Coffee and Conversation: Daniel Graves of Aesthetic Perfection
Aesthetic Perfection
“Once an artist settles on a formula, they begin to stagnate.”
- Daniel Graves, Aesthetic Perfection
October 15, 2024 - I was lucky enough to get a few minutes of DANIEL GRAVES of AESTHETIC PERFECTION’s time and I was able to gain a little perspective on the creative mind behind the wildly popular Industrial Pop genre. You can catch AP in San Francisco at the DNA Lounge on October 17, 2024.
What were your musical influences (or any influences) helped shape the music you create?
I grew up on top 40 radio. My mom constantly listened to KIIS FM in Los Angeles and that really helped form my love of pop music. When I was a teenager, and finally discovered alternative / metal / industrial music, that passion for well-crafted pop music carried over, and I found myself exclusively listening to the catchiest and most popular alt artists. Anything that was poorly produced or not well-executed just didn't enter my orbit. I think even now, all these years later, that I'm still chasing that perfect blend of dark industrial edge with pop sensibilities.
What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to break into the alternative or industrial music scene today?
Be aware that this is something you commit to do for life. You can't just dip your toe into the entertainment industry, it's a lifelong commitment. If you are good at what you do, and constantly improving and keeping your ear to the ground in order to understand what is happening in the current musical moment, you will find your audience and build a career.
AP has a very distinct sound that mixes industrial pop, goth, and electronic elements together. Am I getting that right? How would you describe the band’s sound and what is the creative process behind writing the songs?
#IndustrialPop is a title I embraced because it perfectly encapsulates that neverending attempt to perfect these two philosophically opposed musical genres.
Obviously, AP tackles darker themes throughout their music, sometimes in a lighthearted “sound” (like “Summer Goth” in 2023). For lack of a better way to put it, how do you determine the right balance in your music? Is there a formula?
Once an artist settles on a formula, they begin to stagnate. It's important to simply let your subconscious be your guide, and not try to interfere with the process too much. The more specific your intentions, the less likely it is they will bear fruit.
You have collaborated with many different artists across genres—how do you choose collaborators, and what do you look for in them?
To be honest, I just try to make friends with like minded creators and see what happens. I do my best to let things happen as organically as possible, because, as I said, the more you try to force it, the less it works. Artists are complicated creators, and collaborations can be often painful, which is why it's so important to me that I gel with folks on a personal level, before I even attempt the creative one.
Northern California is lucky enough to have AP coming to the DNA Lounge in San Francisco October 17th, one of four stops in California for the Fall Goth Tour. The Bad Vibes EP will be fully released by then. What can fans expect at the show?
After being on the road for a few weeks I feel like the live band is tighter than ever. Real talk: We don't have anything fancy planned, we're just excited to show up and kick ass and have a good time.
What’s in store for AP?
As an artist who is 100% independent (I don't have a label or management) I can only focus on one thing at a time. Let me survive this tour then ask me again in a few weeks!
For more on AESTHETIC PERFECTION and a list of upcoming tour dates, go to their website at Aesthetic Perfection go HERE.
