From Argentina with Love: Manu Pavez

A thoughtful conversation on art, life, and keeping perspective.

We sat down with rising talent Manu Pavez, a name that's become increasingly familiar in the progressive house world thanks to his deep, reflective productions and releases across Sound Avenue Label Group, Mango Alley, Droid 9, and more. In this candid interview, Manu shares his early beginnings, the community that shaped him, the tracks that define his path, and his thoughts on artistry in the digital age.

Hey Manuel! How's 2025 treating you?
Hi! Thanks a lot for inviting me first. This year is going really well for me. Big changes have allowed me to create new sounds and improve my life in several aspects.

Could you briefly tell us when you started producing music, what your first equipment or software was?
I started producing music about six years ago. I began with urban music, genres like Hip Hop and Trap, just when it was starting to emerge here in Argentina.

I used my father's netbook, sometimes secretly haha, sometimes asking to borrow it. Many times I had to save my productions on my pendrive, from FL STUDIO back then, so that my father would have space and wouldn't suspect anything. That's how I started.

Did you have a mentor or take any lessons, either online or in person, to improve your skills?
My first mentors were YouTube tutorials. A key point was when I met Servando (producer & DJ from my city), who was already bringing electronic music to the forefront and promoting this culture here, which was non-existent at the time.

That's when I discovered Ableton Live, and everything that happened we can see within these labels. I'm very grateful to him for helping me understand and providing me with tools to learn the first steps quickly.

Without a doubt, special mention to my friends Gaspar Aguilera, Fideksen, Matezys, with whom we lived a very beautiful stage in Echevarría “655”, a house where we created an incredible synergy and where we isolated ourselves from the world to create tons of songs—a great stage for all of us where we learned at an unreal speed.

You debuted on 3rd Avenue in 2022 with your EP "Moments" and have released most of your music on Sound Avenue Label Group. You have also released music on labels such as Mango Alley, AH Digital, La Foresta Recordings, and Droid 9. What attracted you to Sound Avenue for this EP?
The path, the willingness, and the value given to music within these labels is where I could always express myself freely, and it feels like home releasing my tracks with you. These tracks are undoubtedly a very representative part of my career, and for that reason, I wanted them to land on Sound Avenue.

How did you find out about Sound Avenue Labelgroup? Could you mention some of your favorite releases on the label?
I've always been a follower. The track that mainly attracted me was “Benji” by Eric Lune, both in its Original version and the ambient version in the Daydreamers section. These were definitely the pillars of my interest.

What makes the Progressive House scene in Argentina so strong?
The mentality of the musicians, the passion, and the freedom. Without the willingness and dedication that has naturally existed for many years, especially the listener's search for more complex things, which I consider Progressive House to be.

And not to mention that it's the flag that our beloved Hernán Cattaneo has been showing the world for a very long time.

Is there anything you don't like about being an artist? For example, what is your opinion on social media?
I really love being an artist; I love everything that comes with making and creating works, their construction, retribution, and feedback.

In my opinion, social media, when used well, is just a tool that allows you to reach others and make a place for yourself in the world. You have to adapt and put a good perspective on it.

A recurring problem is when an artist, producer, or DJ consumes content, and this makes them feel pressure about how someone else's path looks, for example, someone with 14 years of experience. One must focus on understanding that those years pass for everyone, and building your own path is the most important thing.

Besides music, do you have other passions or hobbies?
YES! I love reading about philosophy, neuroscience, mental health, spirituality, and music. I love studying new technologies. I love cooking and eating.

Also, drinking a lot of mate, with my partner Abril, my friends, or alone—it's always a very sacred moment.

Are there any books, documentaries, podcasts, or TV shows you would recommend to your fans and fellow artists?
Books! Of course, Sounds of Mars tells the story of how electronic music is inserted into the present, from the perspective of David Stubbs, who was contemporary to it.

Any book or documentary about electronic music is very nutritious for approaching production in another fresher and more conscious way.

Could you share some of your all-time favorite songs or tracks that have had a significant impact on your musical journey?
Of course! First of all, Hombre al Agua by Soda Stereo has a special place for me. Its bassline by Zeta Bosio floats above the beat, and Charly's drumming, with very marked and short hits, gives it a precious accuracy ideal for the calmness of the piece. And Gustavo Cerati always knows how to take you to such a reflective atmosphere, almost like a castaway. This track takes me back to those moments of uncertainty where I often questioned if this was my right path or if I had made the right decision in becoming an artist; there I find a home.

Another very important track for me is Once in a Blue Moon by Guy J, also a reflective piece. When I listen to it, I remember many moments lived in company and in solitude, and it generates a lot of motivation for me to go to Ableton afterward.

Finally, I want to mention the album HECHO A MANO by YSY A. Without a doubt, this complete concept of being an artisan, creator of your own path, independent and faithful to your roots, touched my heart the moment it came out, and it accompanies me when I'm looking for energy, motivation, and above all, clarity.

What can we expect from you in the near future?
A lot of music, my first solo album is in the process, and many dates too!

I am actively working to be able to share my art with you, in person.

Thank you for inviting me, and a huge hug to everyone!
Regards,
MP.

Follow Manu Pavez here: Instagram | Soundcloud | Spotify
Get his latest EP here: https://go.protonradio.com/r/rlnrNKDoZUFWs