Manu Rios: The Boy That Could
When it comes to being successful, age is never a factor. This is case for young Spanish singer and talent of Next Models, Manu Rios. If you visit this vibrant star’s YouTube channel, you will find that he is well liked and followed, but also that he started his journey at a very young age. Similarly to giant pop stars like Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, you can find cute videos online of Manu singing at such a tender age. Aside from being a charismatic successful young star, Manu is also a well-spoken man whose vision for life is to continue doing what he loves and do good in the process. After an exciting day of shooting with Manu, we sat down with him and got to know him a bit better.
MFP: In a few simple words, who is Manu Rios?
Manu: I think I consider myself a very curious and passionate person for the things that I like. I have many aspirations and different goals, but in general they all have in common the power to exploit my creativity as much as possible and to express 100% who I am.
For being so young, what has been your biggest accomplishment so far? What are you most proud of?
Probably what I am most proud of is being able to do what I do today coming from such a small town where there are not opportunities for what I do.
From having such a large fan base, what do you think is the one thing about you that resonated with them?
I think something that makes me connect with them is the fact that I always try to be as honest as possible and stay true to who I am. I think it is very important to keep it real and speak your mind.
Gucci stripes shirt from Matches Fashion, Raf Simons sweater
Being a multifaceted person comes with it perks, but what is one label that you wish people would not categorize you as?
I don’t like very much being considered a role model. I get that anyone who is exposed has an influence on people, but I think it should be to a certain extent. We must remember that we are all human and we make mistakes.
Gucci stripes shirt from Matches Fashion, Raf Simons sweater, Prada pants and shoes
Social media has become part of almost every person on earth, how has your social media help influence/shape who you are now vs when you were just starting? in order words, how has social media changed your life? anything you don’t like about it?
It has definitely changed my life. I have had the opportunity to do many incredible things and to meet wonderful people thanks to it. Also the fact that my generation is connected and we can share our thoughts and what we feel I think that normalizes many things, gives us a lot of power and also opens your eyes on issues that perhaps you had not thought or given importance before. If there is something I do not like, it is the belief we have that everything we see in social media is real. Many times I find myself comparing my life with others and I think it's super toxic, at the end of the day you have to keep in mind that people show what you want to see and that nobody has a perfect life.
AMI PARIS coat, GMBH sweater (fwrdman)
Calvin Klein look via FWRD MAN
What advice can you give to people who look at you and wish they were in similar shoes?
The most important thing is to be sure of what you want and have your ideas clear, create your own path. Once you have this clear you can do everything you propose.
Do you interact much with your fan base in relation to requests, fan mail, etc?
Yes. I am always reading their messages, seeing drawings they make of me, videos ... It's amazing because when I have a bad day, it's this kind of things that makes me excited again and that gives meaning to what I do.
Acne Studios jacket, Dries Van Noten sweater and pants, Gucci shoes
What does music do to you that makes it so special for you?
Many things. Music is there for me whenever I need it, both in good times and bad times. I cannot describe how much it helps me. I have always had a really strong interest in music. I remember that with only 4-5 years old I was dancing and singing at home all day. My mother has a beauty salon and I used to sing every day for her clients.
What kind of music are you into?
I listen to many different artists and styles. From indie to trap music, music from the 90s, 80s, 70s, 60s ... I have learned in these last two years to open my mind more and listen to different genres.
Have you met someone who you have looked up in the music industry? If so, how was that experience? If not, who would you like to meet?
Yes, I have met several artists / people who work in the industry and it is always very inspiring to talk with them and listen to their way of seeing life. I would love to meet Lorde some day and be able to talk to her, I think she is a genius and I love the way she communicates with what she does.
Moncler sweater
What is coming soon from Manu Rios?
Many things. I'm preparing several different projects, both fashion, music, photography... I've always said that I do not just want to do and focus on one thing.
In a perfect world where you can control the future, how and where do you see yourself in 5-10 years from now?
The truth is that it is difficult to answer this question because there are many things that I would like achieve. I just hope I can continue doing things that I love and let everything flow, I think that's the best thing.
Moncler x Fragment jacket
Is Fashion important for you? What brands do you currently like?
Very important. I consider it an incredible way to express who you are and how you feel. Right now I’m really into Acne Studios, Prada and Misbhv. I’m also super obsessed with Palomo Spain.
What are your go-tos when it comes to everyday style?
Black jeans, an oversize t-shirt tucked it in, a belt, some cute shoes and then some accessory such as rings, chains, glasses, etc. so that it is not so basic.
Anything you want to share with your fans? and about your experience shooting for Men’s Fashion Post?
It was a great experience. The styling is amazing, and the team was wonderful and very attentive at all times. I had a great time even wearing a thousand layers with fucking hot weather haha.
For a talent like Manu, we can surely speculate that we will be seeing more of him. Social media being so powerful, he has the advantage to follow many of his dreams with the support of his fan base. A good sport that Manu was during our shoot, shone light on his flexibility to trust the process and try new things; all things necessary to be successful. Let’s see what Manu shares with us next.
