15 love Tennis TV show

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!