When Black Pumas were in town for a show at Surly Festival Field in Minneapolis, one of the band’s co-founders, Eric Burton, visited The Current studio in St. Paul for a solo session hosted by Jessica Paxton.

Watch and listen to the music from the session above; watch and listen to the Jessica’s interview with Eric Burton in the video below, beneath which is a transcript of their conversation.

Interview Transcript

Jessica Paxton: I'm Jessica Paxton, afternoon host on The Current, and I am joined by Eric Burton of Black Pumas, one-half of the duo, along with Adrian Quesada. Eric, thank you so much for being here. I know you guys are in the midst of a really busy tour. You've got a big gig tonight at Surly Brewing Festival Field in Minneapolis. It's just a thrill to have you here. And wow, what a stellar set we just got to listen to. That was absolutely incredible.

Eric Burton: Yeah, thanks for having me. It's really — it's always nice to be back. And, you know, on top of that, it's always nice to revisit just solo performances. Well, it's kind of how I started so...

Jessica Paxton: Well, and let's talk about that. So you come from a busking tradition, even going back before that, you come from a musical family, lots of, as I understand, musical theater, musical performance, but got your start as a performing artist, busking, which to me, is really interesting, that whole busking tradition. Maybe talk a little bit about that and what that brings to your music and your storytelling and your music.

Eric Burton: Most definitely. I grew up in a family and a household that was definitely inclined towards music and theater, and I think that I was just presented with a lot of that information as a kid, that it was really easy for me to kind of absorb that, doing plays in school and in church, singing in choir, and also learning the art of songwriting by way of listening and learning from my uncle, Uncle Steve, he had a great influence on my upbringing, and we're all kind of artists. Everyone either wrote or danced, and/or sang, and so that's kind of how I grew up, in the heart of Los Angeles, till I was about 13 years old. So by the time I started playing guitar around 18 years old — 17, 18, I think it was like a couple weeks before my birthday, my little brother bought me a guitar, which was really cool for my hastings — and I got my start busking when I left college to help out with Mom in California, from New Mexico at Mexico State University. And, man, I mean, I spent about six months busking, and I just, I just found that, out of necessity, it was a really easy way for me to draw people for my own survival, really. And so in doing so, I learned quite a bit, you know, just mainly the art of staying true to what moves me, that other people may be moved by what comes from my heart first. And so hopefully that's kind of carrying over into what we now know as Black Pumas.

Jessica Paxton: Absolutely. And I think there's something about busking too, and coming from that theatrical background, all the world becomes your stage. Whether it's a sidewalk, an alley, a corner, you make the world your stage to share your craft with everyone, which is just a beautiful tradition. I heard a story that when Black Pumas were formed, there was a mutual friend who knew you, knew Adrian, was like, "These two got to meet each other," but that you first sang for Adrian over the phone so he could get a sense of you.

Eric Burton: Yeah. Man, it's such a bizarre...

Jessica Paxton: Very serendipitous.

Eric Burton: Yeah, yeah. Very serendipitous, very bizarre story. You know, upon busking, I was immediately interjected into the Austin music scene. And within a year-and-a-half of, you know, being in Austin, busking in the very beginning, but then also eventually, you know, getting a job and playing solo gigs. On top of that I had at this point in my my journey, in meeting Adrian, I, you know, had a home with, you know, a girlfriend. I was building a home studio, and so I was really trying to, you know, get to know other engineers and producers as to, kind of, you know, help me with the learning curve behind recording my own ideas finally. And Adrian kind of came to me right on time through our friend, Brian Ray, who's also a producer in Austin, Texas. And, you know, I told myself that while I'm learning this, why not give my all to a situation that could turn out to be, you know, great catalog work while I'm working this odd job, you know? That was, like, I was a delivery driver for for Amazon. So, yeah, it was really interesting time, and it happened quite fast for me to be, you know, to meet Adrian Quesada, and then a year into that relationship, we were nominated for a few Grammys, which is absolutely insane and bizarre. But you know, I think that the relationship is a testament to chemistry and compatibility between people, whether you've known them for your entire life, or you just met them five minutes ago.

