Sparrow & Barbossa is DJ and producer duo Bryan Coletta (Swiss) and Emiliano Haberli (Uruguay). Based in Madrid, Spain, they bring together their love of piano, percussion, and African tribal rhythms, creating a fusion between organic and electronic progressive sounds. In 2021, they released their highly anticipated album Seven Seas (Redolent Music), showcasing ethnic roots, Afro and Latin house, and world music through electronica, earning a spot in Traxsource’s Top Albums of 2021. Following a busy 2022 with the launch of their imprint, Tortuga Tribes, the duo sees the 2023 release of their sophomore album, Réciprocité, on Sony Music Latin imprint, Orianna Music. Following the release of the album’s first single ’Bien Buena’, we caught up with Sparrow & Barbossa to find out more.
Follow Sparrow & Barbossa @sparrowandbarbossa
Hi guys, please tell us a little about yourself?
We’re an Afro House duo based in Madrid. Sparrow is from Switzerland and Barbossa is from Uruguay. We are both musicians; Sparrow handles the melodic part of our productions being a pianist while Barbossa takes care of the rhythm section being a percussionist. We’ve been working together for the last 7 years and will very likely continue this way for a long time.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Sparrow’s dad is a Jazz guitarist who played with Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Whitney Houston, Quincy Jones amongst others; he’s been since a very young age immersed into his dad’s musical universe. Barbossa on his side has also been involved in music as a percussionist since his very young age in Uruguay in the salsa/latin genre. Together we accumulate also more than 35 years djing, so it’s been quite a bit now that we’re in this world.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Caribbean, Tribal and Cheerful
Which artists and styles inspired and influenced you?
As you’ve probably listened in our music, we inspire from a vast amount of ethnies and cultures; essentially afro-latin. We love to use electronic music to democratise the sound of these cultures. It is not an official genre yet but we’d like to call our genre Caribbean House.
When all the partying is over how do you like to chill out?
Sparrow would usually listen to another 10 hours of music while Barbossa would probably enjoy a good time taking his dog out.
Best stage you have ever played on?
That would definitely have been Mandala in Santiago de Chile.
What’s your favorite club to DJ in?
Our favourite club we’ve played so far definitely is Lula Madrid. We really always get unmatchable energies over there and just love the crowd’s reception to our music.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
That feeling when you travel the seven seas and no matter where you go people know your music and sing your songs is something we can never get enough of !
What’s less fun is the sleep deprivation and constant traveling (300+ flights in 2022), sometimes it can be harsh on the body and the soul, as well as hard for our loved ones to cope with.
What’s next for Sparrow & Barbossa in 2023?
We have already started releasing our brand new album called Réciprocité on Sony Music Latin’s Orianna. It is a 14 tracks album featuring collaboration with The Gypsy Kings, Starving Yet Full (Ex. Azari & III), G. Zamora amongst others.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
Never give up!
Name one your strengths?
Being two is a huge advantage. Being a duo for us is much more than just musically, we’re a team on every level of life.
And one of your weaknesses?
Maybe a little bit to perfectionist at times.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Picnic Montreal is one of our favourite Sunday plans, they do a fantastic job.
What is your own definition of happiness?
We think happiness is looking at you in the mirror and be proud of everything you’ve accomplished in your life so far and thinking that the best is still to come.
Do you support any charities?
Our label Tortuga Tribes is actually a non profit with the sole purpose of giving a voice to the many Caribbean House talents in Latin America and around the world.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Hummus
And your favorite cheat food?
Burgers
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
That she has great music taste!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully balancing a 50% DJ Set 50% Live performance artist career, and producing tons of music for as long as we can 🙂
How would you describe your fashion style?
Casual chic
Favorite Quote: You never get a second chance to make a first impression
Movie: Coherence
Travel Destination: Los Roques Venezuela
Sports Team: FC Barcelona
Thanks guys!
