jesse (after dark)

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!

watch me naenae

ok hi this is just. thirteen's music taste. in my opinion.