When it comes to blending atmospheric melodies, deep grooves, and unapologetic artistry, DJ Tennis is in a league of his own. Born Manfredi Romano, this Italian innovator has carved a unique path through electronic music, serving up a dynamic fusion of melancholic house, cinematic techno, and indie rock influences that resonate far beyond the dance floor. With a career spanning decades and a lifestyle that’s equal parts beats and bites, DJ Tennis is the underground icon we didn’t know we needed but can’t stop obsessing over.
Before he became DJ Tennis, Romano was all about the grit of punk and indie rock. Growing up in the '80s, he hosted a college radio show that spotlighted experimental sounds, sowing the seeds for his future as a tastemaker. His passion for electronic music emerged in the early 2000s when he co-founded the DAZE booking agency, which soon became a hub for underground talent.
But it was 2010 that changed everything. Teaming up with Greg Oreck, DJ Tennis launched Life and Death, a record label that would go on to shape the sound of the underground scene. The label’s debut release, Make It Good (2012), set the tone for what would become a legacy of cutting-edge music.
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Forget cookie-cutter beats. DJ Tennis is all about creating sonic experiences. His productions blend ethereal textures with driving rhythms, wrapping you in a soundscape that’s introspective and danceable in equal measure.
Take his Local EP (2014) or the ambitious Divisions Chirality (2016), where he fused post-rock elements with electronic grooves to craft tracks that feel like journeys. Or his standout mixes like the 2017 DJ-Kicks, a masterclass in weaving IDM, abstract techno, and indie-electronic vibes into a cohesive, otherworldly set.
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With releases like Intercooler (2020) and Atlanta (2021), Tennis continues to push boundaries. Tracks like All in a Dream (with LP Giobbi and Joseph Ashworth) and Cinecittà (with Carlita and Alex Metric) prove his versatility, while collaborations with names like DJ Seinfeld highlight his knack for innovation.
When DJ Tennis steps behind the decks, you’re not just hearing music, you’re experiencing a story. His live sets are a tapestry of emotion and energy, drawing crowds at festivals like Sónar, Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), and Art Basel Miami.
Legendary venues like fabric in London and the Space Terrace during Miami Music Week have become synonymous with his name, where his ability to connect with audiences creates an unforgettable vibe.
But Tennis isn’t just about the music. His alter ego? Gourmet chef and restaurateur. Through his culinary series, Munchietown, he cooks alongside top-tier chefs like Seth Troxler and Traumer, merging his two great loves: food and music.
His ventures in Mexico City—Órbita, a soundbar/taquería; Jacques, a Franco-Mexican bistro; and Tennis Pizza, a gourmet pizza spot, are as eclectic as his DJ sets. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about creating experiences, whether on the plate or the turntable.
For DJ Tennis, life is art. “The base of both music and food is creating an experience”, he says. That ethos runs through everything he does, from crafting lush, emotional soundscapes to perfecting the flavors in his restaurants. His approach is grounded in authenticity, never shying away from taking risks, both in the studio and the kitchen.
In an industry obsessed with trends and streams, he is a refreshing reminder that artistry and individuality still matter. Whether he’s playing a hypnotic sunrise set or whipping up the perfect pizza, he’s redefining what it means to be a DJ, a creator, and a human.
So, next time you’re at a festival or sitting down for a slice in Mexico City, keep your ears and taste buds open. You just might find yourself in the presence of greatness.
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