Manu Gonzalez is one of the rare breeds of homegrown, super talented Native from Ibiza DJs and Producers that the white island gave to the electronic music scene. Born on the sunny isle of Ibiza in 1990 this young DJ&Producer is now beginning to make a real impact on the electronic music scene. Manu worked for many years at the legendary Discos Delta record store, one of the most famous record stores in the world – ordering and selling vinyl for all the DJ/Producers who were playing in Ibiza. From the age of 15, Manu was involved in the Ibiza music scene, developing his own style, based on quality music skills and the sonic experience he learned from dealing with the world’s best professionals from an early age.
EG caught up with Manu Gonzalez ahead of his involvement in Paco Osuna’s NOW HERE Hï Ibiza residency, one of the highlights of the island this season.
EG: Hi Manu! Welcome to EG. It’s a pleasure to have you here with us. Where are you based right now? How have you been?
Manu Gonzalez: Hola EG fam! I’m based in Ibiza (where I was actually born) and I’m super good. So far, this is the biggest year of my career! And the best is yet to come 🙂
EG: You’re set to perform 5 times at Paco Osuna’s ‘NOW HERE’ residence at Hï Ibiza! You must be very excited about this one… How did this collaboration come about?
Manu Gonzalez: I’m super excited, it’s the biggest residency of my career, at the number 1 club in the world, and with Paco, who is an inspiration, an example, and someone I consider family. I have been a huge fan of Paco for many years, I believe – as everyone in this game – he is someone we “the youngsters” look up to as a reference. I met him properly in Ibiza many years ago. I started sending him music, and our friendship started to grow and grow. I got to release on his Mindshake Records, and I have been touring with him a lot since then.
Months ago, we went for dinner at a restaurant, both of us and his manager, and they told me they were making me a resident of the night, I couldn’t believe it. I’m so thankful to Paco and Fran and the full team for the opportunity. It’s simply a dream for me and I’m giving 1000%, even if I’m not playing, I feel part of the party and the team.
EG: What can your fans expect of this performance on August the 9th? (your second week in a roll at NOW HERE in August) Any surprises in store?
Manu Gonzalez: My fans can expect an absolutely rammed club and a set full of edits and unreleased Manu Gonzalez tracks! The best vibe on the island and smiles on faces.
EG: Speaking about shows. Where else can your fans catch you playing during the summer?
Manu Gonzalez: This summer, aside from my residency at Paco’s NOW HERE party at Hï, I am also playing at Ants in Ushuaia, at DEFECTED in Eden, with Luciano at the new Chinois, and other exclusive shows. Then, I’m playing with Marco Carola in Marbella, at Opium Beach Club, also playing at the ULTRA festival’s first edition in Spain, and in London, Romania, Switzerland, Tenerife, South Amercia, Pacha Barcelona and many places! The Ibiza boy is on fire! ( lol )
“I have been a huge fan of Paco for many years, I believe – as everyone in this game – he is someone we “the youngsters” look up to as a reference. I met Paco properly in Ibiza many years ago. I started sending him music, and our friendship started to grow and grow”
EG: Aside from your shows and the music, what else are you looking forward to this Summer?
Manu Gonzalez: I’m having a real nice summer with friends and family, being pretty healthy, doing sport, going out, and enjoying my island to the fullest!
EG: What was the last piece of music that you listened to before this interview? Why were you listening to that particular piece?
Manu Gonzalez: I was listening to Kase.O’s ‘Jazz Magnetism’ album. I listen to this type of music when I do emails 🙂
EG: The pandemic gave us all a chance to slow down and reassess. In the electronic music scene, it even gave us time for some much-needed discussions. What would you like to see more and less of?
Manu Gonzalez: I would like to see less ego and more support for each other 😉
EG: What’s next for Manu Gonzalez? What new projects and releases are you looking forwards to now?
Manu Gonzalez: I’m going to be releasing on PIV Records, which I’m super excited about, Paco’s Mindshake Records, on my own record label Question Reality, on Miami legend Rony Seikaly’s label Stride, and other surprises before the year ends! I also might be releasing a very special free download bootleg in August 😉
EG: Thank you so much for your time, Manu! We wish you all the best for the future.
Manu Gonzalez: Thanks so much! Come to see us Tuesdays at Hï! Big love! M x
Catch Manu Gonzalez at Paco Osuna’s NOW HERE Hï Ibiza Residency. Purchase your tickets here.
Follow Manu Gonzalez: Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify
