Brooklyn-based indie artist Alaina May is in a state of constant evolution, which fuels her songwriting. Growing up in a conservative suburb, she spent her early life conforming to the expectations of those in town. When she moved to Boston for college, however, Alaina May was able to embrace a more authentic sense of self. She now uses her experiences to inform her music, whether she is tracing the unspoken shifts of identity, unravelling the complexities of the human condition, or reflecting on her relationships with others.
The first of many new singles this year, “Casual” showcases Alaina’s evolving style. The single was produced by indie-rock duo TOLEDO, whom Alaina has worked with since late 2025. She expresses, “Their creative process has made it so easy to find the natural feel and groove of my songs.”
In “Casual,” Alaina searches for something deeper. The track moves at a relaxed, “casual” pace, with steady drums and light guitar strums guiding the way. Meanwhile, Alaina’s sweet vocals give the track a pleasurable singer-songwriter edge. She sings, “I’m on edge / If you’re unaware / Cognizant of what put me there,” and “Oh, I want your touch / On my body / And I can’t stand to keep it casual.” You can check it out below.
About the single, Alaina May shares,
“‘Casual’ lives in that space where you mistake limerence for real connection. After something ends, even the smallest moments of closeness feel heightened and intoxicating because they fill a vulnerable void. You can be completely self-aware—naming the pattern, recognizing the push and pull—and still not be able to stop yourself from getting pulled in. It’s that tension between wanting something light and realizing that, at my core, I’m just not wired for ‘casual.’”
You can listen to “Casual” here.
