Questions for P.B.

Can you tell us the Pool Boy origin story?

Pool Boy is a high school AV Teacher who’s grown tired of editing football videos for the weekly narrowcasts. His greatest ambition in life is to be a house music superstar. In defiance he jumps on the field during the championship game and catches what otherwise would have been a game-winning touchdown. The shenanigans land him in a coma – during which he goes on a hero’s journey. When he awakes his track “Goodbye Seniors” has gone viral and his dreams have become a reality.

What’s next for Pool Boy?

Casey Hallas is releasing an anthology of Pool Boy music called “Here Lies Pool Boy.” There are 6 albums. It’s garage electronica so there are samples of cable noise and artifacts embedded in the production just to make things sound less than perfect. In fact, all of my mistakes in life have been intentional. The album covers are intentionally cheesy, even. That’s very creative.

Which Pool Boy album is your favorite?

Well I’d have to say they’re all exceptional. But, if I’d have to pick one or two I’d say Volumes 2 and 3. I think 2 may be the best and it’s not a mystery that the album with the worst artwork is the best album. I did that on purpose too.

What is your favorite Pool Boy song?

Paris 25, Carnivore (Pittsburgh Mix), ummm Egg, Chicken. Some of the abstract ones are great too like – Final Answer. There are really so many great songs – how could I pick just one? Wait, I’m asking the questions here! Meta.

Do you still like to go out dancing?

I’ve been uncomfortable with my herculean sex appeal for a lot of my life – and now that I don’t consume alcohol I just like to get out on the dance floor with some impenetrable sunglasses so nobody thinks I’m jocking and dance like nobody’s watching (California Sober). Oh, they’re watching – but that’s ’cause I’m a great dancer. Pool Boy is.

Is there anything you’d like to say to Steve?

Steve – you are toilet paper on my million dollar shoes. You should not have kicked me in the face.

Why should I see Pool Boy live?

In a word – synesthesia. I’ve finally gotten around to using my own music with my own visuals – so the whole thing is like super tight. It’s love, baby. The way I see things, the way I hear things. All packaged up nicely – loud and bright. Plus Pool Boy likes to just put the stuff on auto and come out and dance too. It’s flies in the face of the whole mythos of performer versus audience. I mean – come on – he’s just a character anyway; celebrity culture and being snively has gone too far! It’s installation art as much as it is performance. We’re all the same really, except Pool Boy is way much cooler.

Did you really make all that music?

Absolutely. Production and performance with the exception of help on some of the early tracks from Charles Pistella and piano on a track by Robin Levy, both from Pittsburgh. Charles Pistella is a genius. And, uh, uh, yeah. It’s pretty much all me and shows my journey as a producer. I feel my life experience is reflected in the range of production ideas and music styles. I mean Pool Boy’s life, duh.

Anything else?

Let’s see – a psychedelic theme park – like Dollywood, but way trippier. Make so much money that I liberate all of my friends and loved ones. Make the world a better place.

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