After a stellar year that saw the release of his new EP 'You + Me', Sydney EDM producer Poolclvb will celebrate New Year's Eve in pure style.
He performs as part of the NYE line-up at Prohibition Brisbane that also includes Avon Stringer and Emily Scott.
What are some of the big accomplishments you've made this year as Poolclvb?
[Poolclvb] I was super lucky to be given the opportunity to close one of the main stages at This That festival in Newcastle a couple of weeks ago, that was a first for me.
With [The] Presets and Alison Wonderland on the other stages, it was a privilege to even be considered. I’ve actually kept relatively low-key after releasing my debut EP at the end of last year, spending time writing and developing, working with vocalists and other collaborators.
How have you found the response to the 'You + Me' EP?
I couldn't of dreamt a better result. I’m still blown away that music I made in my shitty bedroom studio is actually resonating with people. Having the EP reach Top 5 Dance Album on iTunes was a 'wow moment' for me.
So much awesome support from the streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple who gave it so much love; the opportunity to connect with a much larger audience not just DJs and in the clubs is really special.
Which songs from the record get you the biggest reaction when you play them live?
It’s still super surreal for me travelling to different cities and looking down from the stage to see people singing along to music I make. 'You Give Me Love' and ‘Always’ seem to be really positive. They’re both the more dancier and uplifting tracks on the record.
You'll be celebrating the New Year in Brisbane as part of the NYE celebrations at Prohibition; what do you have planned for the show?
Prohibition would have to be one of my favourite places to play in the country; it’s a haven for quality house music. Musically, you have so much freedom because the crowd are just so welcoming, you can really stretch your legs.
I've been quietly working away all year on new material and I’m really excited to play it out for the first time on NYE. I can’t think of a better dancefloor to road-test on.
Also on the line-up are fellow Sydney artists Avon Stringer and Emily Scott; will you guys be making an extra effort to represent your home town?
Both Avon and Emily are absolute house music weapons and my favourite people in the world. I’m so lucky that we get to all vibe out together.
So often you spend NYE alone in a hotel room, so it’s not lost on me how much of a party this is going to be knowing we are all in the same house. I'm from Brisbane originally so I’m technically on home turf; shit might get crazy.
Describe your ideal way to spend NYE.
I think we’ve pretty much got a dream result this year! Great music, great people. I wouldn’t change a thing.
What's the wildest/ stupidest thing you've done on New Year's Eve?
Last year, walking onto an outdoor stage in Sydney, I poked myself in the eye on a low lying frangipani branch. Somehow I got through the show with one eye and Emily actually rescued me and ended up taking me to the emergency ward in the morning. I spent the next three days in bed with my eye bandaged listening to audio books.
I also did a New Year's Eve in Noosa years back. After the show, I stopped on the side of the highway to scale a sign that said 'Murder Creek Falls' 'cause I thought that would be a funny photo at the time. My grip slipped and I almost sliced my fingers off, resulting in an ambulance, stitches and performing at The Riverstage on NYD with one hand and the other arm in full bandage.
Any resolutions for the New Year?
Not to wind up in hospital!
Are you working on any other projects outside the Poolclvb moniker?
I concept lots of different music that doesn’t always fall into the Poolclvb sound. Lots of stuff on the cutting floor that I could use if I ever wanted to start a techno alias.
What's coming next for you in 2018?
I've just finished my new single. It's called 'Freefall' and it will be out towards the end of summer with a national tour to follow. I co-wrote the track with Owl Eyes and it's performed by an amazing vocalist out of Brisbane called Doolie. Watch out for her, she's 'bout to take over.
Click here to read our August 2017 interview with Doolie.
