DAPHNE didn’t mean to go viral.

Her debut single Consequences was meant to be a TikTok experiment, just a quick video for her demo, pushed out to test the algorithm for fun. A week later, she was scrambling to get it ready for release. It was chaotic, unplanned, and exactly the kind of origin story you’d expect from an artist who thrives on instinct.

Raised in the world of competitive dance, Toronto’s own DAPHNE has always lived for performance. But music was definitely not the original plan. It took piano lessons at six (where she convinced her teacher to let her write instead of practice), freestyling lyrics with friends on soccer fields during COVID, and finally TMU’s Professional Music program, where she put the whole thing together. What came out was a sound equal parts indie pop girl and a top-charting artist in the making. It’s reminiscent of Chappell Roan or Oliva Rodrigo, and feels like songs you scream with your best friend’s in the car.

Now, with her first singles going viral with streams and a debut EP in the works, DAPHNE is learning how to wear all twenty hats at once: songwriter, producer, self-manager, and community builder. It’s a balancing act that’s equal parts overwhelming and exhilarating, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Monet Magazine sat down with the rising indie pop artist to talk about her journey, TikTok, songwriting, and why building a community matters to her most.

So, a little background check. You started at TMU for professional music, right? Your time at TMU seemed to really begin shaping your music career, so with that being said, was music actually something you wanted to do from the start?

DAPHNE: Interesting question. So, I've always been very creative my whole life. I grew up as a full-time competitive dancer. I went to a performing arts school, and then I went to an arts high school as well. So, just being creative in the arts has always been a huge part of my life. Music though was honestly on the smaller side, which is like saying a lot, because I was so creative. So, maybe for a normal person it would be a lot, you know?

But I started taking piano lessons when I was about six, and that's kind of when I also started songwriting, and I convinced my piano teacher to write music instead of learning the piano. That's how the years kind of progressed, but I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do career wise. I just knew I wanted to do something creative at the end of the day, I just wanted to do something that will keep me fulfilled and happy. And then going into university, and during COVID, I had picked up the guitar and I started writing on my own. I wrote with my friend six feet apart in soccer fields, and we wrote like an album's worth of songs. That's all we would do every day.

And that's kind of where I felt myself being a bit more drawn to music, but still, I had no idea how the music industry worked, I didn't know how to release a song, like none of that. Then I saw the new program at TMU, professional Music, and it just looked like everything that I wanted, but I didn't even know that I wanted that at the time yet.

It just looked really interesting because the website said, you get in the studio, and you get performance, and theory, and music production, and music business. So it looked to be a really well-rounded education, and something just pulled me toward it. It was almost a gut feeling when I got in, and it was like nothing else. It was like tunnel vision, like, “oh, that's it.”

But looking back to me four years ago, I didn't understand anything about the music industry, I barely understood anything about myself, not that I understand much more today.

And with your music itself, we know that Consequences was your first big debut moment. I’m sure the weight of it being your first track can be a little scary to kick things off, but did you know that that song would be your debut track?

DAPHNE: I actually have a funny story about that. So, I had recorded the demo two years ago. I produced it myself and I recorded it. It was really quick, and before then I was on TikTok and I was writing a bunch of music. I didn't really have any plans of releasing anything. Like, I knew I wanted it to be big, and really wanted to think about it, and put a lot of effort and thought into my debut. And then the same week I wrote Consequences, the next day, I just thought to myself that it would be really fun, just for fun, with no plans of releasing it.

It would be so much fun to try to promote it because before this point, I wasn’t posting much about my music on TikTok. So, I just said for fun, let's give it like a few days and actually just try at this self-promotion thing. A week after I did that it started gaining some traction then I realized I actually did have to release this song.

I had no plans of releasing. So, I met with my friend Peach Luffe, and he helped me take the demo to a commercial level, and he helped mix it, and my friend Michael Friedman mastered the song, and it all got done within a month. So from that moment to a month later, that's the timeline of when I had written the song, I had promoted the song, and then I released it.

