Formed in 2013 by four childhood friends, Hooton Tennis Club is a melodic, witty, poetic and somewhat wonky quartet. With their intriguing pop music, Ryan Murphy, James Madden, Harry Chalmers and Callum McFadden are gaining a strong following. We had a chance to sit down with Hooton Tennis Club and chat about their latest track ‘Monsoon Runoff’, discovering new music and more.
Why did you decide to enter the music industry?
I don’t think it was a conscious decision. In our case, it was quite organic. In our early twenties, we put out some EPs, played a show, then signed to Heavenly Recordings for two albums and toured. You grow up aspiring to be in the music industry, but soon find out it’s this weird little industry and not an attainable business at all. It’s about as real as the Ninja Turtles.
Can you tell us about the music video for ‘Monsoon Runoff’?
It’s a song about travel and discovery inspired by books about pirates and treasure Ryan read as a child. We met pre-lockdown and spoke about making a really simple stop animation for it. As it goes, James found the time to execute it during lockdown.
What was the recording and writing process like?
We recorded this one a while back. Harry dug it out and remixed it. We all like that it had a while to mature – a few years of time and grit like a fine whisky. As we had a break it feels like a link back in a positive way to our old selves. Tagging it with our other new song ‘People Want People Who Want People’ felt like the right thing to do.
Does the single have any significant meaning for you?
I guess. As I said above, it’s a link back to ourselves and an engine for more music.
What do you hope people take from your music?
I guess what we all seek from music – inspiration, joy, fun, melody, questions, answers, abstraction, distraction.
What is more challenging for you – melody or lyrics?
Lyrics. Weaving words to form stories or describe a feeling can be tricky. Some song births are painful; others just fall out gracefully. Every single one is different.
How would you describe your sound?
‘Crispy’, maybe. ‘Pop’, another. ‘Crispy pop’ perhaps? Back in the day we would have said, ‘sloppy and shiny’.
What do you think is the best way to discover new music?
Through friends at get-togethers, films or your favourite musicians sharing songs.
What does the future hold for Hooton Tennis Club?
Currently cooking more new music up and shows next year (fingers crossed).
Do you have a message for our readers?
Did you know camels milk doesn’t curdle?
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