LIVE: Tennis System @ Black Cat Backstage

I had the chance to check out local D.C. band Tennis System last week and I've got to say, they're a must-see live. Ripping through a 40 minute set of shoegaze psychedelic noise, the guys in Tennis System were only limited by the size of the Backstage at Black Cat. Opening up with "FS", it was apparent from the get go that Tennis System are consciously trying to push the artistic boundaries of what is typically expected of the genre. Lead singer/guitarist Matty T is so creative on guitar, I thought he was going to pull a Syd Barrett and whip out a Zippo to add to those kaleidoscopic guitar sounds. I had the opportunity to ask Matty a few questions:

There are two of you listed as Tennis System, but you have help during live shows. Give us the story with that.

At the start of the summer, our drummer and bassist wanted to pursue other professional careers. We tried out a number of drummers and bass players but none of them worked out, so Misha hopped on drums (his original instrument) and Matty's cousin Dale Holmes took over guitar and our mutual friend Richie Giese is on bass. They've been an incredible addition and have really rounded out our line up. We couldn't be more grateful to have them in the band. The reason why they are listed as 'Live' members is because they hadn't joined the band until after we finished the new record, 'Teenagers'. We’re also lucky to have Jeremy Teter sit in with us when he can to play keys; he’s on “Hey We Tried” on the album. He is an amazing musician, and his band Shapiro is a great, under-recognized band.

Who influenced you growing up?

Our parents, ultimately. The music that inspired them also inspired us: The Beatles, the Kinks, Neil Young, Yes, the Zombies. They never restricted what we could listen to. Matty’s brother Damien, (Th' Sounds Of) Kaleidoscope, played a big part in his music aspirations as well.

When can we expect your new album to be in our hands?

We're hoping to release 'Teenagers' by late spring/early summer. While you're waiting for the new record, you'll be able to pick up our new single, 'Hey, We Tried' available exclusively on Bandcamp.

What are you expectations with the release of this album?

We worked incredibly hard on our record, and we put everything we have into it. Working with Ryan van Kriedt (Asteroid No. 4 and The Dead Skeletons), we experimented; we added cello, bells, xylophone, synths and organ to create a new sound. We believe it’s our best work, and we hope that when people hear it, they stop saying we’re loud. Every band is loud when you see them live; shows are loud. We would be incredibly satisfied if people say it’s an amazing record, period.

Do you have a favorite DC venue?

The Rock and Roll Hotel – they’ve been generous and have always paired us with amazing bands, like Wavves and Japandroids . And the Black Cat, because they treat us well, the sound is great, and it’s fun to play there.

What are your thoughts on the DC music scene?

D.C. lacks a scene. It’s basically every man for himself here. There are definitely a few bands in this city who are working hard and collaborating. But, for the most part, there’s no camaraderie. If more people worked together, it would build a scene, and I think that is what would make people outside of this city start caring about what’s happening here. Baltimore is a perfect example; the bands there have really all benefitted from events like Whartscape – it’s a showcase of local music thrown by a collective of people, and look how many bands have benefitted: Dan Deacon, Beach House, Ponytail, Double Dagger.

Tennis System - "FS"


Download "FS"