Musician and producer Adrian Quesada emanates a calming charm during conversations, his voice imbued with intrigue and warmth without ever reaching a high volume.
This serene quality resonates deeply with his latest album, “Boleros Psicodélicos II,” which invites listeners on a 12-track journey through Quesada’s Latin American influences.
Released on Friday, the album is a testament to collaboration and creativity, further solidifying Quesada’s place within the music scene.
In an interview with The Times by Echo Park Lake, Quesada expressed his identity as more of a producer than a solo artist.
He humorously compares himself to Izzy Stradlin instead of Slash, revealing how the spotlight is a recent and somewhat uncomfortable experience for him.
“It’s really raw and kind of a weird thing for me because it’s not my style to be in the forefront. I just like to make the music. I try to move in silence,” Quesada shared.
After years of performing in large ensembles, including the acclaimed Grupo Fantasma and Grammy-winning Black Pumas, Quesada has finally stepped into the solo artist realm.
His former bands boasted impressive lineups; Grupo Fantasma had 10 members while Black Pumas often featured anywhere from seven to eight.
Though he often stayed in the background, his exceptional musicianship shone through, earning significant recognition.
Grupo Fantasma’s album “El Existential” won a Grammy for Latin rock or alternative album in 2011, showcasing Quesada’s skill as a producer.
Black Pumas, too, garnered notable accolades, receiving nominations for record of the year for “Colors” and album of the year for their self-titled record.
Quesada’s foray as a solo artist began with the first “Boleros Psicodélicos” album, a blend of covers and original pieces featuring various talented artists, including iLe from Calle 13 and Gaby Moreno.
The 2022 release was praised by The Times as a unique album combining elements of tropical psychedelia and 1960s rock, allowing guest vocalists to shine brightly.
With “Boleros II,” Quesada continues to explore his sonic landscape by incorporating well-known romantic standards alongside fresh tracks, while utilizing his characteristic rhythmic style.
Growing up in the border town of Laredo, Texas, provided Quesada with a unique cultural perspective.
He described Laredo as “at the crossroads of a crossroad,” a bilingual environment without clear distinctions between English and Spanish.
This cultural fusion informs his approach to music, as he avoids the confines of strict genre classifications.
Like many of his peers from the ’80s and ’90s, Quesada was profoundly influenced by MTV, recalling the variety of shows that introduced him to diverse musical styles.
He cites watching “Yo! MTV Raps” and “Alternative Nation” as formative experiences leading him to develop an interest in music production, particularly influenced by figures like Dr. Dre.
Quesada emphasizes the importance of transcending arbitrary cultural and genre boundaries through his music.
He points out that the differences often highlighted among people are often small and insignificant, noting the similarities between Latin rhythms and other genres such as soul and funk.
His upbringing plays a significant role in shaping this perspective as he strives to build bridges, not walls, in his musical endeavors.
Despite his Texas roots, Quesada’s recent experiences in Los Angeles have greatly influenced the sound of “Boleros II.”
His nomination for an original song at the Academy Awards for “Like A Bird” has drawn him closer to the L.A. music scene.
Co-written with Abraham Alexander for the film “Sing Sing,” the song allowed him to immerse himself in the visual and musical elements of the project.
Reflecting on this journey, Quesada mentioned that the Oscar nomination unexpectedly transformed his routine, forcing him to spend more time in Los Angeles than he anticipated.
This interaction with the vibrant L.A. music community brought fresh dynamics to the new album, showcasing artists like Cuco, Angélica Garcia, and Trish Toledo.
“In L.A., all the references I was showing to Angelica, Trish, and Cuco felt very natural for them,” Quesada said, touching upon the cultural familiarity shared among the artists.
Currently, Quesada is on tour with Trio Asesino in support of Hermanos Gutiérrez, where he will perform tracks from “Boleros II.”
One notable performance is set for August 2 at L.A.’s California Plaza, as part of Grand Performances’ free summer concert series.
In discussing the impact of art and music, Quesada relates his work on “Sing Sing” to a greater mission: rehabilitation through artistic expression.
He believes in the transformative power of music, stating, “Everything from a song inspiring a whole movement to a song just making you smile for the day, that’s the power of music.”
With the release of “Boleros Psicodélicos II,” Quesada continues to explore the depths of his artistic identity while reaffirming the importance of cultural connections across genres.
image source from：latimes
