Podcast Episode Summary: "Adrian Quesada Writes Boleros with a Psychedelic Twist"

All Of It by WNYC, hosted by Alison Stewart, delves into the vibrant intersection of culture and music, spotlighting influential artists and their creative processes. In the August 11, 2025 episode titled "Adrian Quesada Writes Boleros with a Psychedelic Twist," Alison engages in an in-depth conversation with Adrian Quesada, renowned musician and producer, exploring his latest solo venture, Boleros Psychedelicos 2.

Introduction to Adrian Quesada and Boleros Psychedelicos 2

The episode opens with Alison Stewart introducing Adrian Quesada, known as one half of the acclaimed band Black Pumas. However, the focus shifts to his solo project, Boleros Psychedelicos 2, a summer tour capturing the essence of his new album. Adrian performed live at the Bricks Celebrate Brooklyn Summer Festival in Prospect Park, marking a notable moment where his voice was notably mellow due to recovering from a cold (00:09).

Exploring the Boleros Psychedelicos Series

Adrian elaborates on his new album, describing it as the second installment in a series that reimagines traditional bolero music with a psychedelic twist. Growing up on the Texas-Mexico border, bolero was a significant part of his childhood, and his contemporary take fuses late 60s and early 70s influences with electric instruments and psychedelic elements.

"Boleros are probably the greatest songs ever written. So if you combine those two, that's what just makes fireworks in my brain." (07:49)

Musical Influences and Style

Adrian traces his inspiration to bands like Los Pasteles Verdes from Peru and artists such as Jose and Tito Rodriguez. He emphasizes the fusion of traditional bolero forms with modern electric sounds, aiming to create a unique auditory experience that resonates with both nostalgic and contemporary audiences.

"They're playing these traditional boleros song forms with electric instruments, with a little bit of that psychedelic and soul and rock influence." (07:49)

Collaborative Process with Vocalists

A standout feature of Boleros Psychedelicos 2 is Adrian's collaboration with diverse vocalists, including Marea Ramos, Angelica Garcia, and Ile. During the episode, Adrian introduces his band members and discusses why each vocalist was chosen for specific tracks.

"Merea has just got incredible passion, coming from her background in mariachi music. Her experience really elevates this music." (07:18)

Adrian highlights the importance of letting vocalists bring their unique interpretations to the music, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Recording Process: From Isolation to Intimacy

Adrian contrasts the recording processes of the two parts of his project. Part One was created remotely during the pandemic, where collaborations happened virtually, leading to a more detached production.

"We recorded remotely, nobody was ever in the room with me. I'm really happy with the album the way it came out, but I wanted to take advantage of being in the room." (09:51)

In Part Two, Adrian sought a more intimate and cohesive sound by recording live with his band, Jay Mumford on drums and Taran Ector on instruments, enhancing the human connection inherent in live performances.

"There's nothing like that human experience and connection that happens when people are in a room and interacting like that." (10:47)

Influence of Austin, Texas on Artistic Development

Having lived in Austin since college, Adrian discusses how the city's reputation as the "live music capital of the world" has profoundly shaped his musical journey. He praises the high level of musicianship and the supportive, non-competitive community that fosters creativity.

"Everybody knows each other. Everybody supports everybody. It's a great community of musicians." (17:57)

Adrian also touches upon the significant changes Austin has undergone, particularly the challenges of gentrification and affordability, while noting that the city's unique spirit, famously encapsulated in the phrase "Keep Austin Weird," remains intact despite these transformations.

"It's hard to completely wipe away the spirit of Austin with that, because it is still like, it was started by the freaks, but it's still." (20:24)

Electric Deluxe Recorders: Bridging Analog and Digital

Adrian founded Electric Deluxe Recorders, a studio epitomizing the blend of analog warmth and digital precision. He underscores his commitment to capturing the authentic sounds he envisions, balancing traditional recording techniques with modern technology.

"The analog meets digital thing was, you know, it's like I just think that the music that was recorded mostly analog is the stuff that I'm attracted to, but I do embrace technology." (21:20)

Academy Award Nomination for “Like a Bird”

A significant highlight of the conversation is Adrian's recent Academy Award nomination for the song "Like a Bird," co-written with Abraham Stotland for the film Sing Sing. He recounts the surreal experience of discovering the nomination and the joy of contributing to what he regards as an outstanding film.

"I always just tell people, like, whether or not I was involved in Sing Sing, people have to go watch Sing Sing. It's such an insanely incredible film." (24:10)

Adrian describes the creative process behind the song, which involved meticulously aligning the music with specific scenes from the movie to enhance the emotional resonance.

"We watched it over and over and piped it together, tapping a drum track until I got the feel of it." (23:39)

Live Performances and Final Remarks

The episode culminates with Adrian and his band performing "Mentiras con Cariño" featuring Angelica Garcia and Yvette Cook. The live rendition showcases the seamless integration of traditional bolero rhythms with psychedelic undertones, encapsulating the essence of Adrian's musical vision.

"It's kind of got like a James Bond theme about it, a 1960s James Bond theme about it." (25:03)

Adrian concludes by expressing gratitude towards his collaborators and listeners, hinting at future musical endeavors while emphasizing the importance of community and shared artistic expression.

"Thank you for having me. And thanks to everybody in the studio as well." (31:33)

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It provides a comprehensive look into Adrian Quesada's artistic journey, highlighting his innovative approach to blending traditional bolero with psychedelic influences. Through insightful discussions and live performances, listeners gain an appreciation for Adrian's dedication to musical authenticity, collaborative spirit, and the cultural landscapes that shape his work. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his music, this conversation offers a rich exploration of creativity and cultural fusion.

Transcript Reference

For detailed quotes and specific timestamps, refer to the transcript sections indicated throughout the summary.