Adrian Quesada is one of those artists who never stops moving.
Originally from the border town of Laredo, Texas, and now based in Austin, he’s known for his work with Grupo Fantasma, Spanish Gold, Brownout, and most notably, the Black Pumas, a group he founded along with vocalist Eric Burton.
With Boleros Psicodélicos II, the second volume in the series, Quesada continues his exploration of Latin American psychedelic ballads of the ‘60s and ‘70s. But this time, he lets the album live firmly in the present.
While the first Boleros Psicodélicos was recorded remotely during the pandemic, Quesada wanted this second volume to capture the warmth of collaboration in the studio. Partnering with producer Alex Goose (Childish Gambino, Aaron Frazer, JPEGMAFIA), the album holds a modern energy while honoring its vintage roots.
Like the first volume, Boleros Psicodélicos II features a variety of contemporary artists from across the Latin music world —Colombian, Chilean, Cuban, Puerto Rican and more — each gifting something different to the collection of songs.
“Ojos Secos” features rising Los Angeles musician Cuco, whose blend of bossa nova, indie-pop, and psychedelia shines in a track that feels very of the moment. “Bravo” with Puerto Rican singer iLe is one of the album’s more traditional offerings, while “No Juego” with Virginia-based Angélica Garcia bridges tradition and the present together with layered vocals that are chef’s kiss.
“Primos” brings instrumental duo Hermanos Gutiérrez into the mix for a vibey instrumental track, while Afro-Cuban jazz singer Daymé Arocena’s vocals on “No Temeré” beautifully tie the album together.
With Boleros Psicodélicos II, Quesada offers an album rooted in the past but alive in 2025, while lifting up the collaborating artists at the same time.
Must Listens
- "Ojos Secos (ft. Cuco)"
- "Bravo (ft. iLe)"
- "No Juego (ft. Angélica Garcia)"
- "Primos (ft. Hermanos Gutiérrez)"
- "Te Vas y Yo Te Dejo (ft. Gepe)"
- "El Diamante"
- "No Temeré (ft. Daymé Arocena)"
