Married tennis players choose music over parenthood

Tennis, a musical duo consisting of Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore, emerged onto the music scene with light, beachy melodies that eventually transitioned into synth-pop and rock with R&B undertones. Their musical journey began in college, and after playing on KCRW through their 20s and 30s, they have recently released their seventh and final album, “Face Down in the Garden.”

For Riley, the idea of pursuing music professionally was not part of their initial plan. He continues to be self-critical, always seeking improvement in his craft. Moore chose the name Tennis as a playful nod to Riley’s past aspirations of becoming a professional tennis player. However, a pivotal loss during a crucial tournament shifted the course of their lives, leading Moore to suggest that their music journey would be the new pursuit they would strive for.

Their latest album opens with a track titled “At the Apartment,” inspired by a memory of Riley introducing Moore to a record player, marking a symbol of the beginning of their musical and personal journey together. Reflecting on the past, Moore notes that creating this album, knowing it would be their last, brought forth a sense of nostalgia for their humble beginnings as artists and as a couple.

The decision to step away from making music stemmed from the realization that each new song took double the effort and time compared to their previous works. Moore explains that their goal of constantly raising the bar and challenging themselves became a taxing endeavor, leading them to acknowledge that Tennis had fulfilled its initial purpose of expressing their unique creativity. The toll of touring on Moore’s health, alongside her decade-long battle with a chronic illness, also played a significant role in their decision to conclude this chapter of their lives.

Despite their success, the couple faced a harrowing experience during a robbery attempt while sailing, which served as a stark reminder of the dangers they had encountered in pursuit of their art. Moore recalls the incident with a mix of fear and gratitude for Riley’s quick thinking that averted potential violence.

One of the tracks on their album, “12 Blown Tires,” reminisces about the struggles and triumphs they faced while on the road, highlighting the highs and lows of their musical journey. Moore’s introspective songwriting in “Weight of Desire” delves into her conflicting emotions regarding choosing between leaving a musical legacy or embracing motherhood, a decision that has weighed heavily on her throughout their career.

As they navigate the complexities of their personal and professional lives, Riley and Moore have come to the realization that success posed challenges rather than solutions, blurring the lines between their bond as a married couple and musical collaborators. The couple faces the reality that continuing down this path would only result in further erosion of the boundaries that they cherish, leading them to make the poignant decision to close this chapter of their lives, knowing that their legacy as Tennis had been fully realized.