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

 Dress: Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen @ Zoegustaviaannawhalen Rib Cage: Joya Ma @joya.ma
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.

Top & Skirt & Sleeve: Rui Zhou @ruiofficial.me Boots: MORPH Design @morph.design
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.

Steel Corset & Skirt: Elena Velez @elenavelez assisted by Andrew Curwen @andrewcurwen
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.

Top & Skirt & Sleeve: Rui Zhou @ruiofficial.me Boots: MORPH Design @morph.design
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.

Steel Corset & Skirt: Elena Velez @elenavelez assisted by Andrew Curwen @andrewcurwen
Boots: Maison Margiela @maisonmargiela Rings: Rui Zhou @ruiofficial.me
Top & Pants: Dion Lee (SS23 Look 19) @dionlee Shoes: Schutz @schutz
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


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