With the recent announcement of their upcoming debut album In Endless Awe & Agony releasing Nov 6 via Pack. Records, Filipino-Australian musical artist daine chats with Tumblr about the creative decision-making behind the highly anticipated project, their personal connection to blogging, and the musical world-building they're bringing to life through deeply intimate self-reflection. Check it out below ⬇️ and be sure to catch daine's newest single "Love Love (Love Love)".

Tumblr: You kicked off your debut album era with "PQC" in June. What made that the right song to introduce this project to the world?

daine: I think it’s a song so immediate in a pop way that it would knock people on their ass. I wanted to wake everyone up a little bit with something that feels really nostalgic and fresh at the same time. It was the first song I wrote for the record and it happened to be the perfect lead single. Funny how these things just work organically.

Tumblr: Your blog feels like an extension of the sonic world you’ve created in your music. How did you get started on Tumblr and how have you used it to form your visual identity? 

daine: I have a personal tumblr that I’ve been almost documenting my personality through since I was 13. It felt like such a magical place as an early teen and definitely helped me build out all my mood boards. Where would we be without tumblr girls?

Tumblr: Last year, in your interview with Rolling Stone alongside Ninajirachi, you said you weren't sure you were ready to make an album. What changed, and what can you tell us about your debut?

daine: Good pickup. I think there is never going to be a good time. I forced myself to do it because it’s now or never. I think I was just self conscious and under confident in my ability to execute something creatively cohesive… But it was within me all along. The vision and feelings that make up this record have been brewing for 23 years. It’s a beautiful culmination of the individuation process of existence and expansion. I feel so lucky.

(photo credit: Piper Kennedy)

Tumblr: How has Tumblr helped you connect with your audience in ways that feel different from other platforms?

daine: Tumblr feels like a little bit less IRL if that makes sense. You can be more abstract and more yourself. It’s a more creative visual artistic style platform rather than a social performance of dick swinging and clout chasing I feel…

Tumblr: If someone scrolled through your Tumblr before hearing your music, what do you hope they'd understand about you as an artist?

daine: Well,  if they went through my personal tumblr they’d think I’m maybe mentally ill, an aesthete, slightly perverted but with good taste. If they scroll through my artist tumblr they’d probably understand the type of world building and visual direction I like. It’s interesting how different blogs belonging to one person can show different sides.

(photo credit: Dylan Marriot)

Tumblr: Are there any easter eggs fans should look out for on your blog as you continue to roll out this project? 

daine: Mmm I like putting journalling & lyric excerpts on there. A deeper dive into the thinking behind the songs. I don’t think anyone’s really read any of it so far but I’ll keep posting in case someone does!

for @kingdonmicrofic day 20: stargazing | 492 words | ao3 | cw: blood, biting, brief mention of character death (not kingdon), implied stalker langdon, rated t

"What's a pretty girl like you doing out here all alone?"

Mel turned to see a man emerging from the shadows. She hesitantly waved and answered, "I was supposed to meet someone but I think he stood me up."

He approached slowly and when the first streak of moonlight hit his features, Mel's eyes widened. He had sounded attractive but she hadn't expected this, that angular jaw with a dimple right in the middle of his chin, those bright blue eyes, and perfectly styled hair falling like a heartthrob on the red carpet.

"You shouldn't be out here by yourself. It's not safe," he purred and she got instant goosebumps.

"I come here all the time and I've never felt in danger before," she replied confused.

"It's a pity I haven't run into you before. I'm here a lot too." He meandered towards her.

"Do you like to look at the stars too?" She perked up. "Do you want to join me?" She made room on the picnic blanket she was sitting on and patted the spot next to her. She was half-expecting him to turn her down but he lowered himself with a surprising amount of grace. She pulled the basket of food she'd brought for her date forward and opened it up. "Are you hungry?"

His eyes seemed to change color but it was so quick she concluded her brain must be imagining things.

"Starving," he drawled.

She rummaged through the food she'd packed before looking over to him with an apologetic grimace. "I don't have much to offer. I ate most of it while waiting," she sheepishly confessed.

"Oh, well, that's not true. You have plenty to offer," he murmured, reaching over to brush hair back from her face.

Her entire body was thrumming from his all-consuming attention.

"Would you like to help me, Melissa?"

Her name left his lips dripping with familiarity; it made her ache. She should've been terrified by the fact that this strange man knew her name but she wasn't. She breathed out, "Yes," meeting his gaze head-on.

"Come closer to me, sweet."

She inched closer until she could feel his breath on her face. He dipped his head, nosing along her neck and inhaled deeply. "All I need is a taste," he muttered before diving in. Mel's body went rim-rod straight and then as the blood left her, she slumped in his arms. He broke contact for a second and murmured into her skin, giving it a delicate kiss, "Don't worry, I"ll take care of you."

this is also my dream cuz we all know marisa can act the fuck out of a married lady catching her husband's coworkers leering at him while he's naked in the shower. also patrick and marisa just look like they'd be in the world's most homewrecked marriage....

warnings: infidelity, nsfw, unedited

“You think you’re so fucking smart for singing that.”