THEKOIWAY does not just make music — the band tells stories that need to be heard. From collaborating with global artists to tackling themes of identity, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, this band’s work is as bold as it is deeply personal. Their latest single, El Juego de la Vida, is more than just a track; it marks another chapter in THEKOIWAY's journey as a band that uses music to not only entertain but empower. From collaborating with artists across the globe to working with organizations like Mothers On The Move and Rebel Diaz Art Collective, they prove that music is not just entertainment — it’s a tool for change. Read on to learn more about THEKOIWAY.

Where are you based?
I’m based in New York City, but my roots extend from Santiago de Chile to Mexico City, and you can hear that journey reflected in THEKOIWAY’s sound.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been my way of making sense of the world. Growing up, I was surrounded by a mix of Chilean folk, Andean rhythms, hip-hop, funk, and rock, and I saw how music could tell stories that weren’t being told anywhere else. It became clear that this was more than just an art form — it was a way to challenge perspectives, build community, and express things that words alone couldn’t.

How would you describe your musical style? Are there any artists or places that have inspired your music?
THEKOIWAY’s sound is a fusion of Motown soul, Latin rhythms, psychedelic rock, hip-hop beats, and Andean folk elements. It’s global, deeply rooted in tradition, but always evolving. Inspirations range from Santana, Fela Kuti, and Curtis Mayfield to Inti-Illimani and contemporary Latin American protest music. Living in Chile, Mexico City, and Brooklyn has shaped how I approach music—absorbing different sounds, cultures, and ways of storytelling.

You have collaborated with artists from various backgrounds, including Juan Sativo, Vanesa Valdez, and instrumentalists from Glasgow and Ukraine. How do you navigate cross-cultural collaborations, and what do they bring to THEKOIWAY’s music?
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Music has no borders, and working with artists from different backgrounds pushes us creatively. Whether it’s Juan Sativo’s sharp lyricism, Vanesa Valdez’s soulful vocals, or the rich textures of Glasgow and Ukrainian instrumentalists, every collaboration adds a new layer to THEKOIWAY’s sound. The key is mutual respect — understanding where each artist comes from and finding a common ground that enhances the music.

Your music often explores themes of diversity, identity, and social consciousness. Why is it important for you to tackle these issues through music?
Because music is one of the most powerful ways to start conversations and challenge narratives. The world isn’t equal for everyone, and if we have a platform, we should use it to amplify voices, address injustices, and celebrate diversity. Whether it’s speaking on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, or systemic inequalities, our music reflects real struggles and triumphs that people experience every day.

Your latest single, El Juego de la Vida, boldly addresses LGBTQ+ themes and societal norms. What was the inspiration behind the song, and what message do you hope to convey?
The song was inspired by the idea that life is often rigged — some people are given better chances than others, and breaking free from societal expectations can feel like a gamble. El Juego de la Vida shines a light on diversity, inclusivity, and the fight to exist authentically. The message is simple: You define your own destiny, not society’s expectations.

You have been involved in community work in both New York and Santiago de Chile. Can you tell us more about this work and how these experiences influence your music?
Community work has always been intertwined with my music. In New York and Santiago, I’ve worked on projects supporting youth activism, immigrant rights, and cultural preservation. These experiences constantly remind me why I make music — not just to entertain, but to uplift and empower.

How did your early work with organizations like Mothers On The Move and Rebel Diaz Art Collective shape your artistic vision?
Working with Mothers On The Move and Rebel Diaz Art Collective showed me how music and activism go hand in hand. These organizations fight for social justice, education, and immigrant rights, and being part of that movement shaped how I write songs. It reinforced that music can be a tool for resistance, healing, and mobilization.

We heard that you are working with the San Joaquín Municipality in Santiago and La Peña del Bronx in NYC. Can you share more about these collaborations?
These are two amazing cultural spaces that focus on preserving Latin American music, fostering artistic expression, and empowering artists across disciplines. The Municipal Corporation of Culture of San Joaquín actively supports all arts, providing a platform for diverse creative voices. In San Joaquín, I’ve been working on initiatives that blend music education with social activism, using the arts as a tool for community engagement and transformation.

At La Peña del Bronx, we’re creating a space for Latin artists in NYC to connect, perform, and tell their stories. Both projects are about building bridges between past and future generations of artists, ensuring that cultural heritage continues to thrive while embracing new creative expressions.

How do you balance being an artist and an activist while ensuring both aspects of your work stay authentic?
By making sure that everything I do — whether it’s writing a song, performing, or working in the community — stays true to what I believe in. Music and activism aren’t separate for me; they feed into each other. I don’t force activism into my music — it’s already there because that’s how I see the world.

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
Yes! We’re releasing more singles over the next few months, leading up to our first full-length LP in the third quarter of 2025. We’re also planning some NYC showcases and international collaborations, so stay tuned.

It has been a crazy past few years, and we suspect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
By remembering that music is a form of resistance and connection. No matter how chaotic the world gets, creativity keeps us going. Also, just surrounding myself with good people, staying grounded, and always pushing forward.

What is your motto in life?
“Create fearlessly, speak your truth, and lift others as you rise.”