Black Pumas, the Austin-based psychedelic soul duo, has risen to popularity since their formation in 2017. Known for their electrifying shows and genre-blending sound, the group has gained critical acclaim, with more than three million monthly listeners on Spotify, and a dedicated fan base while also selling out multiple tours across North America and Europe.
By the end of 2017, Adrian Quesada and Eric Burton, the lead singer and songwriter of Black Pumas, had recorded enough music for fun that they decided to make their band official. After coming up with the name Black Pumas, the band played their first show in 2018. Adrian Quesada, the guitarist and producer of the group shared how it all began.
“I was introduced to Eric by a mutual friend, and we began to record music together that summer,” Quesada said. “We didn’t really have plans to make it a band. Officially, we were just kind of recording music and having fun.”
As they continued experimenting, their influences naturally shaped their sound. Their environment is their main source of inspiration, and as a result, the duo’s music is deeply rooted in soul, hip-hop, and psychedelic influences which adds to their unique flair.
“That summer in particular I was kind of trying to find inspiration and going on walks and bike rides and trying to find music,” Quesada said. “One day, [I] came home and started to write some music.”
That search for inspiration extended beyond his surroundings and into the music that shaped him. Drawing influence from producers and bands, their influences are vast and varied, reflecting the diversity of their sound.
“I have so many it’s hard to narrow it down,” Quesada said. “But I would say some of my biggest influences have been producers, like Quincy Jones… the Beastie Boys, and The Beatles.”
For Quesada, the songwriting process is spontaneous and fluid, never following an exact formula. He prefers to let creativity flow naturally by quickly recording ideas on his phone as they come to him.

“I’ll just start with some drums that really inspire me to come up with an idea,” Quesada said. “I will make a quick sort of demo version of it on my laptop or on my computer. I have a recording studio… I’ll pick up a guitar and start to lay down an idea for a song.”
He explained that technological advancements have changed his songwriting process. According to Quesada, the ability to record and produce music from a mobile device has made the music-making process more accessible.
“It’s just easier now to quickly get your ideas down,” Quesada said. “It used to be if you had an idea, you had to go into a recording studio, and it was a big process. Nowadays, you can really make a full album on your phone.”
In addition to his work with Black Pumas, Quesada has a solo career. He remains busy with a continuation of his previous album and producing for other artists.
“I just finished an album of my own music with some other collaborators,” Quesada said. “The album is called ‘Boleros Psicodélicos’. I was just recently nominated for an Oscar, which was not even something that I ever imagined would happen. So that’s just been very surreal and very humbling, just an incredible experience so far.”
Reflecting on his recent projects and achievements, Quesada explained that he stays grounded in the experiences that shaped his journey. He stated that one of the most meaningful parts of his career is performing in Austin, where his musical roots are.
“Playing Austin shows is always really special,” Quesada said. “It’s our hometown, and I think in general, Austin crowds are more exciting than a lot of places around the world. I think Black Pumas is a band that couldn’t have started anywhere else but Austin, so forever we’re grateful for having been born in Austin and also just always having a lot of love and support from people in Austin.”