Meet The Musos: Get To Know Sydney-Based Producer POOLCLVB

POOLCLVB (AKA Dan Maynard), the celebrated Sydney-based producer renowned for his inclusive and love-affirming dance music, has dropped his latest bop, Broken Heart, featuring the acclaimed poet, artist, and activist Fanta Ballo.

Following the resounding success of his previous track Love Type, POOLCLVB has poured his heart and soul into this new release, exploring the depths of emotions and the beauty found within the toughest times.

Broken Heart doesn’t just speak to the demise of a relationship, but more so to the acceptance of what is needed to move forward, with POOLCLVB sharing: “I really wanted to bookend Love Type with an emotionally charged conclusion.”

“I felt there was more story to tell within the dynamic of a relationship, falling in and out of love and the closure we seek. I have a deep appreciation for spoken word performance art and through the poetry of Fanta Ballo I feel we can all relate.”

Speaking to the messaging of the song and collaboration itself, Fanta shared: “This song to me is about finding beauty and happiness through some of our toughest times. And mixing the gift of poetry and music together to create something magical!”

Ballo's contributions to the song not only add a distinctive layer of depth and emotion but also elegantly highlight the song's themes of acceptance and moving forward, resulting in a captivating anthem of resilience and renewal.

Recently, POOLCLVB announced the launch of his very own label, LOVE CLVB, with a mission to nurture Australia's budding alt-electronic talents.

Embodying his ethos of inclusivity, he also curates live events on Sydney Harbour's Glass Island every Saturday, creating a space where music lovers can lose themselves in the shared intimacy of the musical experience.

Adding another feather to his cap, POOLCLVB is set to perform at the national Spilt Milk Festival this November, sharing the stage with big names like Post Malone, Dom Dolla, Chris Lake, Tkay Maidza, and more.

After having played at key festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, Mountain Sounds Festival, and This That Festival, this much-anticipated appearance is sure to be another milestone in his career.

Following the release of Broken Heart and his forthcoming appearance at Spilt Milk, we caught up with POOLCLVB to suss out everything you need to know about the talented Sydney-based producer.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single 'Broken Heart,' and what led you to collaborate with Fanta Ballo for this project?

I really wanted to bookend my last single Love Type with an emotionally charged conclusion. I felt there was more story to tell within the dynamic of the relationship, falling in and out of love and the closure we seek.

Fanta is an outstanding talent, the vocals you hear isn’t a polished studio recording, it's straight from the stage and captures the raw emotion from Fanta’s live performance, deep, emotive and relatable 

What drew you to slam poetry as a source of inspiration for your music, and how did you discover Fanta Ballo's work?

I have a deep appreciation for spoken word performance art and have been following Fanta on TikTok for quite a while now.

Working with spoken word is not bound by melody, and gives so much freedom in the studio. The idea of dialogue being the anchor and power, and not glossed over by a sung novelty hook is what really drives the connectivity. 

You're scheduled to play at Spilt Milk alongside an epic lineup. What can fans expect from your live performances and who are you keen to see?

Eminently danceable, uptempo emotionally driven sonics, with lots of energy! Dance while crying and smiling, feel free.. feel good. 

I'm super keen to see Posty of course! I’m a huge fan of Lastlings, and Partiboi69 is always a straight-up riot! Lots of friends on the lineup, so I can’t wait to catch a little bit of everyone. 

Can you talk about the concept behind your own label, LOVE CLVB? What kind of talent are you hoping to foster in the alt-electronic space?

LOVE CLVB was born out of the event space, a weekly boat party we do on Sydney Harbour on Glass Island, An inclusive space to shed your skin, and embrace your inner self.

The label launched earlier this year and is an imprint designed to cultivate and support forward-thinking artists within the alt-electronic space with a focus on collaborating with an innovative, unique and diverse range of artists, both locally and globally, ensuring the creative vision of artists and music is translated through each offering. 

Give us the story behind the name POOLCLVB?

I used to big into skateboarding, and still love to cruise around. The name came from the skateboarding movement born out of Venice Beach / Dogtown, draining backyard pools, and the quest for an endless summer

If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?

Shower Beers

Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your own sound and style?

Tourist, Caribou, Jamie XX, Justin Martin, Four Tet, DJ Seinfeld, Fred, Ross From Friends, Rufus, Daniel Avery, Bicep.. I could go on! 

For me, these artists balance raw emotion and danceability, equally enjoying sunrise chilling, or as a late-night mood shifter. I find great solace in using music to feel, but also dance ya little heart out.

What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?

My last single Love Type, was such an unexpected response. With the backing of triple j and ultimately leading to Spilt Milk, it still kinda hasn’t sunk in. I also met Daft Punk once and saw Pauly Shore in a 7/11.

Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as an artist?

Ok maybe not cringe-worthy, but I love slightly trolling the DJ before me, as we’re handing over the decks and they are ejecting their USB, I quickly pull the volume fader down so they think they pulled out the wrong USB and stopped the music, classic mischief!

What’s something that fans might not know about you?

I go to bed at 8pm. I mute group chats, meditate twice a day and wear noise-cancelling headphones with no music playing… I'm basically the most non-DJ ever.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Mac Miller - Swimming. I mean, nuff said really.. Iconic.

What's else in the works for you in 2023/2024?

Early bedtimes and lots of new music! LOVE CLVB day party is up and running, every Saturday all through summer. So if you’re in Sydney come say hey! x