David Peril Releases “Too Many Demons” and Connects with Us to Discuss the Song’s Dark Journey and Creative Process
- STAFF
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
By: Staff
"Too Many Demons” is a brilliant fusion of haunting storytelling and irresistible rhythms that captivates from start to finish.
David Peril has unleashed a bold new single, “Too Many Demons,” and it’s nothing short of a sonic rollercoaster. Melding vintage sounds with modern rhythms, the track dives deep into themes of inner struggle, external chaos, and the blurry line between personal demons and societal influence. But it’s not just the music that catches attention, David’s creative vision is truly unique. With a blend of upbeat, almost pop-like melodies and haunting, cinematic visuals, “Too Many Demons” challenges what you thought you knew about genre and storytelling. The song’s dark, gritty lyrics about personal demons and misinformation are juxtaposed with a playful, foot-tapping rhythm, creating a contrast that leaves listeners questioning what’s really beneath the surface.
We spoke with David to explore the deeper layers of this track and the thought process behind its creation. From his decision to pair a vintage drum machine with finger snaps and harmonies to the broader themes of mental health and substance abuse, David opens up about his motivations, creative process, and why he refuses to shy away from difficult topics. In this conversation, he shares what goes into making a song that’s both sonically unique and deeply introspective, and how he plans to evolve this sound moving forward.
Ready to uncover the hidden world of David Peril? Read on for an exclusive dive into his musical journey and what’s coming next.
Begin Interview:
Hello David Peril, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Right off the bat, it’s hard not to recognize the complete hyper-duality between the upbeat, almost poppy style and the horror-filled, scary visuals in the music video for “Too Many Demons”. Can you describe the reasoning behind this contrast? How does pairing such a dark, haunting character with an upbeat, almost pop-influenced sound channel the meaning of this song?
A. I often have sarcastic lyrics or funny stories woven into my songs and my voice is probably soft enough that I could sing almost anything but because I like melodies and harmonies most of my songs are like this.
Q. We loved the opening lyrics "too many demons know my name." That line really stands out. Can you expand on this powerful expression and what it means to you?
A. The too many demons that know my name, for me are various forms of alchohol combined with feeling low on occasion and not wanting to move from where I am but the song evolved into demons that try to influence others. A persons demons can be crippling and have a strong effect on your life. Sometimes we don't even realise it.
Q. The themes throughout the video really invoke deep thought. Do you think the imagery you deliver will help people pay more attention to their current existence and reflect on how you connect this imagery to the struggles and challenges of daily life?
A. In all honesty I gave the song to Ari, a Ai designer and told him to go for it. It is a bit manic but I wanted to give him license to express himself. I told him that part of it should be me in a bar with people pushing drinks on me and that it could also show newspaper and tv spouting whatever motive they want to push.
Q. We loved the ride you took us on, the arc, and the storyline, and we really hope that everyone takes a chance to absorb its beauty and message.
If this interview hasn’t yet convinced people to watch the music video, can you share a little teaser or insight that might encourage them to experience it?
A. Yes, you might never be the same again. I'd listen to the song on it's own first because even I didn't know what was coming next. In the end it's really just a bit of fun.
Q. "Too Many Demons" blends vintage sounds with modern rhythms. Can you walk us through your thought process when combining these two very different styles, and what was it about this fusion that felt important for this track?
A. I had a melody in my head and the first line or two and within a couple of hours it just took shape. The song was just me and a guitar initially before I added some backing vocals and harmonies. Then it just popped in my head that we could loop some drums and it would work. Michael Holcroft my engineer and bass player on this song came up with the idea using a 1960's drum machine to begin with. I then added finger snaps and a shush and we sent it to my lead guitarist Dan Brownrigg and he added his part, that was it. It kind of works.
Q. The song touches on powerful themes like substance abuse, misinformation, and mental health. Was it a personal experience that led you to explore these topics, and how do you think music can be a tool for people to confront their own "demons"?
A. I shouldn't talk about current affairs because people are so split. What I will say is that the 3 or 4 defining images that have been released by the BBC and even TIME Magazine have been proven to be faked. I find it dangerous, disgusting and disturbing that lies are allowed to be published to the masses without coroboration by institutions we should be able to trust. I think they, along with University's around the world, have a lot to answer for. If it wasn't for all the lies it would have been over months and months ago.
