Even among this week’s chaotic Art Basel party schedule, there is one absolute can’t-miss for dance music fans: Rakastella. The 12-hour party takes over the beachy, lush grounds of Virginia Key Beach Park this Saturday with some absolute world-class DJ talent in tow, provided by record labels Innervisions and Life and Death. DJ Tennis is the founder and A&R of the latter. He’ll also be performing on Saturday along with names like Roman Flügel, Dixon, DJ Koze and many more. We caught up with Tennis before the Basel madness begins to find out how he spends his perfect day in Miami—which just happens to be his second home.
Morning
So let’s say you have a rare day when you’re able to get up early and enjoy a nice Miami morning. How do you start the day?
Riding my bike along the Venetian Causeway. The Venetian Causeway connects Miami Beach to downtown and goes all the way along Biscayne Bay. Especially in the winter months, when the climate is dry and not as hot, early bike rides through this beautiful area are part of my morning routine. You can enjoy a beautiful view of Miami’s skyline as well as all the small surrounding islands. It’s quite the cure for what feels like endless hours of darkness in the world’s nightclubs.
Afternoon
Where is your favorite place to go in Miami while the sun’s still out?
The best sunsets are at South Pointe Park. From the southernmost part of Miami Beach, you have the best view of downtown Miami’s skyline. I love to bring my dogs there for a walk and enjoy the peaceful energy and the silence.
Dinner
Favorite dinner spot in Miami?
The 27 Restaurant, which has an adjacent bar known as the Broken Shaker. It's a beautiful backyard oasis in the middle of the city with tasty food made from local ingredients—one of my favorite places at the moment.
Night
If you’re not scheduled to play anywhere at night, what’s your favorite way to engage in the city’s nightlife?
If I happen to be home in Miami on a weekend—which does not happen much lately, I have to admit—I like to go to the the Bar at 1306. It’s an awesome place with both indoor and outdoor areas—a little hidden but definitely worth finding as the cocktails are amazing.
Late night
Obviously, Miami isn’t for the early bird. Where’s your favorite spot to end the night?
Electric Pickle is a family affair. The club stands out due to its familiar vibe and with its wooden walls, which make it a very cozy place, it reminds me a bit of Berlin’s old Bar 25. Even though Electric Pickle’s capacity is only around 300, all the legends—from Moodymann to Carl Craig—have played there. The club has a strong core following and whenever I play there, I realize how great and exciting our scene here in Miami actually is.
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