Exciting Collaboration with TWICE

In an exciting development for both the Singaporean music scene and K-pop fandom, Daina Ariffin—better known by her stage name Dainasaurs—has co-composed a standout track titled "Mirage" for TWICE's latest album featuring the Misamo unit, which includes member Sana. But how did this 24-year-old, who started her journey as a K-pop fan, land such a pivotal collaboration with one of the world's most popular girl groups?

Daina's Musical Journey

Daina's musical journey began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when she began posting song covers on her YouTube channel. With renditions of popular tracks, including Conan Gray's "Heather," she demonstrated an impressive vocal range and creativity that quickly caught the attention of industry professionals. Daina doesn’t just cover songs; she reinterprets K-pop hits like NewJeans’ “Super Shy” and Le Sserafim’s “Easy” in multiple languages, showcasing her unique flair.

Breakthrough Moment

The breakthrough moment arrived when Daina was invited to participate in several online songwriting camps aimed at creating K-pop styled tracks for the Asian market. “Writing songs felt natural to me,” Daina shared, emphasizing her deep-rooted love for K-pop. Collaborating with other talented songwriters, she gradually built a network that helped her enter the competitive K-pop scene.

Impressive Portfolio and Rising Fame

Fast forward four years, and Daina boasts an impressive portfolio, including recent works like "Laffy Taffy" for K-pop group Primrose and "Second Sparkle" for Japanese idol group Liella. But despite her rising fame, she maintains her full-time career in marketing, squeezing in songwriting during evenings and weekends.

Significant Milestone with TWICE

Daina's partnership with TWICE marks a significant milestone in her career. On September 26, TWICE unveiled a preview of "Mirage," which features a soothing melody that fans have been eagerly anticipating. American singer-songwriter Sean Michael Alexander, known as Avenue 52 and a heavyweight in the music scene with hits like “Heart Shaker” for TWICE and “Lion Heart” for Girls' Generation, co-composed the track with Daina. This collaboration opens up the potential for more joint projects in the future, with Daina expressing eagerness to work with Alexander again.

Reflection on the Experience

Reflecting on her experience working on "Mirage," Daina expressed immense joy and relief. “The late nights spent writing while balancing work and my passion for music have led up to this incredible moment,” she said. “It feels amazing to show my family that music is more than a hobby for me and to put Singapore on the map within the K-pop community. I hope this recognition inspires others from Southeast Asia as well.

Future Projects and Collaborations

Looking ahead, Daina is set not only to release her own music soon but hinted at another exciting project, collaborating with JYP Entertainment, the agency behind TWICE, Itzy, and Stray Kids. This promising trajectory hints that Daina Ariffin is not just a rising star; she's poised to leave a lasting impact on the music world.

Conclusion

Stay tuned, as this Singaporean talent continues to break barriers and pave the way for more Southeast Asian artists in the global music industry!