Alaïs confronts the pull of male validation on new single ‘make believe’
The London-based indie-pop artist turns overthinking, self-doubt and the male gaze into a quietly powerful new release.
Italian-born, London-based singer-songwriter Alaïs is back with ‘make believe’, a candid new single exploring the complicated relationship between female identity, male validation and the patterns we know we need to break but keep falling into.
Out now via APOLLO Distribution, the track follows ‘the payoff’, which marked Alaïs’ return to releasing music earlier this year. Where some songs dress up difficult feelings, ‘make believe’ gets straight to the heart of them, capturing the frustration of knowing better but struggling to do better.
At its core, the single tackles the pull of the male gaze and the guilt that can come with participating in a system you’re trying to move beyond. It’s an honest look at the contradictions of being a young woman, caught between wanting external reassurance and learning to trust yourself.
“I think it’s that feeling of knowing you’re probably getting in your own way, but still doing it anyway,” Alaïs explains, describing the cycle of overthinking, second-guessing and trying to hold everything together when you’re running on empty.
Sonically, ‘make believe’ keeps things stripped back, allowing Alaïs’ clear, expressive vocals to carry the weight of the song. The production gradually builds rather than rushing towards a big moment, giving the emotion room to breathe and making its eventual shifts all the more effective.
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Clairo, Lizzy McAlpine, Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell, Alaïs has been carving out her own corner of indie-pop through intimate songwriting and unfiltered storytelling. With performances across London, a Sofar Sounds appearance and a support slot for Paris Paloma on her 2023 Tiny Little Tour already behind her, she continues to develop a sound rooted in the personal without losing its wider appeal.
Following her 2024 EP I Could Care Less, ‘the payoff’ and now ‘make believe’ signal a new run of releases, with further music planned for early 2027.
‘make believe’ is out now via APOLLO Distribution. Listen here.
Comments