Exploring Cuco’s Latest Album: Influences of Musical Roots, Chicano Soul, and Loss
Cuco’s latest album, Ridin’, features several songs that reference cars and driving throughout the record. One prominent example is in the track “My 45,” where the artist uses vehicular imagery to depict his significant other as a “ride or die.” The theme of cars and driving is recurrent, with Cuco’s personal 1989 Toyota Supra adorning the album cover. While Cuco hesitates to label the album as a concept piece, he does acknowledge a consistent motif present in the songs.
The artist explains that he aims for his projects to be cohesive and narrative-driven, focusing on world-building within his music. His love for Los Angeles serves as a backdrop for the inspiration behind the new songs. Cuco draws influence from cruising through the city, accompanied by a soundtrack of Chicano soul music, a genre deeply intertwined with Mexican American culture and car culture in L.A. The fusion of cars, music, and location represent integral aspects of Cuco’s upbringing that inevitably manifest in his music.
In an interview, Cuco expresses his desire for Ridin’ to become a quintessential album for listeners embarking on a drive or cruise. With a focus on wistful nostalgia and a more acoustic sound enriched by brass and woodwinds, the record reflects the artist’s creative development since his previous album, Fantasy Gateway. Collaborating with musicians like Thomas Brenneck, known for his work with artists such as Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson, Cuco achieves a blend of modern and traditional sounds on the album.
Through Ridin’, Cuco pays homage to Southern California cruising culture, emphasizing his lifelong passion for cars and the allure of aimless drives throughout L.A.’s scenic routes. The album seeks to provide listeners with a sonic journey that requires minimal contemplation, serving as an essential companion for cruising sessions. Cuco deliberately steers towards Chicano soul as a genre of choice, citing artists like the Royal Jesters and Brenton Wood as significant influences on his music.
Working alongside producer Tom Brenneck, Cuco fine-tuned the album’s sound, opting for a more organic approach to recording in contrast to his previous synth-heavy productions. Brenneck’s expertise and musical proficiency contributed to shaping Ridin’s overall aesthetic, fostering a sense of musical maturity and evoking a fondness for old-school soul melodies. By infusing elements of Chicano soul with an analog sound, Cuco’s Ridin’ emerges as a cohesive love letter to his hometown and a medley of vibrant musical influences.