“Azul was written at a really meaningful time in my life… I was thinking of one of those perfect days: the sun is out, the sky is blue, you’re surrounded by people you love, and everything just feels right. One of those rare moments you know you’ll carry with you forever.” And that’s exactly what the young artist Funk Tribu manages to capture. The track carries a soft melancholy, but still sparks joy—a feeling that makes you want to move, to dance, or at least to step outside and feel alive for a moment.
Born in Colombia and now based in Berlin, Eduardo Montañez Sanchez—aka Funk Tribu—has been quietly building his world. His journey through music is one of emotion and instinct, shaped by a global upbringing and a deep need to connect beyond borders or genre.
With Azul, released on his newly founded platform TRIBE, he opens up a new chapter—not just for himself, but for a growing community of like-minded souls. The track blends nostalgic synths with forward motion, a kind of sonic homecoming that speaks to memory, joy, and longing in equal parts. “Community is about that shared energy—being there for each other, learning from one another, and building something bigger than just yourself,” he says. And it’s clear that TRIBE is more than a label—it’s a space for emotion, connection, and creative freedom.
In our conversation, Funk Tribu opens up about love in all its forms, what keeps him grounded, and how music helps us process the things we can’t always put into words. A quiet but powerful voice of a new generation—this is a story about feeling everything, and letting it move you.
Photography by Alex Petrican
Art Direction and Styling by Sophie Eilenberger
Gaffer & Photographer assistant: Gil Corujeira
Eduardo, happy release! Once you get into Azul, it completely pulls you in—there’s something captivating and immersive about it. Why do you think Azul connects with people so strongly?
Thank you so much. I’m really excited that Azul is finally out. It’s a very personal and honest track, written in a moment full of emotion. It carries all those feelings and I believe that’s something people can connect with in their own way.
You said the track began as something spontaneous—just you, your keyboard, and a melody. Is that often the way you approach writing a track?
Actually yes. Most of the time I just sit down in front of my keyboard and start playing around with some ideas. Sometimes there is a good outcome super fast, like in this case. It just took me about an hour to finish the core idea. But there are also days where it takes days to get to that point.
‘Azul’ feels emotional and powerful, but also calm and confident. What feelings or life moments are behind the track?
Azul was written at a really meaningful time in my life. My plan was to create an epic opening track for my first Boiler Room broadcast, so I knew it had to feel special. At the same time, a lot of things in my life were changing and I felt truly happy and in a good place. When I made the track, I was thinking of one of those perfect days: the sun is out, the sky is blue, you’re surrounded by people you love, and everything just feels right. One of those rare moments you know you’ll carry with you forever.
“There’s always something—or someone—to fall in love with. That emotion, in all its shapes, is what brings depth and feeling to my sound.”
Your new record label TRIBE feels more than just a label—it’s a kind of statement. What was the moment you knew you wanted to create something that went beyond just releasing music?
Starting TRIBE wasn’t just about having a label – it came from a desire to give something back. I’ve been lucky to receive a lot through music, and I wanted to create a space where others could have the same chance. A place where artists can grow, be themselves, and share their art without pressure or limitations. TRIBE is my way of saying thank you for – everything music and the people have given me.
You’ve described TRIBE as a place where emotion and sound converge. Emotions are wonderful, but sometimes they can feel overwhelming in a negative way. Do you think music can help with that?
Absolutely. Music is a powerful tool that can completely shift your mood and mindset. It helps you process emotions, even the heavy ones, and turn them into something meaningful. With music, you can set the vibe—not just for yourself, but for everyone around you. That’s one of the things I love most about it. It connects us, grounds us, and helps us make sense of what we’re feeling.
You also said, that TRIBE emphasizes community over commodity. What does community mean to you right now—in music, in life, in identity?
Community means a lot to me, especially now. When I moved from Bogotá to Berlin, I left behind my family, my friends, and everything that felt familiar. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me how important it is to find people who support you, inspire you, and help you grow. In music and in life, community is about that shared energy – being there for each other, learning from one another, and building something bigger than just yourself. It’s about feeling like you belong, even when you’re far from home.
You’re Colombian-born, Berlin-based. What do you love about Berlin and what would you like to change?
Berlin is such a creative place. You’re constantly surrounded by people from all over the world, doing all kinds of things. That energy is incredibly inspiring. Being in that environment pushes you to find your own voice and do something that stands out. I’ve had 2.5 amazing years here so far. Of course, like any city, Berlin has its flaws, but for me, that’s part of its charm. I wouldn’t change a thing.
“After all the chaos of touring, I basically turn into a loner: minimal movement, and just quietly vibing in my flat. It’s my recipe for staying sane and keeping the creativity flowing.”
There’s a lot of heart in your sound. Love comes in many forms—romantic, communal, self-love. Are you in love these days?
Yes, I’m in love – with many things. Like you said, love comes in different forms, and for me, it’s a big part of what fuels my music. There’s always something – or someone, to fall in love with. That emotion, in all its shapes, is what brings depth and feeling to my sound. It keeps me inspired.
With so much of your life shared publicly through streams, events, and social media—what’s something about you that the public doesn’t see but is essential to who you are as an artist?
That’s a great question, and a tricky one. I think what most people don’t see is how much I love being at home. After all the chaos of touring, I basically turn into a loner: minimal movement, and just quietly vibing in my flat. It’s my recipe for staying sane and keeping the creativity flowing.
Outside of music—what moves you? A book, a film, a person, a philosophy?
Outside of music, I’m deeply inspired by movies. The way cinematography tells a story through visuals really moves me – it’s like a language of its own. Watching a great film often sparks new ideas and emotions that find their way into my music
The most important thing in life is?
I’ve been thinking about that question for a long time. And while the obvious things like family, friends, and health are definitely essential, I have to say that I’m still figuring it out. I’m only 23, and I feel like a part of life’s journey is precisely that: searching for meaning, learning what matters to you, and letting that evolve over time.
Follow Funk Tribu for more:
www.instagram.com/funktribu
