Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Manuel Sanchez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Manuel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

My passion for music ignited early in Bogotá, and by the age of 9, I was already deeply immersed in the world of sound, laying the foundation for what would eventually become a remarkable career. After completing my initial studies in Colombia, my ambitions led me to Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA—one of the most prestigious music schools in the world. Armed with a guitar and an unwavering drive, I prepared for the most important audition of my life. I gave it my all: countless sleepless nights, relentless effort, and the unwavering support of my family. Instead of choosing a complex piece, I performed an original composition with full band arrangements, staying true to what made me fall in love with music. Against all odds, I earned a scholarship, a pivotal moment that not only impressed the judges but also set the course for my international career.

Arriving in Boston in 2018 felt like starting anew. I had to navigate a new culture, language, and city that challenged me at every turn. Yet, despite these hurdles, I grew as person and as a musician at Berklee, learning from world-class mentors and building lifelong friendships and professional connections. Every sacrifice, every moment of doubt, was worth it when I proudly graduated in 2021.

Los Angeles was my next chapter—a city where dreams and ambitions constantly collide. I started from the ground up, working in recording studios, taking on internships, and tirelessly striving to establish myself in one of the most competitive industries in the world. Eventually, I found my place at Igloo Music, where I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with industry giants like Gustavo Borner, a 15-time Grammy winner. My time at Igloo Music has not only refined my technical skills but also taught me how to anticipate and adapt to future trends in music production and sound engineering. Today, I am grateful to have been part of over 100 shows and films for major studios like Netflix, Disney, Hulu, and Amazon. But beyond these professional accomplishments, I’ve grown immensely as a person. Learning how to adapt to a newBeyond these professional achievements, I’ve experienced significant personal growth. Adapting to a new country and city has pushed me out of my comfort zone, teaching me the value of independence and resilience.

Manuel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As I look to the future, I’m excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead. The music industry is in constant evolution, and my goal is to continue pushing boundaries within this dynamic landscape. I’m dedicated to honing my craft, with the aspiration of improving as a mixing engineer and music producer. With a solid track record and many exciting projects on the horizon—including the release of my first single and my involvement in various shows as a sound engineer—the future is brimming with promise.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of my future goals as a creative is to talk about feelings and problems that everyone has but often ignores because of the fast-paced society we live in.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Back when I was in Colombia I always found musicians that were more talented than me or more technically gifted. I never saw music that way. I never wanted to be the best guitar player, the best singer, the fastest guitar player, or with the best technique. But society pushes you to think that we need to win, even in art, and I have always been extremely competitive. With music and art, I felt a deeper connection. Before my audition for Berklee, I was insecure because I saw so many people more “talented” than me. I felt intimidated. But then I remembered that what I loved about music was how it made me feel. So I decided to play an original song, with an arrangement for a funk band, instead of a complicated guitar piece. At the end of the day, the jury loved it. And I got a scholarship because I was true to myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iwinai.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwinai/?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuel-sanchez-04b514195/