Daine’s 2023 EP “Shapeless” is an exploration of what it means to be Gen-Z in a post-pandemic world.
Collaborating with Bring Me the Horizon’s Oli Sykes and anointed by Charli XCX, one of the pioneers of hyper-pop, Daine is clearly favored by artists who have no need to prove their artistry anymore. Since “Picking Flowers”, their debut single from 2020, they’ve experimented with their sound but remained true to their artistry in the release of their latest EP. Stream/Download Shapeless here
Ring: Vania & David @vaniaanddavid
“Shapeless” is an eight-song EP documenting the feelings of a young adult in this post-pandemic world. There’s a strong essence of self-reliance threaded between the album’s interesting sonics and, at times, overt lyricism. In “smb2l”, finger-plucking and distorted vocal stems fight for your attention while their emo-tinged vocals smoothly blend with catchy beats.
Leg Piece: Bella Carlos @bella.carlos Rings: Jill Herlands @jill.herlands
Sonically, songs like “Shapeless” and “Haunt” possess purer elements of hyperpop like synthetic operatics. Meanwhile “Portal” highlights this EP’s synthesizing of emo from the early 2000s and a fast-paced beat. Lyrically, there’s a sincerity that is coated in a layer of irony. Daine’s general lyricism and the EP’s production create a juxtaposition between ostentatious instrumentals and direct lyrics.
Boots: Maison Margiela @maisonmargiela Rings: Rui Zhou @ruiofficial.me
Influences feel weaved into this EP, ringing true in “skin deep” which feels the strongest among the eight tracks. This track holds a similar energy as their mentor Charli XCX’s “What You Think About Me”, a deep cut from Crash (2022). The braggadocious mentality is palpable and infectious. Daine knows who they are and they are not afraid to tell you.
Leg Piece: Bella Carlos @bella.carlos Rings: Jill Herlands @jill.herlands
Daine accepts the approval and assurance from their mentors and collaborators who so happen to be musical titans. “shapeless” is simply a taste of what their versatility and musical hodgepodge will bring to the future of the avenue they seem to effortlessly carve.
Boots: Maison Margiela @maisonmargiela Rings: Rui Zhou @ruiofficial.me
Ear Cuff: Rui Zhou @ruiofficial.me
Team Credits:
Talent: Daine @d4ine
Photo: Jeiroh @jeiroh
Photo asst: NOOJ @BOUJEENOOJY
Stylist: MADISON WEN GU @MMMADDDDISON
Stylist asst: REEM AL YAFAEY @REEMYAFZ
MUA/HAIR: SOPHIE HARTNETT @SOPHIE_HARTNETT
Cinematography: Yondoby @yondoby
Nail artist: ISA RODRIGUEZ @SUCRE.ISA
Set Designer: SE OH @SE.HYUN.OH
Text: Ryan Camesa