It was so wild, and yeah, I could not have asked for anything more. It was so special.

More about the actual songwriting process: how do you put the lyrics together? If I were a songwriter, I feel like it'd be easier to write a song if I related to the lyrics. But how does it go for you?

DAPHNE: So when I first started writing, of course I was like six, so I didn't have life experience. At that point I was like writing all these stories, and for the longest time that’s how I would mostly write up until like university, and maybe even high school, where I started exploring actually writing for myself. Because before, when I would try that, it just wouldn't work because it's kind of a process when I'm writing about my personal experiences. Because I'm like, decoding my experiences and how I feel like a puzzle, and then I also have to make it catchy. So, I enjoy it because I mean it really does feel like a mental puzzle at times, like figuring out the right words to describe all these complex thoughts and feelings, or like sometimes it's even the simplest things.

But you want to describe it in a way that isn't typical. Nowadays, I approach songwriting as… well…I used to start on guitar, but now I'm producing more, so I usually start with a really simple production, like maybe a few chords and like a drum beat underneath, or some cool synth melody. And I just hit record and see whatever pours out of my brain. For “Crying on the Ceiling”, actually that one is an interesting story, because that's kind of a time where I had to decode what my unconscious brain was telling me how I felt.

I didn't even know how I felt writing that until I was just freestyling, and the words “Crying on the Ceiling” came out. I was like, what does that mean? I have no clue. But then I thought to myself like, okay, what does this actually mean to me? How does this apply to my life? And now that song, I feel like is one of my more real songs. I feel like that really represents who I am, which is sometimes an emotional person. But all the best songwriters are.

But, yeah, that song is just kind of about being in your early 20s, and feeling like the world is the most crazy place to be in all the time, and having constant breakdowns because everything is overwhelming, and life is scary. That's what “Crying on the Ceiling” is.

With these four years that you've been creating music, what's the biggest thing you've learned about yourself?

DAPHNE: I feel like I've actually learned a lot. Like, looking at the girl I was four years ago, to the person I am now. It's kind of like night and day. But, I feel like everything I've learned I've maybe always known in a way, but now I just have more freedom to, like, step into that.

To express it more?

DAPHNE: Yeah, I mean it depends on the day obviously, but I do feel like I'm more confident now. Like I know what I'm talking about, in a way. And I've kind of grew into that, where I'm not afraid to get into a conversation about social media marketing, and the digital age, and record labels, and all these complex ideas that were kind of foreign to me four years ago.

Like four years ago, if you would have asked my mom, my family or my friends, the type of person I was, she maybe would have said “Oh, she's so sweet, but she's a little shy.” But today, I feel like becoming DAPHNE and this project has really helped me step into my entire self more, like as a creative person. But also, this project is me times a hundred, if that makes sense. It's very freeing to be able to just be my complete self and like step further into that every day.

Is that a piece of advice you would give to yourself four years ago?

DAPHNE: I don’t know, I think I just needed the time to just be chill and I think I needed that growth, with the path I took.

So, when it comes to being in Toronto, which has such an interesting independent artist landscape, how has the city itself shaped your sound and your approach to the music?

DAPHNE: Well, I’m still a little bit out from the city, so I'm like an hour-ish away. But, if I have the opportunity I would move here like in a heartbeat. I love Toronto, and I love the people in the community. I've been to other music spaces, like I've been to Nashville, I've been to L.A., I've been to London, in those contexts, and seeing how it compares to this city is really interesting.

I feel like there's more of an emerging community here, if that makes sense. It's pretty easy to get connected, which I think is really special about Toronto. You go to one show, and you know like 70 people the next day, because everyone's just connected. Like it's big and small at the same time.

