Debut EP from Adrian Cota

Mexican-born artist, producer and songwriter Adrian Cota has been on a decorated musical adventure most musicians spend decades chasing. Long before releasing music under his own name, he’d already earned a reputation behind the scenes as a writer, producer and touring musician moving through some of the most visible corners of contemporary Latin music. Having studied at Berklee College of Music before playing alongside artists including Herbie Hancock, Arturo Sandoval and Juanes, Adrian developed the talents of a musician equally comfortable with performance flair and emotional impact.

In 2015, he stepped into international visibility as a member, songwriter and producer for Cody Simpson’s band Cody & The Tide, whose music reached the iTunes Top 10. Elsewhere, his production and songwriting credits continued to gather weight; “Déjame Dormir” by Codiciado and Carín León climbed to number 18 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Airplay chart, while his production on Manuel Medrano’s “Mucho Más Que Ayer” earned recognition from Rolling Stone en Español as one of the Best Songs of 2025.

At the same time, Medrano’s album Superior also landed on the publication’s list of the year’s best albums. Quietly, consistently, Adrian Cota was becoming one of the most in-demand creative presences operating behind modern Latin music’s developing sound. He also collaborated with Apple to create the official MLS anthem, a project which saw him link up with producer duo Take A Daytrip and Fuerza Regida.

Yet despite the accolades, collaborations and touring history, this moment feels entirely different and today his own sound is shaped by Latin rhythms, soul, funk and pop, but delivered with the swagger of an artist who already understands how to command a room. His self-titled debut EP now arrives without overarching concept or elaborate framing device, just six tracks introducing his vision, influences and ambitions in their purest form.

Kicked off with “South Bae,” the EP starts with the bright flicker of funky guitar rhythms and rhythmic shaker before jumping into a colourful jam that rolls with vibrant brass pips and smooth vocal delivery. Uplifting, danceable and instantly catchy from start to finish, it’s a stunning display of his memorable songwriting and performance talent. “No Era La Bebida” follows with a delicate blend of breezy guitar tones, pattering percussion and tender vocals, offering a laid back Latin pop experience that’s charming and subtly grooving.

“Hiere” drifts into focus with swirling strings before the soft pulse of percussion, soft swells of synth and alluring vocal leads casts a mesmeric soundscape. “PDV” rolls with grooving guitar lines before bursts of surging instrumentation injects gripping energy to set up a grooving outing that showcases Adrian’s musical range and vocal panache. Regional Mexican influences move naturally through grooves shaped by soul, funk and pop, never feeling forced or over-designed, resulting in a song that exists in multiple styles all at once.

With “Boujee,” he serve up a slick sound that blends soulful pop vibes with energising Latin rap to craft a playful track that’s colourful and infectious throughout. Closing the EP with “M.I.A,” the shuffle of jittery rhythm and flutter of lively vocals flows with razor sharp rapped delivery and moments of sticky hooks all wrapped up in an engaging arrangement to present a dazzling finale to his debut EP. With his first full-length record currently in the works, Adrian Cota is sure to win over countless fans around the world with his captivating solo musical output.

Listen to Adrian Cota below