Q. You mentioned being inspired by artists like Vitalic and Felix Da Housecat. How did you balance paying homage to their influence while still creating something fresh and unique for yourself?
A. I think the music industry is on its knees. Ai has been around for years in music using certain softwares to press a button and use pre-mastered loops. It iritates me when I hear someone say "I'm A Producer." NO, no you're not. Artists like Vitalic keep it real using analogue synths and you can respect what he does. My music is nothing like those artists but this song has a tinge of that style, I'd not copying anything.
Q. The song's lyrics change meaning with each verse, even though the structure stays the same. What motivated you to create this layered narrative, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
A. I just wanted to build the song up, and to do this I changed the meaning of the song while just changing the key a few times.
Q. With influences from The Beach Boys and Brian Wilson, you’re bringing a touch of nostalgia into a modern context. How do you see these retro sounds interacting with the issues you’re addressing in the lyrics?
A. Brian Wilson could sing about eating his vegetables or staying in his room. It's hard to come up with something unique to say but when I do, or think I do, I can then search for a melody to sing the words to.
Q. You experimented with acoustic guitar and drum loops in the recording process. Can you describe the creative moment when you realized the acoustic elements could complement the older drum loop?
A. Oh, that just come to me in a moment when I was listening back to what I'd just recorded which was me singing and playing acoustic. Because it's repetitive enough to work I tried it. I'd like to do more of the same in the future if it comes to me, but I don't ever sit down and think that I'm about to write a song in any kind of style. It always just comes into my head when it wants to.
Q. There’s a lot of emotion behind the harmonies in this track, especially with the timing of Brian Wilson’s passing. How did his legacy and the sound of The Beach Boys shape the harmonies in “Too Many Demons”?
A. Well, I'm not 4 or 5 voices, I am 1. It's true that on the day I went to the studio Brian had just passed and he was on my mind. So that was a small tribute. Of course it's nothing close to the Beach Boys it's just something I enjoy doing.
Q. The recording of “Too Many Demons” came together in just one afternoon. How did you manage to capture the song’s essence so quickly, and do you typically work that fast, or was this an outlier for you?
A. More or less everything I write comes like this and it drives Michael crazy sometimes, I owe him an apology. I will not work on songs outside of the studio. So I will have a few lines written down of lyrics and I would have recorded a few seconds on my phone. When I arrive I'll have an idea which one I want to try to work with and it just comes to me. I wish I could arrive at the studio with finsished songs, it would be a lot easier that way. As it is I just mess around for an hour or two trying things and scribling down whats coming to me. It just works.
Q. Looking ahead to your tour in Spring 2026, how do you envision “Too Many Demons” fitting into your live performances? Will the track evolve in any way when played in front of an audience?
A. I will change the songs to fit what instrumentation is around me but at the moment I am thinking of just me and an acoustic. So in that case I will probably write a some more and bring in some chord changes.
Q. The track’s evolution from acoustic guitar to dance beats feels like a journey. Do you see your music continuing to explore such transitions, or do you feel this particular sound is a one-off experiment?
A. I will do it again but not on the next couple songs because I already have them finished more or less. I've just got to finish off the lyrics next time I go in.
Q. Given the multifaceted influences on this song, do you think “Too Many Demons” signals the direction for your next album or project? How does it set the stage for what’s coming next from you as an artist?
A. Actually I have had this idea to combine dance beats with harmonies for a while, its something I will work on when I get chance.
Q. Now that your fans have had a chance to learn more about your project, we want to dive into something that’s just as important—your name. For those meeting you for the first time, is David Peril your given name or a stage name? As we’ve seen, your fans are sure to become deeply invested in your music, and they’ll be curious about the meaning behind everything that makes up your artistic journey. So, when it comes to your artist name, how does it connect with the music you’re creating? What’s the story behind it, and what does your name represent to you and to the fans who are just getting to know you?
A. Pearl is my real surname but my fathers family came originally from Lithuania where our name was Peril. They changed in when they arrived in Liverpool. I've just changed in back... for no real reason.
Q. And finally, what’s next? We can’t thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We’d love to be the first to share the news!
A. I'm pleased to announce that from now on my music will be distributed by MN2S Label Services. The first 2 songs that I will release in the first week of September will be called 'Lets Forget About Love' and then a few weeks after that a song called 'Fickle and Finn
David Peril, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
Thank you for having me, your questions made me think.
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared David Peril’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.