Deeper Graves: Maximum freedom
Closing a four-year gap since its prior full-length, the third album from Indianapolis-based post-punk/gothic rock project Deeper Graves named “Pull Me Toward The Dark” is now out in the open (via Disorder Recordings). The man behind this solo project, Jeff Wilson (also Chrome Waves, Contrition, formerly of Nachtmystium and Wolvhammer, also owner of Disorder Recordings) tells us more:
Jeff, is the new Deeper Graves album “Pull Me Toward the Dark” different than other music that you have released? Do you combine many different genres?
I think the only thing that makes it drastically different from anything else that I’ve done is that I’m doing more vocals on it.
There are still the same vibes throughout that have been on the other records; or other projects for that matter. I think it’s more of a mix of emotions than it is a mix of genres.
What kinds of music were you listening to while recording the album? Any favorite music artists?
I generally don’t listen to music unless the wife and I are cooking/eating at the dinner table. I’ve been a podcast person for the last few years.
I have enough music going on in my own head to fill the space. Most of these songs were written a year or so ago, so I would honestly have a hard time recalling.
Could you tell us about recording the tracks “Where Do We Go From Here” and “Over the Shoulder”? What were the sessions like for the new album?
These were both leftovers from another band’s album that will be out later this year. I just felt like they needed a home and this project was perfect for them. I tracked everything at my home studio; I try to do as much on my own as possible these days. I don’t like being on a time constraint, or paying a high premium while tracking ideas.
Will you be playing any live shows?
I highly doubt there’s enough interest in the project for me to put in the amount of prep involved to pull it off. There were tour dates for previous albums and the pandemic just kind of ruined all of that. The financial gamble of travel, being quarantined across the country for pennies was just too great.
I enjoy being home more than I used to. If there’s an opportunity, it’ll be considered, but I’m really not seeking it out.
Of all of the many bands that you were with which one did you enjoy the most? Which one gave you the most freedom to create?
Well, this one obviously gives me the most freedom as there’s no one else to deal with. Schedules work on my own time only, which is preferable.
There’s no label with this one either, so I can release something tomorrow if I’d like to.
All of the projects have positive memories, but all of them have/had negative as well. I’d rather just keep those in the past and move forward.
What is the darkwave scene like these days? Are many bands trying to experiment with different sounds?
I don’t have time to pay attention to scenes. I’ll check something if it’s a friend’s project, or if someone suggests something.
I’m a workaholic who can’t shut his brain off, so I’m just busy doing my own thing. I’m not that social anymore, I rarely leave my house, let alone go to shows or anything.
Do you have a World view? How do you see the world right now in general?
I’ll just leave it at everyone is completely brainwashed. 90% of the population is in the red cult or the blue cult.
As someone who actually pays attention to politics and is able to have a nuanced opinion,
I don’t think most people would want to hear my world view.
Do you provide all of the instrumentation yourself? Who else joins you on the album?
After having guests on the previous records, it was a conscious decision to have no one else on this album, I did all of the instrumentation, engineering, artwork, photography, everything.
How do you think listeners will take to the new album?
I think they’ll take it like they do just about everything these days, 5 minutes at a time and scroll onto the next thing.
When did you first pick up an instrument and become interested in music?
I started playing guitar at around 13, relied on the group idea until my late 20s, then started realising I can just do it without anyone else in my 40s.
I probably should have come to the latter conclusion sooner. 😉
Interview: John Wisniewski, photos: Jeff Wilson
