Adrian Quesada’s Psychedelic Journey: How the Black Pumas Co-Founder Delved Into Latin America’s Romantic Past

In the vast realm of music and art, the quest for identity serves as a core element. For Adrian Quesada, this pursuit has led him to establish a profound bond with Latin American romantic ballads. The Grammy-nominated songwriter, musician, and producer hails from Laredo, a city straddling the border between Texas and Mexico. Raised in a Mexican household where both English and Spanish were spoken, Quesada was exposed to a rich cultural tapestry that shaped his musical sensibilities from an early age.

Nearly three decades later, as the co-founder of the soulful duo Black Pumas, Quesada delves back into the melodies of iconic acts like Los Pasteles Verdes, Los Ángeles Negros, and Joseles in his latest album, “Boleros Psicodélicos II.” Released on a Friday in June, the album aims to capture the timeless essence of this musical genre while infusing it with elements of hip-hop and electrifying guitars to resonate with a younger audience.

In a recent interview with Billboard Español, Quesada revealed his vision behind the project: “My idea in creating all this was to find a way to have one foot in the roots, in the past, and another foot in the future. That was the concept: to go between two worlds.” By drawing inspiration from an era gone by, the album serves as a bridge between the nostalgic charm of bolero music and contemporary sonic landscapes.

In the making of “Boleros Psicodélicos II,” Quesada sought to combine psychedelic elements with raw emotion. To achieve this blend, he collaborated with a diverse lineup of artists from the Latin alternative music scene. From the indie star Cuco to the Swedish-Ecuadorian duo Hermanos Gutiérrez, each artist brought their unique flair to the project. The album also features contributions from familiar faces like Mireya Ramos, iLe, and Angélica Garcia, who had previously worked on the first installment of the series.

Unlike its predecessor, which was recorded remotely during the pandemic, the second volume allowed Quesada to invite his collaborators to his studio in Austin. Together, they reimagined classic bolero tracks such as “Hoy que Llueve” by Los Pasteles Verdes and “Te Vas y Yo Te Dejo” by Joseles, infusing them with a renewed sense of vitality and depth.

In the tracklist, standout collaborations include “Ojos Secos,” a heartfelt duet with Cuco that merges vintage charm with contemporary undertones, and “Afuera,” a mesmerizing ballad featuring the Mexican artist Ed Maverick. The latter track combines elements of hip-hop, folk, and psychedelic guitars to create a captivating sonic journey that reflects the shared Mexican heritage of the musicians.

For Maverick, the collaboration with Quesada opened doors to new creative horizons: “This collaboration was the perfect opportunity for me to delve into a territory I wanted to explore: psychedelia and contemporary music.” Through tracks like “Afuera,” the artists celebrate their Mexican roots, offering a poignant commentary on the cultural landscape amidst challenging times marked by anti-immigration sentiments.

Released under ATO Records, “Boleros Psicodélicos II” features all 12 tracks performed in Spanish, serving as a poignant political and social statement. At a time when Latin music faces increasing scrutiny and restrictive immigration policies, Quesada’s decision to embrace his bilingual heritage and create an album in Spanish carries profound significance.

As Quesada reflects on his journey as an artist straddling two worlds, he emphasizes the importance of diversity and cultural richness: “Diversity is what they’re trying to eliminate in the United States. And if it’s a way to — being American, to make an album in Spanish is important to me, for my roots.” Through his music, Quesada not only pays homage to his origins but also champions a message of inclusivity and resilience in the face of adversity.

“Boleros Psicodélicos II” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and cultural heritage in shaping a musical narrative that transcends borders and connects generations. In a world filled with noise, Quesada’s heartfelt exploration of bolero music offers a moment of introspection and celebration, inviting listeners to embark on a soul-stirring musical odyssey.