Jessica Paxton: Absolutely. Well, and we should mention Adrian's not here, but Adrian Quesada, legendary guitarist, producer, also a Grammy Award-winner for his work with his band, Grupo Fantasma. So yeah, I feel like the pairing of you two, like the universe brought you together, and it was, you know, perfect. I've heard people say, oh, you know, you talked about the breakout, self-titled album, debut album, and people calling you an overnight sensation. It's like, "That is one long night," because I know you guys both put a lot of work into your careers and had done a lot of work previously, but there was something really magical about coming together and forming Black Pumas. I want to talk about "Colors." So breakout single on your debut album. I know you just performed it as part of your acoustic set here at The Current, and we want to talk about the new album, too, of course, but I think there's something just so powerful about that song. And not to get all political, but a song that resonated so deeply upon its release in 2019; fast-forward to 2024, man, that song, I just, when you performed it, I feel it so deeply, and it resonates so powerfully. And maybe talk about that song, where that came from. I understand you had written it long before you were a part of Black Pumas, and in fact, performed that as you were busking. So maybe talk about that song, because it's just incredible and so important, I think.

Eric Burton: Sure, I feel like, if you're an artist, you're lucky to write a good song in general, you know, out of however many hundreds of songs that you might have, but I think that what makes "Colors" a special song for how it has, you know, kind of garnered itself a life outside of my bedroom, is how stars have aligned in meeting an Adrian Quesada and then meeting Ryan Matteson of Ten Atoms [artist management company], and then also putting in long hours on the pier and busking, and seeing what people respond to and engage with to kind of, you know, kind of circumvent a very quality presentation of what "Colors" is, just me playing acoustic and singing. You know, I wrote that song at a time where I really needed the engagement. I really needed for people to support me and to see me as a reflection of them. So "Colors" is really special today, because I didn't necessarily write it to kind of wave a flag of equality, and, you know,  and love per se, you know; I was literally, I was leading worship in a Presbyterian church at the time. A pastor had contacted me and he was just like, "Hey, like, we really need somebody, we'll pay you to do it." And I was just like, "Wow, I would love to get paid to play," you know. So I took the gig, and at the time, I was really trying to figure out: What does a hymn sound coming from me, and how I feel like I'm a reflection of my most high self? And so that's where "Colors" kind of was born. And, you know, I physically sat on a rooftop and wrote the song and concluded it. And so today, it's been really interesting to see how the intention behind the writing of that song has blossomed into, you know, the flagship of what, you know, what we've been talking about, and, you know, inclusion and you know, and love and just kind of sharing and giving and you know, making jubilee in all of it as well, while we live in such a, you know, what can be a tumultuous environment sometimes. So that's been really cool and very interesting, because I just, I couldn't have seen it coming in this way.

Jessica Paxton: That's so beautiful. Do you feel sometimes added pressure, maybe because of the success of a song or the success of a debut album? You know, like you said, you released your first album, you guys immediately garner three Grammy nominations. You know, I remember watching the Grammys in 2020 with my kid and going, "Hey, check out this band. These guys are really good." And, like, it was so exciting to see you guys performing on the Grammy stage. Is there pressure that you feel like, "Wow, this thing like, happened, and now here we are, and now we're doing this. But, oh, man, how do we how do we duplicate this? How do we keep it going?"

Eric Burton: For sure. I think the duplication of something that feels really good is being done every day. There's, like, pretty solid systems set in place for an artist to recreate something that they might not have been so conscientious about creating for a specific thing and being like a popular band, but ... and so for me, I think the answer to that is yes, and the answer to that is yes for me, because of how fast we have succeeded at, you know, presenting ourselves. And so it has been pressure because I've had to learn very quickly how to kind of develop myself, to be ready to continue to present songs and performances that are of quality and on par for how people have received me. And so like, that's been the most interesting thing. Outside of that part, I grew up doing this, and so, you know, I feel at home like, you know. I feel like playing and presenting yourself before anyone, even busking, there's a certain level of, I think, nerves, you know, I'm always, I still get nerves and whatnot, but I'm never too  much of, you know, in an under-pressure kind of state about creating and performing. It's what I absolutely love to do, and in some ways, have been cultivated to do so. But, yeah, I think that the the attention can be a little distracting. But overall, I feel like I was kind of bred to be here.

