I did not know anything about Dan and Phil until YouTube's algorithm suggested Dan's coming out video to me when it debuted. Queer content is of interest to me, so I watched, was utterly charmed and beguiled, and then fell headfirst into an immersive Internet obsession that was both deeply satisfying and deeply distressing in how hijacked my brain felt. I am so happy I never knew about these two lads when their career was unfolding in real time because I think it would have wrecked (REKT?) me.
Re: an earlier comment. I too this week talked to my therapist about why I have fallen so hard into this universe and WHAT DID IT MEAN?
So I'm just going to brain dump here some of the stored-up observations I’ve had in reaction to both Dan and Phil’s coming out videos but also all of their other content I’ve inhaled the last few weeks.
Laugh and listen: So apparently watching other people laugh and be physically affectionate is therapeutic for me. I am completely fascinated by how much fun they have together. I’m also really intrigued by their conversational style – it reminds me of the “yes, and” idea of improvisational comedy, where you don’t steer an interaction; instead you just listen, pay attention, and respond in the moment to the other person and let that willingness and openness become the force that helps each participant discover what they are mutually creating. While I’m sure there is scripting and artifice that goes into a filmed conversation, I do think the fact that they are honestly listening and responding to each other is what gives their interactions such authenticity and vitality. That’s quite a different way from how I approach conversation – and it makes me want to try out a more fluid interpersonal approach.
Expression and acceptance: I adored the anger, the sexual energy, the absolute defiance and empathy in Dan’s video. And I equally adored the humor, the positivity, the reassurance, and the playfulness of Phil’s video. Both made me think a bit more the last few weeks about what it means to truly accept and understand yourself, rather than performing for someone else, and the bravery involved in that choice.
Creative control: What I love about being a pop culture consumer is finding content that has a backbone made up of intelligence and unapologetic aesthetic commitment. I get that in spades from most – not all – of DNPs content. The stuff from this past year (videos, social media posts, marketing) in particular seems very strategic to me – a conscious uncoupling, perhaps, but with a definite creative vision. I find that fascinating, and am very curious about the logistics of it all – the conversations that go into establishing a creative arc or changing an established creative brand. As someone who isn’t particularly creative, I find the sense of ownership I get from DNP’s content to be just as interesting as the content itself.
Since I’m new, I’m not particularly invested in their private lives. My take on Dan’s video was that he was making it clear that their romantic relationship was in the past, that the present is one of platonic companionship and creative partnership, and that the future is for fucking around. I would be happy to be proven wrong, though, but in general don't want to speculate.
In terms of future content, from Phil I’d love to see him get really, really weird. I would totally watch some surreal, absurdist shit from him. From Dan, I’d love to see some highly produced video essays, even if that means like four videos a year. I do love the joint gaming content, though, and would be happy if they did more of that. If both of them decide to try other pursuits – writing, film, producing – I’d still be interested in following their careers.
A random list of things I’ve been introduced to via DNP:
- The theory of parasocial interactions/relationships
- A better understanding of meme culture
Things I’ve bought because of DNP:
-- Signed a 44 y/o woman who has been massively touched, inspired, and entertained, but would really like to get the fuck back to my life now