Adrian Quesada on Boleros Psicodélicos II, Austin Music Scene, and Oscar Nomination

The Genesis of Boleros Psicodélicos II

• 💡 Boleros Psicodélicos II is Adrian Quesada's second solo project, exploring traditional bolero music with a psychedelic twist.
• 🎯 The album draws inspiration from the late 60s and early 70s when young Latin American artists infused boleros with electric instruments, influenced by psychedelic music, soul, and rock.
• 🔑 Quesada aimed for a more intimate feel on this album, recording live with his band and collaborating closely with vocalists, a contrast to the remote process of the first volume.

Collaborations and Vocalists

• 🎤 Quesada invited various artists, including Mireya Ramos, Angelica Garcia, and iLe, to lend their unique voices to the album.
• 🌟 He sought collaborators who had roots in bolero but were also unafraid to experiment and take the music in new directions.
• 🧩 The selection process involved sending demos and ideas, with artists often surprising Quesada with their chosen tracks, sometimes even pulling from earlier demos.

The Austin Music Scene

• 🎶 Austin, Texas, has significantly shaped Quesada's musical journey, known for its high level of musicianship and a strong sense of community among artists.
• 🎸 The city's environment encourages musicians to hone their craft seriously, with legendary guitarists often present at even small club shows.
• ⚠️ Quesada notes significant changes in Austin, particularly post-pandemic, with increased gentrification impacting affordability and altering the city's once bohemian character.

Studio Philosophy and Oscar Recognition

• 🎧 Quesada founded Electric Deluxe Recorders to achieve specific sounds he heard in his head, blending analog warmth with digital precision.
• 🎬 He co-wrote the song "Like a Bird" for the film Singing, earning an Academy Award nomination.
• ✍️ Writing for the film involved closely matching the music to specific scenes, capturing cues from visual elements like a character rolling down a car window.

Musical Influences and Performances

• 🇵🇪 Quesada cites Peruvian band Los Pasteles Verdes as a key inspiration for the bolero project.
• 🇲🇽 He also references Mexican singer José José and Puerto Rican boleristas like Tito Rodriguez.
• 🎤 The album features performances of songs like "Ttor Mentos" with Mireya Ramos and "Noego" with Angelica Garcia, showcasing the blend of traditional and modern influences.