Claud began releasing music under the pseudonym Toast, releasing an EP in 2018. In 2019, they dropped out of college at Syracuse University to pursue music full-time. Claud released an EP called Sideline Star on October 25, 2019. In 2020, Claud formed a new band with Clairo, Josh Mehling, and Noa Frances Getzug, called Shelly. The group released two songs on October 30, 2020, titled “Steeeam” and “Natural”. That same year, Claud became the first artist to sign on with Phoebe Bridgers’ record label Saddest Factory. Claud’s debut album, Super Monster, was released on February 12, 2021.