In terms of how it inspired me, well I feel like I've learned so much from school, yes, but then all the opportunities I've gotten through school, like all the panels I got to attend and all the music industry networking events. Those I feel like have really shaped my path, and that's where I learned the most. When I'm interacting with the music industry face to face, learning how these artists are functioning, like how I can bring that into my world, and just like the community aspect of being able to go to people to ask questions to get help it's a very special culture here.

When in Toronto, are there any particular venues or communities in Toronto that feel like home?

DAPHNE: Well I've played Burdock twice now, and I've had the greatest experiences there. The sound is amazing, and every single sound tech that works there is like the nicest sound tech you'll ever meet, and the most talented sound techs as well. Like I've had a few experiences in the city, with sound tech's who are not as nice, and I'm sure everyone has a bad sound tech story. But never at Burdock.

I’ve been trying to cross as many venues off the bucket list as possible. I love playing The Drake, that was a great experience. Oh, and The Ivy is a really interesting space. It was nice because I got to do an all-ages show there recently, so some of my younger fans could attend, and that was a really special night. I got to talk to them, and take photos of them, and sign stuff which is really fun.

Do you have a dream venue that you would want to play?

DAPHNE: Bud Stage. I would love to play Bud Stage.

It’s my favourite venue in the city.

DAPHNE: No, yeah I agree.

People hate on it, and I don't understand why. The open air and lawn is so nice.

DAPHNE: Yeah, and I mean, I think the sound is so great. I've never had a bad experience. Yeah, I just feel like whenever I’m there, I always like to imagine myself on the stage. Even as an opener, I feel like it's doable.

If your city had a theme song for you. What would it be?

DAPHNE: I feel like it's ever-changing, maybe A Moment in the Sun by, I don't know who it's by, but it's from Heartstopper. (The song is by Sunflower Bean)

But I feel like that gives Toronto to me, or at least like the best parts of Toronto, because there are some interesting parts. But yeah, that feels like a sunny day in Toronto.

When it comes to building your fan base, what do you think about your persona as DAPHNE allows fans to connect with you and your growing community?

DAPHNE: Okay…Well I've listened to some podcasts and there's this one guy, he talks about like artist tropes or like an archetype. And I feel like I would fall under best friend, like the best friend archetype. I just want me and my music to be there for my community so that they feel a little bit more alive every day, and that they can process their emotions and all their feelings through my music as if they were talking to a best friend, or their new personal therapist in my music.

I just wanna be a really warm and open figure in the community, because I really do care and I feel like it's more than fans. Because I care about building a real community of people who are kind to each other, and to themselves most of all.

We saw your TikTok about how you wanted people to send childhood videos/photos with #DAPHNEMovies for your upcoming music video. So, something like that is super important to you and your music?

DAPHNE: Absolutely! I feel like yes, the music is so important, but it's almost more important for me at least to be making moments for the music and for the people who are listening to the music in the community.

So I think that's what life is about. All these moments, and all I'm thinking about is how can I continue to build this community? What can I do to serve the community? What can I do to make it special for them? What can I do to make it special for me as well? Because this is such a cool experience.

I thought it was such a cute idea, because I honestly don't think I've seen any other artists do something like that.

DAPHNE: Yes, they are so cute! I was scrolling through them and I was almost crying. It's adorable.

So, when it comes to how you manage yourself and your music career, how is it being an emerging artist in today’s generation and landscape?

DAPHNE: Well, ever since I graduated I thought I was gonna be less busy because I had more time. Not the case. I've managed to fill every moment of the day pretty much with something music related, or something career related. I also thought I would have more time to just sit and write music, and unfortunately the business takes up a lot.

Fortunately, I actually really enjoy the music business because of the experience I got in school, and just I guess the way my brain works. I really love coming up with marketing plans, it's like in the same way, it's about making it a moment and making it special, but that's I guess under the umbrella technically of marketing. But when I'm actually pursuing these things and putting the work in, most of the time, unless I'm sitting and answering emails and doing admin stuff, it is fun for me to dive into that.

