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1.) We’re super-excited to have some time today with acclaimed independent band extraordinaire, THEKOIWAY; greetings and salutations gang and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, could you all say ‘hi’ and introduce yourselves to our ever-inquisitive reading audience?
Victor: Hey there, Vents Magazine! Thanks for having us. I’m Victor Vildosola, Music Director, guitarist, and producer. I’m always on the scene, committed to pushing boundaries and keeping our sound alive. Really excited to share our journey with you!
Matt: Hey, what’s up! I’m Matt, drummer and percussionist. I bring the heartbeat to THEKOIWAY, making sure everything grooves and hits in the right spot.
Daniel: Hey everyone, I’m Daniel, bassist and groove architect of THEKOIWAY. I keep the foundation solid while making sure everything stays fluid and dynamic.
Pedro: ¡Hola! I’m Pedro, I play charango, quena, sax, flute, and woodwinds, bringing that rich South American flavor to our sound. I love blending traditional roots with modern textures to make our music stand out. Excited to be here!
2.) Major kudos and accolades on the freshly-minted new THEKOIWAY single El Juego de la Vida (The Game of Life)! Victor, starting at the tip-top, can you talk about what inspired this profound and infinitely listenable gem of a ditty?
Victor: Thank you! El Juego de la Vida (The Game of Life) was born from deep reflection on how life often feels like a game, sometimes fair, but more often than not, stacked against us. We wanted to capture that duality: the struggle and the resilience, the unpredictability and the power of choice. Lyrically, the song challenges societal structures, questioning the roles we play and the systems that shape our paths. Musically, it’s a true melting pot, a blend of classic Motown soul with a modern twist, infusing the warmth of vintage grooves with contemporary energy. You’ll hear echoes of funk, Latin rhythms, and hip-hop, all seamlessly woven together to create something fresh yet familiar. The music video amplifies this theme, shining a light on diversity, unity, and the breaking of stereotypes. It’s about embracing differences and finding strength in our shared humanity. That’s the essence of THEKOIWAY, honoring the past while forging a new musical and cultural narrative.
3.) Matt, El Juego de la Vida (The Game of Life) is a true collaboration from start to finish, with THEKOIWAY collaborating with the legendary hip-hop Svengali Juan Sativo, renowned soul singer Vanesa Valdez, as well as instrumentalists such as Tom Pickles and the Dima Faustoy Horn Ensemble! How was it to work with all of these amazing artists on the new single?
Matt: It was incredible. Everyone brought something unique to the table, and it all clicked naturally. Juan Sativo has that presence, his words carry weight, and he flows effortlessly over the rhythm. Vanesa brings this raw, soulful energy that adds depth and emotion. And man, those horns? Pure fire. Having Tom Pickles and the Dima Faustov Horn Ensemble on board just made everything feel larger than life. It was one of those sessions where you feel the music taking on a life of its own.
4.) Daniel, the single for El Juego de la Vida (The Game of Life) is accompanied by a maxi-single that offers up a new English version of the tune and top-drawer remixes from rightly acclaimed producers Dough Juan and Jerumatic! Can you speak to what these two legendary stalwarts of producing brought to this new version?
Daniel: Absolutely! Dough Juan and Jerumatic each brought their own magic to the track, and that’s what makes this maxi-single so exciting. Dough Juan gave it a fresh, urban spin with a dope New York boom-bap vibe, gritty, raw, and dripping with that classic hip-hop feel. It’s got that head-nodding groove that pulls you right into the streets of NYC.
On the other hand, Jerumatic took it in a completely different direction, his remix leans into EDM with massive, deep synths and a slamming breakbeat that hits hard. It’s energetic, atmospheric, and transforms the track into something huge and cinematic.
Hearing what they did with El Juego de la Vida was amazing. It’s always inspiring to see how different artists interpret the same song and bring out new layers of emotion and energy. And with the English version, it wasn’t just about translation, it was about making sure the message and the soul of the track still resonated just as powerfully.
5.) Victor, alongside the release of the new single, a sensational companion music video for El Juego de la Vida (The Game of Life) has also been released; congrats! Can you talk about how the whole video came together and how difficult it may have been to land the involvement of far-famed actor and National Arts Prize winner Héctor Noguera?
