Austin’s premiere psych-soul outfit, Black Pumas, is a musical force.
Their genre-defying tracks instantly snagged critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans from the minute they formed in 2017. By 2019, Eric Burton and producer Adrian Quesada were Grammy nominees with their self-titled album, chock-full of soulful vocals and groovy production, including singles “Black Moon Rising” and “Colors.” The nods continued to add up as they released new music over the years (seven career Grammy nominations). It’s a sound that is both timeless and contemporary, never derivative and always a vibe –especially at their live shows. Ahead of a stop at Music at Maymont, Style caught up with singer Burton and got the download on what makes the Pumas so fierce.
California native Burton’s first musical memory is his uncle.
“He would be songwriting and put a cardboard box over his head, beat-boxing song ideas to himself for lyrics and melody,” he says laughing. Burton realized he could sing while in a traveling church choir, but says he found his voice when he had his first crush. “I realized I could make my voice sound like Usher (laughs), so I spent a few hours emulating ‘Let It Burn.’ I kind of amazed myself with that one.”
Black Pumas amazed in 2020 with their cover of Tracy Chapman’s timeless and now ubiquitous “Fast Car,” making it their own. No emulation there.
“These days, we miss a kind of purity that was then presented by legendary artists like Tracy Chapman, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and the Beatles. They brought an earnestness to creating these classics we know and love today and come back to,” he says. “In some way, shape, or form, the art seems like it mattered a little bit more. It was a lot less programmed, and more composers were brought in to compose strings — things like that. Just look at how Quincy Jones worked with Michael Jackson. He brought a lot of others who had a craft.”
Black Pumas have been recognized for achievements in R&B, rock, and Americana to name a handful. So what the heck is the secret sauce of the signature non-conforming sound? Burton says it’s multifaceted.
“My partner (Adrian) has cultivated his own sound and production quality. He grew up on hip-hop and DJ music, which serves us. Then there’s the generosity of both of us to listen to each other. I also have an unorthodox approach to writing music; my disposition toward the writing is influenced by so many genres,” he says.
When it comes to his own creative process, Burton says he’s very visually oriented and his lyrics come from what he sees. “Movies, movie lines. I always go back to that. How did it make me feel when I absorbed that. Recently, I’ve been moved by true forms of praise and worship. Being honest with your highest self.”
The challenge for Black Pumas is finding time to write and record more, but oddly to relax as well. Friends, family and Mario Kart are at the top of Burton’s list.
There won’t be any rest for a while. Richmond is the fourth stop on a tour that will take Black Pumas down South and then over to Europe (former RVA denizen Angelica Garcia is opening some of those dates). Burton is already excited to try new things and still refers to his band as a new artist. “I haven’t done a lot of things. Our career has been elevated in an expedited way, and in my eyes – we are an overnight success. There’s a ton of stuff I’d like to get into,” he says.
Such as a solo album, he says, and meeting musical heroes like Andre 3000 and collaborating, as well as finishing up the construction of a studio he’s building are all goals.
But for now, it’s time to hit the road.
Black Pumas play Music at Maymont with The Dip on Monday, Sept. 16. Doors are at 5:30 pm, Show 6:00 pm. Tickets $49.50-$75.00. For more information, check out musicatmaymont.com.
