One of Ibiza’s Own: Manu González on Music, Life, and Purpose

Manu González is Ibiza through and through. Before touring the world and playing alongside names like Solomun, Kerri Chandler, and Honey Dijon, he was that teenager behind the counter at Delta Discos, digging through crates and studying records before he was old enough to legally enter a club. His touring schedule reflects his international reach, with standout performances at Defected Ibiza, Ushuaïa’s ANTS, Club Chinois, Ministry of Sound London, 102 Club in Germany, and WOMB Tokyo, along with extensive tours across South America.

Winner of Best Ibiza DJ at the DJ Awards at just 22, Manu has built his career on three guiding principles: evolve, stay consistent, and work with intent. His long-running relationship with Paco Osuna has led to a key role in the NOW HERE movement at Hï Ibiza, while his own label Question Reality continues to enter new territory with charting releases.

Recognized for epic sets rooted in groove, personality, and a raw house and techno edge, Manu is also expanding into the U.S. performing at venues like Gospel New York, The Roof of Superior Ingredients, and Factory Town Miami. One show to look forward to is his upcoming Gray Area event on December 6th, where he’ll be playing alongside fellow Ibiza favorite Chelina Manuhutu and Martin Ikin.

In this interview, Manu opens up about his path from local Ibiza kid to international artist, the lessons he’s learned along the way, the importance of staying loyal to who you are, and why he lives by a simple motto: “Make it with passion or don’t make it at all.”

1. What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I always wear a cap during my shows, but I’m actually bald. I’ve never played a show without a cap on.

2. If you weren’t a DJ/producer, what would you be?

I would do something related to radio or television. I love interacting with people and I enjoy being part of a show.

3. What’s the most memorable moment of your career?

Winning the DJ Award for Best Ibiza DJ at age 22 was pretty amazing. That year I had residencies in London, Manchester, and Ibiza. It was a hell of a year, and everything escalated quickly after that. I became established as an international act from Ibiza.

4. Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?

Paco Osuna always inspires me with his technique and mixing.

5. What’s a track you play to hype the crowd?

A track I play to hype the crowd is my new record “Funkd,” which has reached over 2 million streams on Spotify.

6. What’s your go-to drink before a show?

Before a show, I like a good shot of Don Julio 1942 tequila.

7. What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?

My favorite place to play isn’t a city—it’s an island, Ibiza, my home. But if I had to choose a city, I’d say New York. Every time I land there, it feels like a dream come true.

8. What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?

Playing racket sports, hiking with my loved ones, and enjoying a good meal.

9. What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?

10. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

I would collaborate with Frankie Knuckles.

11. What’s your favorite non-music hobby?

My favorite non-music hobby is tennis.

12. If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?

I would go back to the ’90s. I was born in 1990, so I was too young to experience Ibiza during that time. My parents and family told me so many stories about the island back then that I wish I could have experienced.

13. What’s a record that never leaves your USB?

A track that never leaves my USB is my upcoming release: Manu Gonzalez – “One Kiss” feat. Kiki (Original Mix).

14. If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?

Somewhere enjoying life. I live in Ibiza year-round, but I also love to travel as much as I can between shows.

15. What’s a fun fact or hidden talent unrelated to music?

I have a property business and I sell houses in Ibiza to some very famous DJs, footballers, actors, and entrepreneurs.

16. What’s something simple that makes you smile?

Something simple that makes me smile is spending a day at the beach—not a fancy beach club, just a picnic and good company.

17. What’s a memory you never want to let go of?

The first time I played ANTS at Ushuaïa Ibiza in 2016.

18. When do you feel most at peace?

I feel most at peace when I’m at home watching a movie with my phone turned off.

19. What’s something you forget but feel better when reminded of?

I sometimes forget that I’m still very young.

20. What’s something meaningful to you that others might not understand?

Manners. Being polite, being a gentleman—the old-school values my family taught me.

21. What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?

I call my mum every single day.

22. If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?

I am loyal in a society that has lost loyalty.

23. From a touring perspective, what’s the most expensive mistake you’ve made to put on a great show?

I was playing in Bolivia and somehow—don’t ask how—I boarded a flight to Peru by accident and they let me in. When I landed in Peru I freaked out. I had to fly to Chile and then to Bolivia to make it to the show. It was unforgettable.

24. Have you ever lost music or a project you were working on?

Yes. I made a remix for Steve Lawler of a classic record called “Rise In.” The vocals were so old that Logic couldn’t sync them, so I had to quantize everything by hand. It took ages. Then there was a power cut and Logic didn’t save it. I had to redo it all, and of course, it never sounded like the first version.

25. What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?

Honestly, some of my early sets at 119 BPM playing minimal at Sankeys Ibiza were sick. I just can’t play that style anymore unless it’s at an after-hours set.

26. What do you obsess over most in the studio?

The bassline. It’s everything to me. I can spend hours overthinking it.

27. What is your favorite set time and duration?

I love playing longer sets—2 to 3 hours, especially from 1–3 a.m. I also enjoy closing sets.

28. If you could abolish one music genre forever, which would it be?

Hip-hop.