Metal Inside(r) Home Quarantine is Metal Insider’s new column during this time of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked artists five questions on what’s been keeping them busy ranging from their favorite movies, food they’ve been eating, music they’ve been listening to and more. We caught up with Aesthetic Perfection’s Daniel Graves as he’s been spending this time trying to be as productive as possible.
What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?
I’ve been trying to be as productive as possible during the lockdown. I see it as a rare opportunity to reconnect with myself, my art and my loved ones. Modern living is so hectic and chaotic, especially as a musician, it’s quite refreshing to be at home. Obviously, there are a lot of negative aspects as well, but I try not to dwell too much and focus on the problems I can actually do something about.
Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?
Music has always been by refuge, it’s my place of comfort and the best therapist I could ask for. I’ve been listening to TONS of stuff in the last few weeks. I’ve been revisiting favorites from my teenage years, especially Vulgar Display of Power by Pantera and Astrocreep 2000 by White Zombie. And of course, digging into current favorites like Architects and Borne of Osiris. The new Street Sects EP is my top recommendation for modern industrial. I’ve curated my own Industrial Pop playlist on Spotify which I update regularly with some of my favorite dark bops.
A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?
I’m going to be 100% honest here: I hate cooking. Even if I liked cooking, you wouldn’t want to consume anything that comes out of my kitchen. It’s all inedible. Except my cinnamon rolls… they’re straight up fire.
In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?
I’ve made a concerted effort not to waste my days in front of the TV. It’s not easy sometimes, but I feel like I’m not doing myself any favors being a couch potato. I spend most of my time being creative, if I’m not working on music I’m going hiking or jogging (I live in the middle of the Austrian countryside, I’d be a fool not to take advantage!), but when the night falls I unwind with books or TV. I’m a huge fan of the Netflix original Dark, Altered Carbon and Mindhunters. Also currently addicted to The Expanse book series (haven’t watched the show yet) but I’m going through those faster than I can keep up. I’m not much of a gamer but I can take anyone to task on Mario Kart.
What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?
I don’t pretend to have any answers. I just know what gets me through the day. I try to remember that this, like everything, will pass, and remain cautiously optimistic about what the future holds. Humans tend to learn a thing or two from a crisis, so I’m hopeful that we might come out of this a bit smarter.
Aesthetic Perfection have unveiled the below video for their fan-selected track “Supernatural.”