Jessica Paxton: Yeah, and I think it's a testament to the integrity and the quality of the of the musicality, and so, you know, you're doing this thing that you were destined to do. What would you say — and you kind of touched on this a little bit — what's maybe the most surprising thing about success? You know, and not to be at all dismissive of the buskers, but, you know, you're a big deal now. And so maybe, what has been sort of surprising about success, or surprising about being, you know, a name, a band name, that is known coast to coast and around the globe?

Eric Burton: I think the most surprising thing to me about what it is to be successful is that I'm still tasked to be the visionary and artist about how we present ourselves, not just as it pertains to writing songs and recording them into, you know, in a vocal booth. So you know, that means, you know, music videos and the way that we present ourselves, like, you know, on a on an aesthetic basis, like branding and doing interviews and all of these things kind of play a part and/or role in helping people to get to know you a little better. And so that part of it has been really interesting, because for the most part, while we have a great team, we're heavily relied on for, you know, what it is, and/or how it is that we would like to be presented. And so to that degree, I'm still learning how to kind of develop myself, you know, so artist development, I've had to like do that a lot.

Jessica Paxton: So three Grammy nominations for the first album. Then, you know, 2023, you guys have just released Chronicles of a Diamond, your second album. Now you're eight-time Grammy nominated as Black Pumas. Talk about the process with the second album. What is your songwriting process? I mean, obviously you're an incredible vocalist and guitarist. How do you and Adrian approach, you know, new songs and the new album?

Eric Burton: I think our relationship is very much, it's very much indicative of how we met. Adrian was looking for someone to conclude some tracks that he had made with lyrics and melody in a song. And I was, you know, I was just kind of trying to make anything work. I'm like, "OK, well, who's this guy first of all?" And, you know, once I read into, you know, a little bit of my partner's history, I felt it, you know, an obvious, good choice to try to see what our compatibility would look like in a studio and a performative situation. And so our relationship looks like Adrian, like it was in the very beginning, him sending me tracks and me putting lyrics and melodies and a song on top of those tracks, and then, or also, me sharing full songs with Adrian, like we did in the beginning. Like, "OK, cool. Like, I finished a lot of your tracks," and, but, but he was interested in hearing more of my music, and so I shared those songs, like, in like, "Colors," "October 33" and, you know, "Touch the Sky," and, you know, a couple of others that just kind of married each other very well. So that's, you know, what it was, and the situation has evolved to kind of presenting a sandbox for the both of us in presenting each other ideas.

So, you know, I've learned and evolved, so I'm no longer playing guitar and singing on my own. I'm in a studio. I'm building a studio. I have, you know, I have a band now, and so I've learned how to delegate different roles that maybe I would have done on my own, in a bass part or a lead part or a drum part, on the guitar and via my voice to different people to kind of help magnify that. So what it looked like for the second album is, I was doing a lot of work on my own to present to Adrian Quesada for his notes and sometimes arrangement, you know. And so we kind of worked that way where, in conclusion, I just had a little bit more influence on the music outside of adding lyrics and melody. And so I think that we're still proving to ourselves that it's been a pretty compatible relationship as far as studio work goes.

Jessica Paxton: Absolutely. I think it's been a incredibly, you know, compatible relationship, which, again, doesn't always happen. And so, you know, you have two entities that are both creative forces. Both have, you know, longtime history and performance experience, but coming together, creating that new entity. And I think you know, you guys obviously have a lot of respect for each other and expect respect for each other's creativity. And the end result is, you know, this beautiful collaboration, which is really fantastic, and again, Chronicles of a Diamond, is just another breakout sensation record. I have to ask, because I'm kind of obsessed with the song "Ice Cream (Pay Phone)." Explain what that means and what that's all about. I can't get that song out of my head. It's, it's, I just, I, it's, like, shoobee do-wah, wah. Like, "Ice cream, pay phone, vanilla on top." I just, where'd that come from?

