Poolside: The Pioneers of Daytime Disco

Poolside is the musical project of American DJ and producer Filip Nikolic, celebrated as a foundational act in the "daytime disco" genre. Originating from Los Angeles, California, the project achieved significant critical and commercial success with its 2012 debut album Pacific Standard Time, which became a definitive summer soundtrack and solidified its niche in the indie electronic landscape.

Early career

Poolside was formed by Filip Nikolic in 2011 after he relocated from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The project's name and aesthetic were directly inspired by the laid-back, sun-drenched vibe of Southern California pool culture. Nikolic, previously a member of the indie band Moving Units, aimed to create music that blended disco, funk, and soft rock into a cohesive, chilled-out experience perfect for daytime listening.

Breakthrough

The project's breakthrough arrived in 2012 with the release of its debut album, Pacific Standard Time, on the independent label Day & Night. The album's lead single, a breezy cover of Neil Young's "Harvest Moon," became an instant viral hit, propelling the album to widespread acclaim. This release formally defined the "daytime disco" sound and established Poolside as a leading voice in the modern poolside lounge movement.

Key tracks

Harvest Moon — This cover became Poolside's signature track, introducing their relaxed, sun-filtered sound to a global audience.

Do You Believe? — A collaboration with producer Amtrac, this track showcases Poolside's knack for crafting smooth, danceable grooves with crossover appeal.

Feel Alright — Featuring vocals by Panama, this song exemplifies the project's perfect fusion of balmy disco rhythms and indie-pop sensibilities.

Can't Stop Your Lovin' — A collaboration with Vansire, this track highlights Poolside's evolution while maintaining their core warm, melodic production.

Following their debut success, Poolside solidified their status with consistent releases and high-profile collaborations. Their 2017 sophomore album, Heat, featured guest appearances from artists like Ben Browning of Cut Copy and expanded their sonic palette. They have remixed tracks for major acts like HAIM and Two Door Cinema Club, further cementing their reputation within the industry. Their music has been featured in numerous commercials, films, and television shows, amplifying their reach beyond the dance floor.

Artists exploring similar territories of chilled-out dance music and indie-disco include Toro Y Moi, who shares a mastery of groove-centric, vibe-based production. Jungle mirrors Poolside's commitment to live-sounding, funk-inflected electronic soul. The smooth, sun-kissed productions of Glass Animals also occupy a related space in the modern alternative landscape.

Poolside's distinctive blend of disco and downtempo beats has earned it regular rotation on a variety of radio formats, particularly on specialty shows and online radio streams dedicated to indie dance, chillwave, and alternative electronic music. Their tracks are staples on stations that curate laid-back, groove-focused playlists for daytime and evening listening.

Listeners can discover the quintessential daytime disco sound of Poolside on the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to onairium.com to hear their smooth, summery tracks across a selection of dedicated electronic and alternative music stations.