By: Christina Schmidt
Electric Island is just around the corner and the past 2 seasons have brought Toronto’s underground status to a new level by headlining the world’s top DJ’s like Henrick Schwarz, Maya Jane Coles, Sven Vath, Tale of Us, Sasha, Guy Gerber, The Martinez Brothers, and Dixon just to name a few. Love This City TV has had the pleasure of chatting with many of these world class producers, all of them sharing some of the most interesting and inspiring looks into the enticing world of electronic music. But this past year one producer in particular stood out and opened our minds into a techno label that has been taking over the industry and releasing some of the most revolutionary and innovative music that has been captivating just about everybody. The one and only DJ Tennis shared his views on the Toronto scene, the creation of Life & Death Records and his journey from hosting a radio show in Sicily to running one of the worlds top techno labels. Just in time for his return to Coda this Saturday we are ecstatic to share our conversation with one of the masters.
Q: First of all, we welcome you to Toronto! Your set was incredible, and the energy that emerged off the stage and throughout the crowd is indescribable. You have played here at Coda before, and this is your first time playing at Electric Island, tell us a little bit about the energy you feel here in Toronto.
A: Well, this place is just magical. I see the events growing and the people here are getting more and more into it. Underground music isn’t always easy and the people here are just so enthusiastic and this transmits such an amazing energy!
Q: Being based in Berlin as well as playing around the world, what’s your opinion on the underground scene in Europe in contrast to what you experience in North America?
A: The North American vibe is really developing now, with some years of delay compared to European. There are a lot of younger underground promoters here now, and with so much initiative. It is very exciting and interesting. Many young and talented promoters moving up and organizing things. Technically not perfect, but very pure and sincere. Which is something I experienced 10-15 years ago in Europe and watching it happen here now is very exciting.
Q: You’re on tour pretty much back to back all year…you played one of the most talked about shows at Fusion this past year, you’re at Riverwest next week, Burning Man is coming up, Art Basel later this year, and the list goes on. What are some of your most memorable shows this past year and what are some of the best festivals you’ve played at?
A: As a proper musical festival Fusion in Germany was this year’s highlight and I’m not considering Burning Man as a “festival”. It is much more of a social gathering and it’s really not about the music. But the experience at Burning Man was just incredible!
Q: With Life & Death Records being one of the most recognized and accomplished labels in the world right now, what was the inspiration behind creating such an influential label?
A: I was so bored of the music in 2009. I was working as a promoter, and actually I still am working as promoter, I have a big agency and we run a lot of big events and parties in Italy. So, I was just tired of the music and I needed to be let’s say…stimulated. I was loving all the new talents and new producers and I needed a reason to be searching for these things. That was a big influence behind the label. I was really lucky because Life & Death has always been made with a lot of passion. And money was never the point to running the label. That alone helped me to find really good motivation to work again in the music industry.
Q: Life & Death represents some the industries most influential producers of the moment; Tale of Us, Greg Oreck, Mind Against, just to name a few…what is it like working with such talent and is there any upcoming producers to look out for on Life & Death?
A: I see a lot of potential in new Italian producers right now. The young producers like ‘Mind Against’ who joined the label last year, they are so promising. And then there is ‘Tale of Us’…since we started working together it was like magic and I was surprised not too many people knew them back then. I really think Italy and North America are growing the best talents in techno and house right now.
Q: You come from a background filled with many different musical influences and in today’s world where everyone wants to be DJ and the gap between talent, luck and natural creativity can be bound by a thin line , what do you think the impact of musical experience has ones success?
A: A musical background is very important, but not essential. I think creativity is not necessarily about culture. Creativity is about feelings and approach. I know a lot of amazing producers and writers who don’t have a strong musical background but they have a sensibility of the music that is just astonishing.
Q: Running a label, touring, and producing your own music, where do you find your balance? Does anything magnify as a favourite aspect of what you do?
A: Djing is a reflection of my label. I must say the label is very important to me. I run it together with Greg from Thugfucker and Mateo from Tale of Us. This is very important to underline. I like working with many people, I really like the fact that different heads merge together into a unique project. It is also very inspiring at my age to work with younger people. But the best aspect is to have my team and a crew from different ages and cultures to create a unique objective.
Q: Work aside, if you had some time off just to travel and enjoy some of your favourite DJ’s and shows, where would you go and who would you see?
A: Every place is so different, and I am talking about good vibes and good events. Berlin is magical but San Francisco and LA are magical in a different way and the West Coast has a rave background which is so impressive, even compared to the European scene. It’s like your favourite dish….you can get it anywhere but everywhere you go it’s different.
We are looking forward to another year filled with beautiful music and unforgettable shows from one of the masters of techno DJ Tennis!
Way of Acting, Coda and Platform are welcoming DJ Tennis to Coda this Saturday Feb 14.
For tickets and info:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1562246857356069/
Check out all of DJ Tennis’s and Life & Death Records latest releases:
https://www.facebook.com/tennisdj
http://www.lifeanddeathforever.com
https://soundcloud.com/djtennisdjtennis
http://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/djtennis
