There’s something magnetic about an artist who chooses to start over—and do it honestly.
Emerging under the name Rio Heart, Nino is stepping into music with intention, emotion, and a fearless sense of exploration. After building confidence through fashion and modeling, he’s now channeling something deeper—turning personal experiences into melodies that feel both intimate and universal.
From the catchy pull of “I’m Leaving” to the smooth R&B tones of “Hold Me” and the club-ready energy of “Sometimes” with Matilde B. & Jungle House Productions, Rio Heart is already shaping a sound that refuses to stay in one lane.
With a new single, FRENCHMAN, arriving May 15—alongside his first official music video—this is just the beginning.
We caught up with Rio Heart to talk about his transition into music, emotional storytelling, and what’s next.
Q&A
Q: First things first—why did you choose the name Rio Heart?
A: The name actually came from a casual conversation with my mom. She knew I wanted to pursue music and was very supportive, suggesting different names. I came up with “Rio” because it felt unique and simple. A few days later, it felt incomplete, so I added “Heart.” I’ve always stayed connected to my emotions, and that’s where my writing comes from. With my music, you’ll always hear real, truthful experiences.
Q: You’ve been in fashion, now you’re stepping into songwriting. How does this new chapter feel?
A: It’s very exciting. This has been years in the making, and it makes me genuinely happy. My experience in fashion and modeling helped me build confidence and prepared me to step into something new—something I’ve always dreamed of.
Q: Your songs already show different moods—“I’m Leaving,” “Hold Me,” and the house-driven “Sometimes.” How would you describe your sound?
A: At the core, it’s pop music, but I’m definitely exploring and trying different things right now. I’m stepping into different genres and seeing where it takes me. This feels like a phase where I want to experiment as much as possible before settling into a direction—or maybe I won’t settle at all. It really depends on the songs and the mood behind them.
Also, the new version of “I’m Leaving” (Euroclub Mix) is out now—it leans fully into that club vibe.
Q: We’re loving “Sometimes” with Matilde B. & Jungle House Productions—it feels like something you’d hear in a bar or club. What was the vibe behind the track?
A: I’m really glad to hear that—that was exactly the intention. The original version is more pop with a melancholic tone, inspired by moving on from heartbreak. With this collaboration, we wanted to transform it into something more uplifting and energetic—definitely something for the clubs.
Q: You’re releasing a new single on May 15—what can we expect?
A: FRENCHMAN is pop music at its best, honestly. I love this track—it’s fun, catchy, very playful, and it lets you escape into its world while it’s playing.
Kiss you like a Frenchman
Always be where you are
Music with the bassline
Driving with the top down, woah
This will also be my first release with an official music video, which makes it even more special. The video turned out amazing.
Q: Your lyrics feel very intentional, like you’re collecting emotions and turning them into something tangible. Is that how you approach songwriting?
A: Absolutely. I’m very in touch with my emotions, and I draw a lot of inspiration from them and from past experiences. Whether it’s something good or bad, anything can become a song if you tell the story well. And there’s something powerful about turning difficult moments into music that others can connect with.
Q: What do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?
A: My purpose—and the upcoming EP HERO—is rooted in uplifting, motivation, and healing from past experiences, relationships, and anything that caused pain. Music has always been a shelter for me. It’s helped me through so much, and I hope my music can be that same kind of safe space for others.
Rio Heart opens up about his transition from fashion to music, his emotional songwriting process, and his upcoming single “FRENCHMAN” dropping May 15.
Talent Rio Heart @rioheart_music // @dontblame_nino
Photos @nixonmarquez
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Music
I love some FRENCHMEN!
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