CUERATED

Carlos Esqueda
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to CUERATED a unique podcast that invites you into the intimate pages of a personal journal. Join me, Carlos, as I dive into the raw, unfiltered experiences of my life, sharing stories, thoughts, and reflections that capture the essence of human existence. But that's not all, Music is my eternal companion, and through this podcast, I get to share my deep passion for it. Tune in as I explore the profound connection between life's moments and the melodies that soundtrack them.

  1. 1D AGO

    Bad Bunny Super Bowl : A Cultural Breakdown, Minute by Minute

    Bad Bunny didn’t just perform at the Super Bowl—he took the entire stage and made it cultural. In this episode, I’m doing a minute-by-minute breakdown of the Super Bowl halftime show, unpacking every visual, lyric, and choice that made this performance hit so hard. From la casita and sugar cane fields to salsa, street life, weddings, flags, and pan-Latino pride, this halftime show centered Puerto Rico and Latino culture without translating itself or asking for permission. We’re talking symbolism, memory, joy, resistance, and why this moment mattered way beyond football (which, let’s be real, I did not watch). If you’re looking for a deeper, culturally grounded breakdown of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show—and why it will live in history long after the game—this episode is for you.

    40 min

  2. 10/27/2025

    AI Music Is Here — But Can It Be Real?

    In 2025, Spotify joined forces with Universal, Sony, Warner Music Group, and Merlin to launch “artist-first” AI tools — promising innovation without erasing authenticity. But can technology and creativity really coexist? In this episode of CUERATED, we dive deep into the tension between human craft and algorithmic creation. From Spotify’s 75 million-track purge to viral AI bands like Velvet Sundown, the industry is at a turning point: authenticity has become music’s most valuable currency. This episode unpacks how artists, labels, and fans are redefining what “real” means in the streaming age. 🎙️ Season Theme: The Age of Authenticity — Finding What’s Real in an Artificial World **** You can now find a video version of this episode through Spotify, YouTube, and on social. **** Make sure to follow CUERATED on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cueratedcorner and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cuerared VISIT US AT CUERATED.NET FOR Curated playlistsFull podcast episodesAnd much more!

    22 min

  3. 10/14/2025

    The Grammy Illusion: Music’s Biggest Night or Industry Politics?

    Every year, millions tune in to the Grammys — but how much do we actually know about how music’s biggest night works? In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the Recording Academy, the secretive voting process, and the politics that shape who takes home those golden trophies. From how artists campaign for nominations to why major stars like The Weeknd and Drake have boycotted the awards, we unpack the controversies, cultural shifts, and what winning a Grammy really means in 2025. Plus, we explore whether the Grammys still define “greatness” in an era ruled by streaming, TikTok virality, and fan-driven music culture. A deep dive into prestige, power, and performance — because not all that glitters is gold.

    16 min

  4. 09/29/2025

    Coachella 2026 Lineup Review: The Vibes, The Money, The Decline?

    The Coachella 2026 lineup is here — but did Goldenvoice drop it too early? In this episode, I unpack why the lineup leaked months ahead of schedule, what last year’s slowest ticket sales in a decade say about the festival’s finances, and whether Coachella is losing its edge with safe headliner choices. From Justin Bieber’s high-stakes set to why fans miss those once-in-a-lifetime Coachella ‘moments,’ I break down the good, the bad, and the future of the world’s most famous festival. **** You can now find a video version of this episode through Spotify, YouTube, and on social. **** Make sure to follow CUERATED on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cueratedcorner and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cuerared VISIT US AT CUERATED.NET FOR Curated playlistsFull podcast episodesAnd much more!

    27 min

  5. 04/25/2025

    Coachella Realness: My 11th Year Recap, Favorite Sets & What Goers Should Know

    Missed Coachella 2025? No worries—I’ve got you. In this episode, I break down my 11th year at the desert's biggest music festival, sharing the best sets, the vibes, crowd energy, and what surprised me most this time around. If you want the inside scoop, consider this your unofficial Coachella guide from someone who's been in the game over a decade. Let’s talk about overall vibes, rising stars, set design, and how to actually enjoy the festival (without losing your mind or your phone). **** You can now find a video version of this episode through Spotify, YouTube, and on social. **** Make sure to follow CUERATED on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cueratedcorner and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cuerared VISIT US AT CUERATED.NET FOR Curated playlistsFull podcast episodesAnd much more!

