Growing up in a musical paradise like Ibiza, it’s no surprise that Manu Gonzalez would go on to pursue a career as a DJ.
Previously he has released productions with labels such as Knee Deep In Sound and Mindshake Records, and most recently debuted on Stride with his new single, Sexy Thing.
We spoke to him about the new track, why it didn’t come as an EP, how Ibiza influenced him over the years and more. Get the full discussion below.
You made your debut on STRIDE last month with Sexy Thing, how would you describe the track in your own words?
It’s a mix between UK garage, oldschool NY classic house and deep house. I wanted to do something more radio/all public focused and not a 3am club banger, considering all clubs are closed now, the track worked amazing. I’m very happy with the single and excited about the remix about to drop early 2021!
It came as a single, why no other originals or remixes to make it a full EP?
We had a plan! We wanted to focus the attention on the single first and then drop the remix early 2021. The remix is big, two of the biggest artists at the moment joining forces on one remix.
You grew up in Ibiza, which we assume contributed to you becoming a DJ and producer, what are some of the earliest memories you have with club music?
Bring born and growing up in Ibiza has gave me the opportunity to be involved with the scene since I was very young. I used to work in what people considered one of the best vinyl stores in the world, Discos Delta Ibiza since I was 16. Due to our connections I can say I was clubbing very early haha. I remember going to Space Ibiza and Amnesia Ibiza (with an adult always) as the first clubs I’ve visited.
Do you have a favourite club on the island?
Considering we have the best clubs in the world and I’m associated with all of them, I would say they are all amazing. From Hï & Ushuaïa, to Blue Marlin, Heart, Dc10, Amnesia or Pacha Ibiza. I’m lucky to be able to play in all of them and they are all a favorite for me.
And how has the island changed in 2020 with the pandemic keeping clubs off limits?
It changed a lot; The engine of the island is the tourism, and we suffered this year due to covid19. It’s been a difficult year for all of us, but at the end of the day Ibiza is the number one tourism destination in the world, with our incredible offering involving nature, clubbing experience, hotels, restaurants, sport, lifestyle and the list goes on, so we just need to be patient for things to go back to normal, and the come back is going to be big.
What are you looking forward to most about the 2021 season?
There is a lot going on for 2021 but we still need to wait a little to mention. What I’m really looking forward to is to see everyone doing what they do and getting back to normal.
Previously you’ve released on Mindshake and Knee Deep In Sound, which other labels can we expect to see you on soon?
I have a big remix on my friend Darius Syrossian’s amazing record label Moxy Muzik, coming out on vinyl, also a remix for the legend Steve Lawler coming out on VIVa Music, plus releases on my own record label, Question Reality.
The label is doing incredibly well on Beatport and everyone is playing the music. I’m planning a new collab track with my good friend Secondcity, and other surprises which I can’t reveal right now. I will for sure produce music for my good friend Hot Since 82 and his amazing Knee Deep In Sound label, which I’m happy to have released twice on already, and other imprints I have already released on, such as Moon Harbour and I’m preparing some music for Loco Dice’s Desolat also.
And do you have a favourite label?
I’m really happy to have launched Question Reality, our own record label, and being able to put music out I love from myself and other talent, but if I should pick a favourite label now it would be impossible for me as I have many. I’m involved with Defected Records for 5 years now, playing for their events and it’s one of my favourites, but the list goes on as I play and release music on so many labels that it’s impossible to pick a one.
Merry Xmas and happy New Year from Ibiza. 2021 will be amazing for us all and thanks for supporting the Ibicenco boy.