I feel like that's another side of my creativity and my artistic brain that I get to explore through this project, which I'm grateful for. But it can be a lot of work doing everything, and it does take time, which is something I feel like people don't always understand. So everyone is like “new music, please!” and I'm like “it’s on the way, I promise! It’s just me guys!”

So I feel like I'm wearing 20 hats all the time, and my brain is split into like a million different pieces which makes the day-to-day, hectic, crazy, fun, terrifying at times, but you know, it's just about doing the most I can. But trying at the same time to not push myself too hard. I have pretty high standards and high expectations for myself, I'm very much a perfectionist. I like to go all in, all the time, which can be a little stressful.

But I do think, even if down the road I do start exploring with a more official team, I still think it's really important to know everything that is going on within an artist's career, because as the artist, you are the head of the business no matter who comes on to your team. You are representing it all, so you want to make sure that every avenue is as much of yourself as possible even if someone else handles that. They have to understand your vision.

You have shows lined up in Toronto and Montreal. Huge step, so congratulations for that!

DAPHNE: Yeah, I’m so excited! I wanted to play Montreal for so long.

And with your background of being a dancer as well, I’m sure it helped with your stage presence so what can people expect seeing DAPHNE live at these shows?

DAPHNE: Expect to be in the moment. Expect to scream something. Actually, I'll tell you what I do. So I have this part in my set where I introduce myself. But because my name is spelled in all capital letters, you don't pronounce it like “Daphne”, you pronounce it like “DAPHNE” and I scream it. And then I get the crowd to scream it so that’s really fun and there's moments where they sing and I sing.

Obviously, there’s some dance breaks. It's just, it's curated and candid at the same time. And I just want the best experience for everyone involved. I want to have fun on stage. I want them to have the best time. I put a lot of energy into my performances and into the stage and I try to involve the crowd as much as possible and yeah, it's usually a very fun time.

You also have your big birthday gig happening as well, so if you could throw your birthday party concert at any dream venue, anywhere in the world, where would it be?

DAPHNE: Red Rocks. That is like an absolute dream venue. I haven't even been there, but I've just seen videos and it's like the most amazing stage. So definitely there, no phone policy.

Everyone's gonna be handed like a lighter. So you can do the lights in the sky Instead of the flashlights. Don't show up with a phone. Leave it at home. You can bring a digital camera though.

You mentioned being an opener, so I’m curious to know. If someone called you right now, and was like, “come open for me tomorrow”, who do you hope is calling?

DAPHNE: I mean like dream person Chappell Roan, of course. People compare me to her a lot. I compare myself to her. I just think she is the epitome of artistry in every way, like there is nothing that Chappell isn't as an artist, you know? She’s a performer, she's a vocalist, she's a writer, she is wholly herself in every way. It’s just it is so incredible to watch her rise, and to see her performances this festival season. All her outfits, and the stage setup, and everything. I'm so blown away by her.

Another person who's maybe like mid to upper level, is Sarah Kinsley. She just did her debut album. I think she's about to release another set of songs it seems. I'm very excited. But listening to that album was so inspiring. She was actually one of the people that Chapell Roan shouted out a while ago. Like, she did like a run down of artists you should listen to. But I saw her live before then when she was here, and at the time I had only listened to one of her songs, but it was a really good song so I decided I'm gonna go see her live.

I do that often because I just love live music. And seeing her live, it was one of the most incredible shows I've ever been to. I think the audience gave her a 10-minute, 15-minute applause at the end. It just kept going. It was so special. I think she's just such a genius when it comes to how she writes her songs, and how she produces them, that's very inspiring.

Yeah, oh, and maybe Coldplay. I think that was like the best concert I've been to. I feel like I got my music education in a really different way to the musicians I’ve met, a lot of my friends had really cool parents who played metal and all these random underground artists, but for me, since I was dancing full time, I was either listening to radio music, or I got my music education from all my dance teachers and all the music they liked and used. The studio owner happened to love Coldplay, so we had like 12 different Coldplay dances, so I feel like I know and feel their songs in my bones.

So, there's been times where you've spoken about building a world visually for your own projects. So, how important is it to have the right image in the way you tell your stories in your own music?

DAPHNE: Well, as a creative person, I think it's really important to have the visuals reflect who I am, even more so than just the music itself. I think the visual space is where people actually tend to connect to the music and the artist. It's close to the same level as the music, it just needs to exist. Even if it's more DIY, just like the exploration of who you are as an artist visually matters a lot, because the story is never just the music.

It's who you are as a person, who you present yourself as online, and then how you present yourself through the visuals. And the visuals, with the digital age and photoshop, you can kind of make anything real, like giant flowers, and you know, the only thing that's stopping you is your own imagination, how far you can take it. So I think it's really important for people to see who I am as a whole, not just from the music,

But with the visuals, because it ties everything together it really does help connect you with the person on the other side of the screen.

And honestly, with the flower, how did that kind of become your little logo?

DAPHNE: I mean, at first, low-key, it was kind of just because I liked flowers. And I feel like that's normally how decisions are made in the beginning. It's kind of similar to songwriting in a way, where you make like a small decision, and as you discover more about yourself in the process it kind of becomes a deeper thing and there's more layers to it. At first I chose flowers just because I was really drawn to it for some reason. And then I chose the name DAPHNE, which is a flower. I didn't realize at first. And well, I chose it because my friend was in this Greek mythology class. She was listing off a bunch of names and Daphne was one of them. We looked into the story. She gets turned into a tree. So that kind of ties back to the whole like nature theme in a way.

And I feel like I write a lot about what it means to grow as a human being, and experience life. I just kind of see my own journey reflected in nature, and in flowers, and like how they bloom and wilt and you know are here and there for the seasons. So it became something more meaningful to me as I discovered more about who I was. And now they're tying into this visual world that I'm bringing to the videos, and onto the stage. Like I had these (the giant flowers) out for a show a while ago. So, it's all kind of tying together in a really beautiful way.

You just had your recent merch drop which was incredible. We’re looking forward to your potential future projects, and obviously the fans are super excited for you too. So are there any other upcoming projects, singles, or even music videos that you could tell us about?

DAPHNE: I mean, I do have plans. My first EP is gonna include the first three songs and I have some more coming out and right now, I mean plans may change, but hopefully they won't, and the plan is to make this kind of world for the first EP.

So the first video is out, the second video I have mentioned, but there are three more videos after that that dive deeper into this world of, it's kind of Alice in wonderland-y in a way. It's like a visual manifestation of my emotions and this journey I'm on. I'm very excited to get those edited and filmed and work on them more, because I really want to bring people into this world. I want to make this project its own little universe, its own little pocket, you know, where people are kind to each other and know, like, anything's possible.

To close it all off and talk about your future steps, in like a year or two, where do you see DAPHNE being?

DAPHNE: Hopefully, making a living off the music in a year. That is like a huge goal of mine. Hopefully a tour. I would love to tour. And not that I didn't enjoy performing, but I didn't get it at first. I've always loved dancing on stage. Dancing is something I understood. I loved competitions, I loved performing dance, and then when I started to sing on stage, it was like a whole other ballgame of vulnerability.

It was really scary at first, and very nerve-wracking. But now I feel like I get it. I get what people are saying when they're like “oh, I just want to be on tour”. Because at first, I was like, oh, my god, you're crazy. You are insane for saying that because it’s the scariest thing ever.

And now being on stage, I just love playing with my band. Like as a kid that was a dream of mine, just to have a band. You know that's like the coolest thing being on the stage, with some of my closest friends, performing. So, hopefully I will get to do that across the world. Maybe a small tour in the next year or two, and some more music!

Thank you for taking the time!

DAPHNE: Thank you for having me!

Check out her newest song “Crying on the Ceiling” everywhere you stream music, and you can follow DAPHNE on instagram at @daphne.mp3!

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