Eric Burton: Yeah, it feels very classic in that way. And that was the point. I had written that part of the song later, but that song, kind of it came from when I was in college and I was missing my little brothers, you know? "Hey there, little darling. Can I call you on the pay phone?" You know, I was missing my brothers, but I was kind of dressing the lyrics to present in a way that was like more of a romantic kind of back-and-forth with someone else. And then eventually, I rewatched the movie Big with Tom Hanks, and I was very inspired by the "shimmy shimmy coco baby." So you're spot on.

Jessica Paxton: It's almost like one of those jumping, jump-rope songs too, where I just think of like kids on a playground, chanting it together and jumping rope. And it's just so amazing. I love it.

Eric Burton: Most definitely, yeah, it was really important for me, in that, in this, in that moment of creating that song, to have a lot of fun. Just like, "Eric, sit down have fun. It's two in the morning. You're here with your friend. You live in a studio. There's no furniture in this place. Why aren't we recording ideas?" And so that was created in that moment where I, you know, implored my friend to come inside from sitting on the porch all day to, like, make something. Let's do something in an hour-and-a-half. And so I just picked up an instrument after another, and I used an Al Green sample, and, you know, did a few things just to make something. And that was one of the tracks that Adrian really dug. He's like, "Oh, man. Like, this is a really fun one." Like, you know, "Get it to a point so I can help you finish it," and he did, and he did a really good job, really great job.

Jessica Paxton: And I think that's another reason why I'm such a fan of your music, because there's powerful messages in songs, like "Colors," And then you guys can also have a lot of a lot of fun, you know, with the music as well. And speaking of which, so you've got this performance tonight. I know you've got a really busy day.

Eric Burton: Surly Brewing!

Jessica Paxton: Surly Brewing. People are so excited. I know the show was originally scheduled for June and had to be rescheduled because of the weather. So thank you so much for fitting Minnesota back into your busy schedule.

But fans are going to have just such a blast. And again, it's so ... we're just grateful that you took the time to come hang out with us today. Where, after Minneapolis, what's next? What's going on next? What's the future for Black Pumas?

Eric Burton: We're so we're so happy to be here in Minneapolis, first of all, because I just remember having, like, a very special moment at the Turf Club. You know, people in Minneapolis really show up for the music. Obviously, we have some history here as a band. And you know, via Adrian, who used to play with Prince, and so there's, there's always a special vibe for us here; like, we love it here. So Minneapolis kicks off our kind of a Midwest tour. So we're going to be kind of touring the Midwest, and then we'll, you know, hit Kentucky and on to Atlanta, and I think we have a couple of other things going on. I'm actually surprised that I'm remembering anything, because I never know what's going on!

Jessica Paxton: That's why you have this great team around you.

Eric Burton: Yeah, exactly. But Minneapolis, man, we cannot wait to see you guys at the show. I can't wait to give you hugs and, you know, sign things if you want. But, yeah, man, here we are. Black Pumas.

Jessica Paxton: Well, thank you so very much. It's really been a lot of fun to meet you again. Black Pumas, Chronicles of a Diamond out now. Good luck with the rest of the tour, and give our best to Adrian as well.

Eric Burton: You got it.

Jessica Paxton: All right. Thanks so much.

Eric Burton: See ya.

Gallery: Black Pumas in studio

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Songs Performed

00:00:00 Rock and Roll
00:04:19 Angel
00:09:16 Colors

Songs 1 and 2 are from Black Pumas’ 2023 album, Chronicles of a Diamond; song 3 is from Black Pumas’ 2019 self-titled release. Both albums are available on ATO Records.

Musician

Eric Burton – vocals and guitar

Credits

Guest – Eric Burton of Black Pumas
Host – Jessica Paxton
Producer – Derrick Stevens
Audio – D’Vir Rudin, Eric Xu Romani
Video – Evan Clark
Graphics – Natalia Toledo
Digital Producer – Luke Taylor

External Link

Black Pumas – official site