Black Pumas' Breakout Year
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Jody Domingue
Initially starting as a studio project in 2018, the Black Pumas' buzz around Austin proved their sound belonged on stage. The duo released their self-titled debut album a year later and have never looked back, earning four Grammy nominations and performing at the Presidential Inauguration.
Get to Know Black Pumas
Singer/songwriter and California native Eric Burton was busking and couch surfing across the west coast before settling in Austin, Texas. There he met guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada, who had already won a Grammy with the Latin-influenced Grupo Fantasma. Their breakout hit, "Colors," was a YouTube sensation and brought them millions of new fans.
What Black Pumas Talks About in This Episode
*What Drew Eric to Austin
*What Kept Adrian in Austin
*Austin Food Scene
*Success of "Colors"
*Early Performances Together
Quotes from Black Pumas
"Well, I spent quite a bit of time in California between there and West Virginia and a little bit of time in New Mexico. When I first got to Austin, I felt that Southern hospitality kind of thing...people here were very receptive and just very warm and welcoming to me...And so I'm glad I stayed because I think Adrian and I both admit to each other that this wouldn't have happened anywhere else. So that's the reason why I stayed and I'm glad I did." - Eric Burton
"I would say the number one thing that kept me in Austin is family. I moved here from a town called Laredo, which is like three hours south. And, coming from Laredo, Austin was a whole other world to me, and it was the nearest city to my hometown where I could do music, art, feel creative, and be myself." - Adrian Quesada
"The barbecue is amazing. And Lockhart, right outside of Austin, is kind of like the capital, but, it's funny because I feel like I only eat it when friends from out of town come in and want to eat barbecue. It's kind of one of those really heavy lunches, if that's what you're doing that day, that's what you're doing that day." - Adrian Quesada
"I personally really love the integration that has been a kind of soul food and Mexican food. One of my first friends here in Austin, his name is John Sanchez, and his parents own a restaurant called Baby A's. It's a little chain for Tex-Mex and delicious cocktails."
—-Eric Burton
"I believe that we were both fairly nervous. We didn't know how it was going to go over. All we knew for sure was that we had a really great time recording it together. And we felt that we would be remiss not to give this music a go. I remember both of us not really inviting too many people out." - Eric Burton
"I used to look forward to that Thursday all week long. I mean, it was so much fun. You know, those first shows were a lot of our friends. But by the second or third one, there were lines around the block. It was so new and so fresh, exciting. I had a hard time sleeping the night before because I'd be so excited. But I do remember, I think I felt like it exceeded my expectations on that first show." - Adrian Quesada
About Biscuits & Jam
In the South, talking about food is personal. It's a way of sharing your history, your family, your culture, and yourself. Each week Sid Evans, editor in chief of Southern Living, sits down with celebrity musicians to hear stories of how they grew up, what inspired them, and how they've been shaped by Southern culture. Sid takes us back to some of their most cherished memories and traditions, the family meals they still think about, and their favorite places to eat on the road.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Stitcher.
Get a transcript of the full interview with Black Pumas.
