MANUEL KORNISIUK: From Argentine Stages to Sydney, Music, Modeling & RuPaul’s Drag Race
Manuel by @jose_yutiu
Manuel Kornisiuk, known as Manú, has been performing since he was eight, when singing and dancing at festivals in Argentina first put him on stage. Today, based in Sydney, he moves between music, modelling and acting, with songwriting now firmly at the centre of his creative life. From his Argentine roots and Buenos Aires fashion shoots to working on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10, Manú talks to GayWoof about heartbreak, inspiration, performance and the stories he hopes to tell through his music.
GWF: Where did your journey in performance and creativity begin in Argentina, and what brought you to Sydney?
I started performing in National festivals when I was a kid, at around 8 years old. Around 7 years old we moved to the south of the state with my mom and sister, and I remember my aunty heard me sing and asked my mum permission to put me into a Folkloric academy.
I started dancing in the academy with other dancers, and singing in festivals on my own with my guitarist of that moment.
I moved to Sydney because after living in Buenos Aires for a bit of time, i decided to experience something different, out of my comfort zone, which is was... haha was hard.
GWF: How did modeling shape the way you see yourself, your presence, and your artistic expression today?
Modeling was one of my biggest dreams since I was a kid, but I never thought i would achieve it, because I am not 1,86 cm, haha.
In argentina, most of the models are really tall, I am just 1.81.
Anyway, a brand called Bandoleiro saw me on socials, and called me for a casting to do a runaway in Buenos aires, and surprisely they liked my look, so I did it.
After that, I started doing photoshoots and graphic modelling, which I looove so much, its so much fun.
GWF: When did music become a central part of your life, and how does being a singer-songwriter compare to modeling for you?
Music was always with me. I remember my dad used to play Cassettes of Shania Twain, Abba, and 80's rock music. Thanks to him, I develop such a big love for music, song writing and I learned how to appreciate music itself.
Now I am one of those people who shazams everything and gets lost in music in the middle of a conversation. It’s a bit awkward because I don't do it on purpose..
GWF: How does your Argentinian heritage influence your music, performance, or creative vision in Australia?
Argentina has the most wide and inclusive influence in music that I have ever experienced.. It is such an open minded country, that you can do anything you like.
Many of the most amazing artists I have seen, in music, dancing, modelling, come from Argentina. My country always influenced my music and my vision, I learned everything I know there.
GWF: Can you tell us about your experience as a pit crew member on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 10?
It was insane. I have nothing to say but beautiful things from the cast and everybody involved in the set. The level of respect of every single person towards each other is unbelievable.
RuPaul was the funniest and warmest person, always cracking jokes and interacting with us. Everyone was amazing.
GWF: When writing your songs, what themes or emotions do you find yourself returning to most often?
I used to write a lot about situations where you feel attraction, and you feel sexy in that situation, but lately I have been writing a lot of heartbreak songs, haha.
I think my brain thinks better when it's a bit sad and bitter, everything gets more intense. I like the intensity of that type of writing.
GWF: Do you see your music as a way to connect with audiences personally, or is it more about creating a mood and energy?
My intention is always to connect with the people who choses to listen to my music. It is a dream, but it is not something you can force.
Manuel by @jose.yutiu
I wish one day a lot of people feel related to my music and what i have to say.
GWF: How do you balance your multiple creative paths — modeling, performance, and music — while staying true to yourself?
At the moment I am super focused in songwriting and music.
But it is based on the projects that I at in that specific moment. I love to be busy and do lots of things at the same time.
GWF: Looking forward, what direction do you hope your career as a musician called Manú takes, and what kinds of stories or feelings do you want to share with your audience?
Well, I would love to share through my music lots of different experiences. I always try to grab a different vision in each song, so they don’t say the same and each one has their own identity.
Manuel by @jose.yutiu
It would be a blessing to know that my music inspires someone one day, haha.
GWF: You’ve acted in films like The Winner Takes (2023) It All and Perfect Boy Next Door (2024). How did those experiences shape your creative journey, and what kinds of roles do you hope to explore next?
Yeah, they both super different films. "The winner takes it all" as a beautiful experience, I met 2 of my closest friends there. Jessica and my dear friend Maxi, who passed away recently.
It was a gift to film something so fun together, and I will keep that for the rest of my life.
Perfect boy next door is rough, really serious and touches on a topic that happens in real life and its really scary.
In both of the movies I play a similar character, haha. But you will have to watch them to figure it out. I am excited for new roles in the future, more challenging.
