Manuel Medrano is back in the United States! The Colombian singer-songwriter arrives in Newark on April 17 with his “Manuel Medrano 10 Years Tour” and promises a show full of energy, accompanied by his full band, performing both his unforgettable hits and songs from his most recent album SUPERIOR, a project that mixes pop, bolero and 80s funk with a powerful message of love and self-discovery.
After two years without stepping on these stages, this concert will be a celebration of his career, his music and his connection with fans.
With more than 8.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify and winner of two Latin GRAMMY®, Medrano has established himself as one of the most recognized romantic voices in Latin America. In our exclusive interview, the artist talks to us about his career, his loneliest moments, the inspiration behind SUPERIOR and what this concert means to him. Keep reading to discover everything Manuel Medrano shares with us before his long-awaited show in Newark.
You return to the area after two years… what is it about this audience that makes your shows here feel different, and what moment of the concert can’t be missed?
Well, the truth is that I am very excited to come to Newark for the first time. So I want to extend an invitation even to the people of New York so that they dare to take the ride to Newark and accompany me to this concert, because it is going to be phenomenal. It’s going to be a celebration. We come with our entire band from Colombia. It will be a very powerful show: eight musicians on stage playing all those songs that have connected us during these 10 years, in addition to some from my new album Superior. It’s going to be a wonderful show. Like I told you, it’s our first time playing in Newark, and it’s always a special moment for me to debut in a new city.
In SUPERIOR you talk about “feeling superior”… superior to what: the pain, the past or your own insecurities?
I think Superior is, at the end of the day, a state of mind. Music helps us transmute emotions. In these 10 years of career I have learned to distinguish which things are superior to others: that good is superior to evil, that a governor who takes care of the environment is superior to one who destroys it. And the same thing happens with music: songs with powerful messages of love, which build a healthier world, are superior to those that destroy us.
What has been the loneliest moment of these 10 years and how did you transform it into music?
They say that a musical career is lonely, but music has always been very generous to me: I have worked with incredible people and wonderful teams. However, there are moments between a concert and the next flight when a certain loneliness is felt. But I see that solitude as satisfying: it gives me the feeling that I am healthy and happy, and ready to fly to another city to give another concert.
I consider myself a person who enjoys his own company. Moments of solitude are ideal for creating music. I remember when I was young and playing in bars, when I finished I would go home alone to play guitar and write songs for hours. That perseverance and that solitude were fundamental to reach everything that I live today. That’s why I also send a message: don’t be afraid to be with yourself, to enjoy solitude and to find spaces to create.
After winning two Latin GRAMMY® at the beginning of your career, how did you deal with the pressure of not becoming a promise that doesn’t evolve?
When you win a Grammy, you win it forever; It has no expiration date, like an Oscar. For me it has been wonderful that the Academy has recognized me as one of the best singer-songwriters for my first album and as Best New Artist in 2016. It is an award for life.
I feel that the Grammys were a turning point in my career: they helped me go much further, to go on international tours and fulfill my greatest dream, which has always been to play in front of thousands of people who connect with my music.
In an industry that changes so quickly, what would you be more afraid of losing: success or your authenticity?
I have a very healthy relationship with fear, because since I was a child I learned that fear is the best friend of courage. That’s why I have learned to be brave and face whatever comes. I will never be afraid of the challenges that life puts in front of me.
After 10 years of career, if you had to summarize this moment in your life in a single sentence… what would be that headline that defines Manuel Medrano today?
Manuel Medrano enjoying the best stage of his new adventure called Superior.
For those who don’t know me: I am Manuel Medrano, a Colombian singer-songwriter who sings about love and who this year celebrates 10 years of career with all of you. I love you so much and I look forward to singing together at the top of your lungs!
