Azul to Awakenings: Funk Tribu’s TRIBE Is Just Getting Started

After the breakout success of “Azul,” Colombian-born, Berlin-based producer Funk Tribu returns with “Hold On” — a high-octane trance-house hybrid that dives headfirst into emotional duality. It's the next chapter in a breakout year that’s seen him close out Awakenings Festival on his 24th birthday, launch his own imprint TRIBE, and solidify himself as a defining voice in the global club underground. With roots in nostalgia, cinematic textures, and pure rave catharsis, “Hold On” is both a personal anthem and a mission statement — the sound of holding it together while letting go. We caught up with Funk Tribu to talk emotional honesty in dance music, founding TRIBE, and what comes next on the road.

“Hold On” taps into the tension between vulnerability and euphoria. Can you talk about how that emotional duality shaped the track — and why it feels especially relevant right now?

"Hold On" definitely comes from a place of emotional tension. It's about that in-between state where you're not fully okay, but you're holding onto something that gives you strength, even if it’s just a feeling. There’s vulnerability, but also a kind of power. The contrast between the melancholic melodies and the euphoric energy reflects exactly that.A lot of people right now are feeling this heaviness — like things in the world are messed up and it’s hard to know what to do with that. There’s this tension between feeling low and still wanting to feel something good, to connect. “Hold On” comes from that place — being in the middle of all that emotion, but still holding on to something that gives you strength, even if it’s just the music."

You’ve described “Hold On” as one of your personal favourites. What made this track stand out for you creatively or emotionally compared to your previous releases?

"I created “Hold On” at the start of the year during a time when I was struggling with some personal issues alongside the pressures of touring life. The track really reflects that feeling — how sometimes you just have to hold on to the things you love, the things that give you strength, to keep going and push through. That emotional honesty is what makes this track stand out for me compared to my previous releases."

TRIBE isn’t just a label — it’s a platform for emotionally driven, identity-rooted music. What inspired you to start it, and how do you see it evolving in the global electronic scene?

"TRIBE started from a mix of motivation and frustration. I felt like some labels didn’t treat my music the way I hoped, and that pushed me to build something of my own. I wanted to create a platform that gives space to new artists, fresh sounds, and music that doesn't fit into boxes. TRIBE is about emotion, identity, and community — working with people I trust and believe in.The response so far has been super positive, and that gives me a lot of confidence in the vision. Looking ahead, I see TRIBE becoming more than just a label — it’s a growing community that connects artists and listeners from all over the world. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries, both musically and visually, and to give a home to artists who want to express something real."

Your sound fuses trance nostalgia with rolling house and cinematic textures. What role does nostalgia play in your music — and how do you keep it feeling fresh and forward-thinking?

"Nostalgia is definitely at the core of my sound — it’s what gives the music its emotional weight. I’m drawn to melodies and moods that remind me of certain moments or feelings, even if I can’t fully explain them.At the same time, it’s really important for me to stay open to new sounds, ideas and influences. I try to keep my ears and mind tuned into everything around me, because inspiration for a good track can come from anywhere."

You just closed out the Awakenings stage on your 24th birthday and have TRIBE showcases lined up in Bogotá and ADE. How are these live moments feeding into your artistic vision, and what can fans expect from TRIBE on the road?

"This year has been unreal. Playing stages like Awakenings on my birthday and debuting at Tomorrowland were huge personal milestones — things I’ve dreamt about for a long time.With TRIBE, the goal is to take that energy and bring something fresh to each city we go to. We want to surprise people, challenge expectations, and create moments that feel different from a typical club night. It’s not just about the music, it’s the full experience. I just hope people come with open minds and let themselves fully dive into it."