Tennis' lead vocalist Alaina Moore recently spoke with Atwood Magazine about the band's creative journey, her marriage to musical partner Patrick Riley, and the release of their seventh and final album, 'Face Down in the Garden.'
Indie pop duo Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley have been performing under the name Tennis since 2011. Their sound is both unique and ethereal, a reflection of their story and musical career. Over the years, they’ve built a loyal following with their innovative sound, guiding listeners into the vivid world they've created together. With 'Face Down in the Garden,' released on April 25 via Mutually Detrimental, Moore and Riley present their fans with a final album that is rich with poetic and introspective lyrics, infused with the blend of synth-pop and rock that fans have cherished for the past 15 years. The album showcases the duo's finest work, with outstanding writing, vocals, and production, delivering a poignant farewell from the cherished band. In her conversation with Atwood, Moore delves into their marriage, the origins of Tennis, and how their music has influenced both her and Riley.
While reflecting on the creation of their last project, Moore shared with Atwood Magazine, “Patrick and I felt out of sync with the world, as though we had been ejected from the flow of life. My response was to bury myself in my own memories. Those years weren’t easier or better, but I could make sense of them. In 'Face Down in the Garden,' I trace the arc of my life through a series of snapshots: a first moment of connection, a wedding conversation, a night at sea, a tour diary.” As the record dives into past experiences, longtime fans can anticipate a deeper emotional connection with the duo, making 'Face Down in the Garden' an intimate farewell, reflective of its creators' emotions.
Tennis may not have existed if Moore and Riley hadn’t met in the same philosophy class while at the University of Colorado, an encounter that feels predestined. This meeting adds greater significance to their musical catalog: “We met in analytic philosophy class, became fast friends, and then fell in love,” she recalls with a smile.
After their initial meeting, sailing became integral to their creative process. A sailing trip they undertook after graduation unexpectedly kickstarted their music careers. “When I first met Pat in college, his coffee table was piled with sailing books, including 'How to Sail Around the World Alone.' I thought, 'What are you planning? We're in Colorado,' and I had never been on a boat," Moore explains.
“By the end of that school year, I found myself jumping aboard this sailing trip he had dreamt of for a decade—even though neither of us knew how to sail. It was total chaos, but we had so much fun. It embodies that reckless adventurism you can embrace at 22, unscathed by the concept of mortality.”
Soon after, sailing became a recurring element in their creative routine—an unpredictable ocean serving as an inspiring backdrop. “We usually do it every other album because it demands a large commitment—months of our time. We sail to a remote location, often in a survivalist situation. The stakes of living off the grid, on the water with just our resources, create an intense urgency in our day-to-day experiences that is remarkably humbling.”
Moore wonders if she would have pursued music had these serendipitous events not unfolded, stating, "I question that sometimes; it's strange because I believe making music was my destiny, yet I doubt I would have ventured into it without Patrick. I wouldn’t have even considered performing without him. Our shared passion for music amplifies its significance for me—it’s a joint effort with my life partner."
Moore's love and admiration for her husband shine through. His profound knowledge of music production and ability to craft captivating soundscapes has shaped the essence of Tennis. “Even after all these years, I still enjoy sitting behind him while he mixes, listening to him create sounds from scratch, and transforming them into something incredibly engaging.”
Moore attributes much of Tennis' success and the distinctive sound fans adore to Riley and his unique touch to their tracks. When listening to a Tennis song, it’s clear it’s uniquely theirs. From immersive synths to meticulously arranged instrumentals, Riley plays a crucial role in crafting Tennis' textured and memorable sound. Moore aims to complement Riley's soundscapes with her vocals, stating, “One-third of the band is his innate ability to sculpt and capture sound. He’s always had an instinct for it, right from the start. I generally adapt to the sound he creates initially; it’s often very deliberate tonally, which introduces an interesting edge to our music, balanced by my more refined melodic contributions.”
Driven by a commitment to creative freedom, 'Face Down in the Garden' becomes a contemplative and distinct record, from the delicate whispers in
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Alaina Moore, the lead vocalist of Tennis, talks about the band's creative process, her relationship with her musical partner Patrick Riley, and their seventh and concluding album, 'Face Down in the Garden.'