A Moment of Truth With A.K.A. The Truth

When A.K.A. The Truth dropped Casual, it wasn’t just another late-night anthem, it was a deeply personal release born from heartbreak, reflection, and emotional clarity. After months of cutting off someone who had wronged him, they reached back out unexpectedly with an apology. That moment triggered a flood of emotions – anger, confusion, nostalgia – and reminded him just how deeply he had once cared. “Everything was good until she reached back out,” he reflects. “I realized she had treated the relationship like it was casual, while I had taken it seriously from the start.” That realization was painful, and it drove the heart of the song.

One lyric in particular stuck with him while writing: “Why can’t you ask for help? Every time it’s my involvement when you needed help.” For A.K.A., that line represented the frustration of wanting to be a team, only to be kept at arm’s length whenever things got tough. “I knew she was acting out of character,” he says. “I found myself questioning her mental and emotional health, trying to understand, but all while watching everything we built fall apart.”

Unlike many of his songs where melody comes first, this time the words led the way. The emotions were so present that they poured out before the music even took shape. “I hit a flow state,” he says. “The words just came out, and the melody followed naturally.” He credits the seamless production process to his longtime collaborator CPDP, also known as Chris Dubuc-Penney. Based in Rochester, NY, CPDP helped shape the mood and sonic feel of the track. While A.K.A. originally wanted a harder-hitting snare and clap, one of the unexpected options they tested ended up being the perfect fit. “It wasn’t what I asked for, but it was exactly what the song needed,” he says. “It gave space for the vocals to shine, and that’s why I love music – it’s full of surprises.”

Though Casual is rooted in real experiences, A.K.A. made a conscious choice to keep it metaphorical and open-ended. “I’m not here to gossip or name names,” he explains. “I want people to feel something and take their own meaning from it.” That openness has allowed listeners to form personal connections with the song, with fans reaching out to praise the vulnerability, the vocal delivery, and lines like “running all these diagnoses…” – which resonated with many. The song’s moody yet smooth energy made it a perfect fit for summer, but for A.K.A., the timing was also deeply personal. “The heartbreak that inspired it happened during summer, so it just made sense to release it now.” Some fans have already asked if there’s a Casual Pt. 2 on the way. He won’t confirm anything just yet, but he hints that more is coming…and very soon!

As for performing the song live, A.K.A. envisions it as a moment of truth with the audience. “I’d ask them – have you ever been in something serious that turned casual? Did someone push you away when things got tough?” He wants that transparency to deepen the connection, especially for those who have experienced the same kind of emotional shift. Right now, A.K.A. The Truth describes himself as being in his “have fun but get sh*t done” era. Casual reflects that evolution. Emotional, honest, but with the confidence and polish of an artist who knows exactly who he is. “I’ve always been authentic. This record just shows my growth.”

Looking ahead, he’s planning more singles and a secret project for longtime fans before the end of the year. “The summer ain’t ready for what’s dropping later this year,” he teases.

“There’s a banger coming, and we’re just getting started.” Reflecting on his recent journey, A.K.A. offers a message not just for fans, but for anyone navigating life and creativity. “Don’t deprive the world of who you are. If you create, put it out there. Life is full of waves, so ride them! Stand on business for what you believe in. Don’t play with life…play in it and always go for the win.”

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