A while back, we all wrote introductory posts about ourselves for the blog. You all seemed to really enjoy them, so we decided to revisit the series with some life updates and behind-the-scenes of what’s going on in our lives. 

Today, we check in with POB.

What’s changed since you wrote your intro post?

Oh wow, it’s been almost four years since that intro post! As I write this, I’ve counted 60 module demo videos published with Noise Engineering. It’s been a thrill ride, plus I get to create countless jams, tutorials, and module breakout videos for the socials. I’m still working remotely from the Washington, DC area, but I love travelling back to home base in LA each year to see the team and sneak in a performance while in town. I’ve also done some traveling over the past couple years, making stops to perform modular synth sets in Philly, LA, Denver, NYC, Boston, San Francisco, Greensboro, Baltimore, and Chicago. This live set from the Buchla & Friends after party in LA is one of my best!

Where have you been finding inspiration?

Lately I’ve felt the pull to get back in the box, brushing up on my plugins and in Ableton Live. I’ve been re-learning through some of Ableton’s videos, and it’s sparked the idea of starting a new project with a synthwave vibe as I develop my software chops better.

What’s your favorite non-work activity of late?

Journaling. I’ve been committed to it, using it to reflect, track goals, manage stress, and stay mentally sharp. It’s become a personal space to reconnect and process life intentionally.

What’s something cool you’ve done recently?

I’ve had my eyes on a Prophet 12 since I played it at my first NAMM in 2015. After Dave’s passing in 2022, I kept thinking about this synth and wondered if I’d ever bring one home. Over the holidays, I sold some gear I wasn’t using and finally made it happen. Picked it up via Facebook Marketplace from someone north of Baltimore who took great care of it.

What’s something new you’ve tried this year?

I’ve decided this year to up my culinary skills, which is pretty easy to do considering I hadn’t made anything from a recipe in years. Along with upgrading my spice rack, I now have several bonafide recipes that I’ve been able to replicate, each getting my wife excited about dinner. Sooo, I guess I’m doing it right? Her favs include Jalapeno Corn Fritters, Stuffed Bell Peppers, and Pineapple Habanero Sauce.

Show and tell: what’s something cool (and non-synthesizer) in your house?

This blue Aztec Empoli glass genie bottle decanter. I was going through some storage boxes leftover from when we cleaned out the house I grew up in back in St. Louis. In the 20+ years I lived there, I never noticed this thing. It must’ve been tucked away in a cabinet. I wish I knew its history with the family, but at least I have something unique to cherish that’s from my parents.

What are you reading these days?

I’m reading Galileo’s Sidereus Nuncius, written in 1610. It details his observations using his newly improved telescope. One chapter in and I’m already fascinated by how his early observations began to dismantle assumptions about the universe.

What are you working on that you’re excited about?

I’ve been diving into my hard drive, dusting off unreleased tracks that never made it past an Instagram clip. Hearing them now, I’m surprised how good some of them actually are. Back then, I was too focused on the mistakes to appreciate the music, but I guess time heals all wounds, even in sound. Also, after some frustrating hiccups with my distributor, I decided to scrap everything and start fresh. Now I’m curating and gearing up for a proper return. If you want to follow along, thank you: POBNRG on Spotify 

What’s your favorite travel destination?

Above the Arctic Circle. The quiet, the cold, the dark sky. They all hit different.