Interview: Eric West, Samuel Mancini, and Kedward Avilés on New Single ‘Tú Eliges’, Forming a Supergroup, and Blending Creative Influences

Eric West, Samuel Mancini and Kedward Avilés join forces on their first single as a trio Tú Eliges, which arrives today. The fresh supergroup collaborate with writers, the legendary Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis on the number which brings an infectious energy and undeniable chemistry.

In this exclusive interview, the group dive into the creative journey behind Tú Eliges. Samuel, Eric, and Kedward open up about what drew them to the project, how they merged their diverse artistic backgrounds, and what it means to bring Puerto Rican, R&B, and pop influences together on an international stage. From the excitement of collaboration to the joy of rediscovering their musical roots, the trio shares insights into their process, plans for a potential tour, and even teases some exciting remixes.

Culture Fix: Thanks for taking the time to chat. Tú Eliges is an absolute pleasure to listen to and your respective sounds all fuse together to make a really exciting, distinctive project!

Samuel Mancini

Congratulations on the new single, Samuel! You’ve been on an incredible journey with the success of “SOAK” and now “Tú Eliges” on the way. How does this project feel different from previous releases?

Thank you so much. This is my first project working in a group setting so it feels a lot different knowing the responsibility is on all of us as a whole. It’s also my first song in Spanish which makes it a really cool cultural experience. 

You’re performing alongside two huge talents, Eric and Kedward. How did the three of you bring your unique styles into the song, and what did you learn from collaborating with them?

We all have such different styles that work together so harmoniously. So really each of us just showing up and doing our individual thing made the song work really well.

Your last project, “FEED THE FIRE,” was so successful, especially on the Billboard charts. With “Tú Eliges (Choose)” and a major debut album on the way, what’s changed for you since then? How do you approach your music now compared to back in 2021?

I would say I trust my gut more when it comes to what I’m creating. My best work has been coming from me just letting it flow and not questioning my ideas as much. I approach my music much more now with the belief that my initial ideas are the best.

I heard there are multiple remixes of “Tú Eliges” with some surprise guests! Can you tease anything about these remixes, or share why you wanted to create different versions of this song?

There were so many directions this song could’ve gone. So we thought why not make them all? I can say there is a version that has more of a reggaeton beat to it that just might be my favorite version!

You’ve gained recognition as a Billboard Top Emerging Artist, and “SOAK” saw incredible chart success. What do you think has been the key to resonating with audiences across so many countries, and what inspires you to keep growing as an artist?

I think the key has been to not be afraid of fully exploring who I am as an artist and expressing my ideas. You have to be your biggest fan. There is only one me and I put my focus on continually figuring out who I am and the greatness that lies within doing that.

Eric West

Hey Eric, you’re known for excelling in both acting and music, and for being such a versatile artist. How does “Tú Eliges” fit into your overall vision as an artist, and what drew you to this project?

Well, a lot of people may not realize that I actually started singing when I was 13. Music has always been a huge part of who I am, but I think it’s easy for people to associate me with my acting career. So when Samuel called me to be a part of “Tú Eliges”, I was initially hesitant. I was in the middle of a busy time, and I wasn’t sure I’d have the time to record it. But then, a day or two later, I called him back and said, ‘Of course, I’ll do it.’  There was something about the song, and the opportunity to collaborate with Kedward and Samuel, that just felt right. For me, the project was also about revisiting my roots in music and stepping back into that world with a fresh perspective. I’ve always believed in being versatile and not limiting myself to one medium of expression, and “Tú Eliges” felt like a natural extension of that.

You’ve worked with huge brands and starred alongside major names like Bruce Willis. How did working with Samuel and Kedward on a music project compare to some of the high-profile acting roles you’ve had?

Working with Samuel and Kedward really brought me back to a place I never thought I’d feel again. I’ve got so much music recorded in a vault at two major labels that never saw the light of day, so to be diving back into music all these years later is honestly a bit of a full-circle moment. This moment in my life is so different from my acting career—it feels almost like two completely separate people, two different artists. 

For acting roles, it’s a whole different vibe. Acting has always been my focus, the world I’ve lived in, and the way I express myself. Music, on the other hand, is something that has always lived quietly in the background for me, so coming back to it now feels exciting in a way that’s hard to describe. 

With Samuel and Kedward, it was all about collaboration and creativity in a way that felt very freeing. There was no pressure, no preconceptions—just a real, raw space to explore music, and that’s something I didn’t expect at this point in my life.

