that keeps the song interesting from start to finish.
May has talked about her upbringing in a conservative suburb near Milwaukee, where she wasn't fully able to embrace her identity as a queer woman. However, moving to Boston for college was exactly what she needed to embrace her true self. This conflict between expectations and the journey of self-discovery subtly influences her songwriting, enriching the emotional themes found in "Casual."
Since moving to New York, May has developed her sound with TOLEDO. Their production adds a warm, atmospheric feel to the song without losing its intimacy. If "Casual" is a sign of what's to come, Alaina May is going to keep creating music that feels subtle yet deep, which shows her vulnerability could be her greatest strength.