Spirit Fest

Concert

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.

From the tender beauty of Markus’s River River and Saya’s Mikan to the electro-Merseybeat of Tenniscoat’s Nambei and the half-crazed pianica-reggae of Shuti Man, the resulting album is a testament to the manner of which these musicians are able to channel their songwriting through their spontaneity. It’s also a snapshot of a gentle and intuitive moment in time – a beautiful meetup that expands this community, happily, even further.

Monday, June 6
Kuppelhalle
Doors: 7 pm / Start: 7.30 pm
Tickets