    40 min

  6. 04/09/2025

    Surviving Coachella 2025: Insider Tips, Parking Hacks & Hidden Gems

    Ready for Coachella 2025? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a festival veteran, this episode is your ultimate survival guide. Carlos shares insider tips for navigating the festival like a pro — from parking hacks and the best permanent bathrooms to avoiding traffic gridlock and finding the perfect meeting spots when cell service fails. Plus, we dive into this year’s layout changes, new installations, and why the tiny-font artists might just be your next favorite act. We’re talking real Coachella strategy — not influencer fluff. Get there early, discover hidden gems, and vibe without getting lost (literally or spiritually). Let’s make sure your Coachella weekend is full of memories, not stress. 🎡 Parking tips that’ll save your legs📍 Pro meeting spots when reception drops🎶 Underrated artists you can’t miss🚫 Avoiding the influencer trap — and embracing the real vibes **** You can now find a video version of this episode through Spotify, YouTube, and on social. **** Make sure to follow CUERATED on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cueratedcorner and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cuerared VISIT US AT CUERATED.NET FOR Curated playlistsFull podcast episodesAnd much more!

    28 min

  7. 04/04/2025

    How Chappell Roan (and Others) Became a Brand: The Creative Director Effect

    Ever wonder why some artists look like stars before you even hear a note? In this episode of CUERATED, we pull back the velvet curtain on the powerful—but often unsung—role of creative directors in shaping the world’s biggest music brands. From Lady Gaga’s outrageous fashion eras to the rising pop theater of Chappell Roan, creative directors are the architects behind the visuals, narratives, and aesthetics that make an artist unforgettable. We explore how these behind-the-scenes visionaries build cohesive identities, design immersive eras, and turn artists into full-blown cultural icons. Whether you’re a creative, a music lover, or someone curious about the intersection of style and sound—this episode will change the way you see your favorite performers. Featuring real-world examples, media insights, and a fresh look at today’s most exciting music talent, this 20-minute episode is your backstage pass to the creative direction shaping the sound (and style) of pop culture. **** You can now find a video version of this episode through Spotify, YouTube, and on social. **** Make sure to follow CUERATED on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cueratedcorner and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cuerared VISIT US AT CUERATED.NET FOR Curated playlistsFull podcast episodesAnd much more!

    22 min

  8. 03/24/2025

    From Spotify to Life Coaching: Bianca Lynn’s Creative Journey to Authenticity

    In this episode of CUERATED, we sit down with Bianca Lynn, a powerhouse creative whose journey spans working at top media and music companies like Spotify, Complex, and Fuse. After a career pivot, she embraced her true calling as a life coach, guiding others through transformation. Bianca opens up about navigating career transitions, embracing the power of creativity, and finding authenticity in every phase of life. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on pursuing passions, overcoming challenges, and the magic of reinvention. | Follow Bianca on LinkedIn check out her coaching: https://coachbiancalynn.com/ **** You can now find a video version of this episode through Spotify, YouTube, and on social. **** Make sure to follow CUERATED on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cueratedcorner and⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @cuerared VISIT US AT CUERATED.NET FOR Curated playlistsFull podcast episodesAnd much more!

    1h 34m
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Trailer

About

Welcome to CUERATED a unique podcast that invites you into the intimate pages of a personal journal. Join me, Carlos, as I dive into the raw, unfiltered experiences of my life, sharing stories, thoughts, and reflections that capture the essence of human existence. But that's not all, Music is my eternal companion, and through this podcast, I get to share my deep passion for it. Tune in as I explore the profound connection between life's moments and the melodies that soundtrack them.

Information

  • Creator
    Carlos Esqueda
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Carlos Esqueda
  • Show Website
    CUERATED