Black Pumas: The Soulful Psychedelic Rock Revivalists

Black Pumas is the Grammy-nominated psychedelic soul duo formed in Austin, Texas. The group, consisting of singer-songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist-producer Adrian Quesada, achieved critical and commercial success with their self-titled debut album.

Early career

The project began in 2017 when veteran producer and guitarist Adrian Quesada, known for his work with Grupo Fantasma, sought a vocalist for new soul-inspired material. He connected with Eric Burton, a charismatic performer who had moved to Austin after busking his way across the United States from Los Angeles.

Breakthrough

Black Pumas' breakthrough came swiftly with the 2019 release of their self-titled debut album on ATO Records. The record earned a Grammy Award nomination for Album of the Year in 2020, catapulting the duo from the Austin music scene to international recognition.

Key tracks

Colors - This vibrant, uplifting single became their signature song, amassing hundreds of millions of streams and defining their warm, anthemic sound.

Fire - A gritty, slow-burning track that showcases Burton's powerful vocal range and the duo's mastery of atmospheric, retro-inspired production.

Oct 33 - This song highlights their psychedelic rock influences and Adrian Quesada's intricate, cinematic guitar work.

Black Moon Rising - A collaboration with singer-songwriter Hypnotic Brass Ensemble that underscores their ability to blend soul with other genres seamlessly.

The duo's momentum continued with a deluxe edition of their debut and performances on major television shows. Their sound, a fusion of classic soul, fuzzy psychedelic rock, and vintage R&B, resonates with a wide audience seeking organic, analog-inspired music in the modern era.

Fans of Black Pumas' rich, soulful sound may also enjoy the modern gospel-infused rock of Leon Bridges. The raw, blues-rock energy of Gary Clark Jr shares a similar Austin-bred intensity. For the psychedelic soul production, explore the work of The Shacks.

The music of Black Pumas is featured across various radio formats, including adult alternative and album-oriented rock stations, as well as specialty shows focusing on soul and psychedelic revival sounds.

Listeners can explore the soulful rock of Black Pumas through the radio stations available on onairium.com.