As the sun dipped below the horizon in Ibiza, casting golden light across the palm trees and endless energy of the island, Nexus Radio’s Maxine sat down with internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Manuel Riva inside the vibrant Technics space at the Nexus Lounge. Known for global hits like “MHM MHM,” “Modern Love,” and “Miami,” the Romanian artist has built a reputation for blending emotional melodies with infectious dancefloor rhythms. With hundreds of thousands of followers and listeners spanning cities from Istanbul to Athens, Manuel Riva continues to prove that music truly is a universal language.
During the conversation, Manuel Riva reflected on how rapidly the electronic music world continues to evolve. Speaking thoughtfully about the future of the scene, he explained that both artists and listeners are navigating an increasingly digital landscape. “Everything is transforming,” he shared. “The listeners are changing. The digital world is going nuts… and we gotta stay aware of this and be prepared for what’s next.” His perspective captured the balance many artists face today, embracing innovation while staying connected to the emotional core of music.
Despite the changing industry, Manuel Riva’s excitement for creating new music remains stronger than ever. He enthusiastically discussed his latest single, “Umada” with Great Adams, revealing that a follow-up release is already on the way. “I tested it in gigs, and people went nuts,” he laughed, clearly energized by the crowd reactions and anticipation surrounding the upcoming track.
The interview also highlighted Manuel Riva’s playful personality during the “Take Five” rapid-fire segment. Asked whether he would rather miss a flight home or lose his USB, he immediately chose the missed flight—protecting his precious collection of music at all costs. When Maxine asked him to describe Ibiza as a person, Manuel Riva painted the island perfectly: “Crazy, beautiful, perfectly imperfect.” The answer reflected not only Ibiza’s magnetic spirit, but also the emotional duality found within his music.
As the conversation deepened, Manuel Riva opened up about what he believes is the greatest challenge facing artists today: authenticity. In an industry overflowing with distractions, trends, and pressures, he believes staying true to yourself is more important than ever. “Being yourself… surrounded by so many temptations and traps,” he explained, encouraging artists to create from a genuine place rather than chasing algorithms or expectations.
When creativity begins to fade, Manuel Riva keeps his solution simple: take a step back and reset. For him, inspiration often returns naturally through life experiences, sunsets, travel, and the emotional atmosphere that places like Ibiza provide. It’s no surprise that his music feels tailor-made for Mediterranean evenings and unforgettable dancefloor moments.
As the interview came to a close, Manuel Riva left listeners with heartfelt gratitude and positivity. “Thank you for supporting my music. I wanna give you a big hug and good vibes,” he said warmly—a reminder that behind the global streams and festival stages is an artist deeply connected to his audience.
Follow Manuel Riva
