Manu Gonzalez is an Ibiza-born and bred DJ who has really blown up the last few years and is playing some of the biggest clubs and festivals the scene has to offer. With an upcoming UNUM Festival appearance in Albania, and numerous Ibiza super club appearances, we caught up with him to find out how he copes with it all, and how much being Ibiza born shapes his sound…

WWD: Hey Manu, how has your 2023 been so far?

Hi guys! 2023 is the biggest year of my 17 year career! In Ibiza the island where I was born and grew up, I’m playing Hï Ibiza for Paco Osuna’s Now Here residency & The Martinez Brothers Tuesday nights, Ushuaïa Ants main stage, Defected Records at Eden, El Row Amnesia, Chinois Club with Luciano, Seth Troxler..and abroad all over the world!!

WWD: How much does being Ibiza born and bred shape your sound and style?

Well I have it through my veins! I have been involved in the music industry and Ibiza’s scene since age 15 so it really affected positively to be a real Ibiza kiddo 😉

WWD: What’s it like in summer when the world arrives after quiet winters? How do you adjust?

To be honest I’m so incredibly busy in winter too, that I really don’t need to adjust 😂 not going to lie!

WWD: What defines the Ibiza sound in your mind?

I will be simple and short “Quality”

WWD: You play UNUM Festival soon in Albania – is it your first time, what you expecting?

Wow I’m really excited to play UNUM main stage! The line up is INSANE and I’ve heard incredible things about what Mousa and Grego have created, one of the best festivals in the globe!! I’m so excited to play and to be part of it!! Defo a festival not to miss out on 🙂

WWD: How often do you repack your bag or usb ahead of a gig and what informs it?

I do 4 times a week music checks in the studio to load my usb. I receive so much music and I work a lot on my own edits and tracks so I need to spend a big amount of time on it making sure my sets are not repetitive considering I play every week. I like to give the ravers a new set each show 🙂

WWD: Do you play differently in summer vs winter?

Definitely yes, I play according to the vibe, and the open air sunny events in summer do not deserve heavy tech house!

WWD: What else have you got coming up?

I have so many shows (you can check my events on insta www.instagram.com/manugonzalezibz) I have a release coming out 4th of June on Deeperfect! I look forward to this one. and so many shows!! A tour weekend with Luciano 3th June Madrid and 4th June in Ibiza ( Open Air show in the port + Chinois ) then 13th June a Hï show for Now Here Opening Fiesta with Paco Osuna, then 17th June Ushuaïa Main stage for Ants.. so so busy atm!!

WWD: What was the last record you bought and why?

I bought a vinyl of Frank Sinatra, for the bday of my father-in-law ( not joking ahahha )

WWD: You can catch Manu Gonzalez at UNUM Festival on Friday 2nd June. Tickets here 

Manu Gonzalez: Facebook // Instagram // SoundCloud