Bewitching Avant-Pop album from impromptu supergroup built around acclaimed Japanese duo,
Tenniscoats. Featuring members of Notwist, Jam Money and Joasihno.
In these dark and uncertain times, there’s an ever-growing collective of peaceful, loving types, bound
together by an understanding of one peculiar word: Tenniscoats. Aside from being the name of an
influential Tokyo-based duo, it represents fun, artistic freedom, experimentation and – perhaps most
important of all – inclusivity.
A Tenniscoats gig is rarely the audience watching the performers. Instead, Saya and Takashi regularly
shun the stage in favour of any particular spot that takes their fancy, whether it’s an empty seat in the
auditorium or the roof of a neighbouring cafe. In the world of Tenniscoats, music can happen anywhere,
and everyone is invited to join in.
During the winter of 2016, the music happened in Munich. As a long-time fan, Markus Acher (Notwist)
jumped at the chance not only to put Tenniscoats on the bill at the Alien Disko festival he was organising,
but also to invite Saya & Takashi to a small apartment studio, together with Mat Fowler (Jam Money)
and Cico Beck (Aloa Input, Notwist). This is where Spirit Fest was recorded over the following 14 days.
Tenniscoats are known for their collaborations – some of their finest work was done in conjunction with
Tape, The Pastels, Jad Fair and many others – so making good use of the time and friends available
was natural to them. “For me, timing is important,” Saya said. “We met in season, and the song flowers
are now blooming!” Mat Fowler recalls the Spirit Fest sessions taking place in an idyllic, festive
atmosphere. “Every morning we’d all share breakfast, chat and learn about German Christmas customs.
We’d catch the bus in the morning an.......
more

Bewitching Avant-Pop album from impromptu supergroup built around acclaimed Japanese duo,
Tenniscoats. Featuring members of Notwist, Jam Money and Joasihno.
In these dark and uncertain times, there’s an ever-growing collective of peaceful, loving types, bound
together by an understanding of one peculiar word: Tenniscoats. Aside from being the name of an
influential Tokyo-based duo, it represents fun, artistic freedom, experimentation and – perhaps most
important of all – inclusivity.
A Tenniscoats gig is rarely the audience watching the performers. Instead, Saya and Takashi regularly
shun the stage in favour of any particular spot that takes their fancy, whether it’s an empty seat in the
auditorium or the roof of a neighbouring cafe. In the world of Tenniscoats, music can happen anywhere,
and everyone is invited to join in.
During the winter of 2016, the music happened in Munich. As a long-time fan, Markus Acher (Notwist)
jumped at the chance not only to put Tenniscoats on the bill at the Alien Disko festival he was organising,
but also to invite Saya & Takashi to a small apartment studio, together with Mat Fowler (Jam Money)
and Cico Beck (Aloa Input, Notwist). This is where Spirit Fest was recorded over the following 14 days.
Tenniscoats are known for their collaborations – some of their finest work was done in conjunction with
Tape, The Pastels, Jad Fair and many others – so making good use of the time and friends available
was natural to them. “For me, timing is important,” Saya said. “We met in season, and the song flowers
are now blooming!” Mat Fowler recalls the Spirit Fest sessions taking place in an idyllic, festive
atmosphere. “Every morning we’d all share breakfast, chat and learn about German Christmas customs.
We’d catch the bus in the morning an.......
more