This single is getting a major global tour, which is so exciting. Are there any cities or stops on the tour that you’re particularly looking forward to? How does performing music live compare to the excitement of a film premiere?

I am excited about doing our promo tour. Especially working with these guys. I wouldn’t want to travel the world with anyone else. 

As for how performing live compares to the excitement of a film premiere, they’re so different. I started my career in the music business before I ever got into acting, so for me, performing on stage feels like coming home. You don’t lose the ability to perform. There’s an immediate, live connection with the audience when you’re on stage, and that energy exchange is electric—it’s just so raw and personal.

 A film premiere, on the other hand, is a different kind of excitement. You’re celebrating the culmination of months of hard work, and you’re sharing that with a larger audience for the first time, but it’s more of a reflective experience.

With your experience as a style icon and in high-profile campaigns, how do you see fashion and music coming together in “Tú Eliges”? Do you have any plans to blend these interests more in your upcoming projects?

Thank you so much for calling me a Style Icon, that’s incredibly kind! 

With “Tú Eliges,” we paid close attention to every detail, from the outfits to the lighting and overall aesthetic. We really wanted the visuals to complement the music, creating a unified experience that reflects the vibe of the song. Very inspired by the 90s groups, Color Me Badd, Blue, Boyz II Men.

Lenny Kravitz and David Bowie are my biggest inspirations. Both of them blurred the lines between music and fashion, using their style as an extension of their artistry. Jody Watley also exemplifies how to marry style and sound. She understood early on how fashion could amplify the music, making it all part of the message. 

As for future projects, I definitely plan to continue exploring that intersection of fashion and music. I’m definitely excited to keep blending these two passions in upcoming projects!

Kedward Avilés

Hey Kedward, you’ve had an impressive career in both theatre and film. How does performing in “Tú Eliges” tap into different parts of your creative skills? Was this project similar to your past roles in theater, or did it feel like an entirely new experience?

It is a very different experience for me because I get to put my Puerto Rican flavor to such a beautiful masterpiece created by the legends Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. And it’s even more special to do it with two amazing artists like Samuel and Eric.

How does this song allow you to represent Puerto Rican culture, and what does it mean to you to bring that perspective to an international stage?

Writing and singing about love comes naturally to us Puerto Ricans, as it’s deeply embedded in our culture. To bring this to an international stage is something I never dreamed of, but it fills me with immense pride. To be able to represent one of the most humble, passionate, intelligent, and loving cultures in the world is an honor. I can honestly say that I am probably the proudest Puerto Rican ever.

As an artist celebrated in Puerto Rico and beyond, you’ve had the chance to share your talents at historic events. How do you hope people connect with “Tú Eliges (Choose),” both in Puerto Rico and globally?

I hope the song makes them feel something when they listen to it. We really put our hearts into making it.

Puerto Rico has such a vibrant music culture. Do you see “Tú Eliges” as part of that legacy? What does it mean to you to be part of a global track like this that blends cultures and languages?

I truly believe that ‘Tú Eliges’ is a song that will resonate deeply with my people. As Puerto Ricans, we have a true love for great music, and this one is really something special. It’s an incredible gift for me to blend cultures and languages, because doing so opens up limitless possibilities and expands the universe inside your mind.

Group Questions

What was the most surprising or unexpected part of working together? Did you find yourselves having to compromise or push each other creatively?

SM: It all came together very smoothly. We definitely pushed each other vocally. It was cool to go back and forth and match each other’s energy on certain parts. There is a lot of talent between us. 

KA: The most surprising thing was that it felt like we’ve been doing music together for years. I had a lot of fun working with Eric and Samuel. We were all in it to win it.

EW: I just really love these guys. Working with them brought something out of me I didn’t realize I still had in me. We all push in every way. We’re a strong team. 

We are already eager to know—can we expect a full-length album from the three of you soon? What kind of vision or sound do you imagine for a project like that, and are there any hints you can share about new music coming up?

SM: If the vibe is right I could see us making a really good R&B, funk, reggaeton crossover-type project! I am working on new solo records that are heavily 90’s R&B influenced so I would bring that to the project for sure.

KA: Let’s keep this a secret for now.

EW: I have a feeling, there is more to come! 

Connect with the guys via Instagram below:

• Eric West
• Kedward Avilés
• Samuel Mancini