Victor: Thank you! The music video for El Juego de la Vida had to be as powerful as the song itself, visually striking, emotionally charged, and socially conscious. More than just a companion piece, it amplifies the track’s impact by boldly addressing diversity, societal struggles, and LGBTQ+ themes, reinforcing the song’s call for inclusivity and resilience.
Having Héctor Noguera on board was an honor, and it wouldn’t have been possible without my manager, Carolina Cabezas, who had worked with him on multiple projects. Thanks to their connection, he embraced the role, adding an undeniable depth to the narrative. Alongside him, Elvis Fuentes and Francisco “Paco” López deliver incredible performances that bring the video’s story to life.
Funded by the National Music Development Fund of Chile and supported by the Ministry of Cultures, Arts, and Patrimony of Chile, the video combines theatrical storytelling, immersive visuals, and bold symbolism to challenge societal norms. Every shot carries meaning, reflecting the unpredictability of life and the fight to reclaim one’s narrative. We’re incredibly proud of the result and hope it sparks conversation and resonates deeply with audiences.
6.) Victor, listening to THEKOIWAY, we can hear the sweet drippings of Funk, Soul, Rock, R&B and a little dash of pop! Is there a special label that you identify your unique and indelible musical stylings with, or do you prefer to steer away from the temptation of labeling?
Victor: Labels can be tricky because THEKOIWAY is all about blending sounds and breaking boundaries. If we had to define it, we’d call it Global Groove, a fusion of everything that moves us, from Motown soul, funk, and rock to hip-hop, Afro-Latin beats, and traditional South American rhythms like Andean folk and cumbia!
We take inspiration from the past, classic soul, psychedelic rock, and Andean music from the “Cordillera de los Andes” but filter it through a modern, borderless lens. The goal is to create something that feels both familiar and fresh, something that connects with people emotionally and physically, whether it makes them think, feel, or dance. At the end of the day, it’s just music with a message, music that speaks to the world.
7.) A question for all of you: Who are some of the key and critical influences for you both in and out of the world of music?
Matt: Questlove, Tony Allen, and Mitch Mitchell on the drums. Outside of music? Skateboarding culture, it’s all about rhythm and flow.
Daniel: James Jamerson, Jaco Pastorius, and Meshell Ndegeocello for bass. Also, street photography, I love how a single image can tell a whole story, just like a single bassline.
Pedro: Inti-Illimani, John Coltrane, and Atahualpa Yupanqui. And outside of music, indigenous culture and history inspire a lot of my creative approach.
Victor: Santana, Prince, and Fela Kuti. Also, film directors like Wong Kar-wai, his use of color and storytelling is a big influence.
8.) Matt, in the wake of the release of the new single El Juego de la Vida (The Game of Life), what does the touring/performing dance card look like for THEKOIWAY?
Matt: We’re working on dates as we speak. New York City is a priority, and we’re setting up showcases there. We’re also looking at some festivals and hopefully getting down to Latin America soon. The goal is to get this music in front of as many people as possible.
9.) Victor, should fans of THEKOIWAY keep eyes and ears on the lookout for even more music as 2025 charges forward?
Victor: Absolutely! This is just the beginning. We’re gearing up to release a couple of new singles over the next few months, leading up to the release of our first full-length LP “El Camino” in the third quarter of 2025. We’ve been crafting this album for a while, making sure every track captures the energy and essence of THEKOIWAY. Expect more collaborations, unexpected sounds, and a fusion of everything that defines our music. Stay tuned, there’s a lot more coming!
10.) Pedro, at the end of the day what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-spin to the beautiful new single El Juego de la Vida (The Game of Life)?
Pedro: I hope they connect, not just with the sound, but with the message. El Juego de la Vida isn’t just a song, it’s a reflection of the unpredictability of life, the challenges we face, and the resilience we carry. The track speaks to diversity, inclusion, and breaking free from societal limitations, while musically blending Motown soul, funk, rock, and Afro-Latin rhythms to create something that moves both the heart and the body. If this song makes people think, feel empowered, or even just dance like nobody’s watching, then we did our job.
