Exploring The Experience of Loving Wholeheartedly and Unconditionally or Even “Like A Dog”: Alaina May’s Newest Single, “The Dog”

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by Norah Jerinic-Brodeur

Single artwork via Alaina May

Brooklyn based up-and-coming singer and songwriter, Alaina May, is making waves in the indie-pop scene with the release of her second official single, “The Dog” on July 13th.

Alaina has shared that her experiences growing up within the Christian church system  in a small, conservative suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin play an influential role in her self perception. She spent the greater part of her early life trying to force herself to be the version of herself that was a product of that environment. It wasn’t until Alaina moved to Boston, Massachusetts for college that she began to really learn about herself and how to embrace her true identity as a queer woman. This ongoing battle between honest identity expression and societal/environmental expectations is highlighted in her songwriting and unique sound. 

Alaina’s newest single, “The Dog”, follows the release of her popular debut single, “Casual.” Both songs tackle the theme of navigating modern-day relationships, especially those that may result in that all-consuming type of love leaving you wanting more. More specifically, “The Dog” is a particularly intimate and honest track that provides listeners with a feeling of understanding and comfort, in a particularly painful relationship. Alaina explains the song’s intent to explore the journey of  “loving like a dog”, being so invested and infatuated with a person that you end up becoming loyal to a fault. 

I’m like a dog, jump for a bone

Please, you’re all I want

Beg and lose control

Give you those eyes

Try to say ‘no’

No I don’t bite

But I’ll swallow you whole

I like to think I’m strong

But I lose it all

The rather vulnerable verse and main chorus of the track effectively illustrate the experience of finding yourself in a relationship in which you are willing and able to offer unconditional love and affection, regardless of whether or not these are reciprocated. 

The warm acoustic elements, light harmonies, and truthful storytelling within the track evoke emotion within listeners that leaves us feeling supported, understood, and eager to come back for more. 

The themes present within both “The Dog” and “Casual” provide fans with insight to the style and emotions to be covered within her upcoming project with indie-rock duo, TOLEDO. We look forward to hearing more of Alaina’s work as she continues to take us on the journey of embracing your individuality, and understanding that you are capable and deserving of loving deeply while still prioritizing yourself and emotions.

 Alaina will be playing her next show on August 12th at Arlene’s Grocery on the Lower East Side in New York. If you just so happen to be in the city, you won’t want to miss it!