The Rejected Track That Built Life And Death, ft. DJ Tennis | EF EP 153
What does it really take to get signed to a respected electronic label? Hint: it has nothing to do with your follower count. Olivia Mancuso sits down with DJ Tennis, founder of Life and Death, who didn't earn his first real DJ recognition until he was 40.
He traces his path from Italy's punk and DIY scene into Italo disco, house, and techno, and explains why wedding DJ work is underrated training. He also shares the rejected record that went Beatport number one for a year, and what he actually signs artists for: character, hard work, and vision.
For any producer chasing a sustainable career, it's proof the slow burn wins.
👉 Want personalized guidance on your music career? Book a one-on-one consultation with Olivia on GreenRoom where you can get tailored advice on branding, business strategy, and sustainable career growth.
👉 Instagram: @oliviamancuso__
👉 Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
00:00 - Introduction
01:09 - Surviving The Comments
01:59 - Punk Roots And DIY
04:26 - The Pisa Punk Scene
05:15 - Every Job In Music
05:36 - Italo Disco Origins
06:45 - The Wedding DJ Craft
08:36 - His House Music Wedding
09:11 - The Transition Into DJing
09:47 - First Recognition At 40
10:48 - Becoming A Mature DJ
11:38 - Why Not To Rush
12:48 - Signing X And Ivy
13:54 - What He Looks For
15:12 - Fame Isn't Required
16:08 - The Follower Count Myth
18:16 - Why He Started Life And Death
18:42 - The Record Everyone Rejected
20:03 - Cooking To Survive
21:00 - A Family That Cooks
23:49 - Losing Hospitality
25:02 - Food As Convivio
25:56 - The Paris Pregame
27:36 - Meals Make The Day
28:16 - The Chicago Food List
31:32 - Advice For Future Artists
