With an awestruck expression on his face, Cuco stood in the center of the stage catching his breath between tracks. The 24-year-old Chicano artists was stunned to see the lively crowd that had sold out the first night of the Fantasy Gateway Tour at The Novo on Saturday, Aug. 13. “I still can’t believe it,” said Cuco as he took a moment to reflect on his career, “thank you all for the immense support, I love you!”
For the first time in three years, Cuco hits the road, in support of his latest and second studio album, Fantasy Gateway. The album released on July 22, 2022, following his debut studio album with Interscope Records, Para Mi. The 12-track album explores different sounds than Cuco’s previous lo-fi focused work as it includes splashes of experimental with a more aggressive synth-pop. Last night, the Hawthorne-based artist embarked on his tour which began with a great start with a sold out show in the LA venue The Novo.
After minutes of chanting – “Cuco! Cuco! Cuco!” – the crowd went insane as the four band members made their way on to the stage blowing kisses to the crowd, they began to play the introductory track “Heaven is Lucid Dreaming.” Cheers, whistles and screams grew louder as Cuco made his appearance waving to the crowd and shouting, “what’s up everybody, how are you guys doing?” As the stage immediately came to life with neon purple lights the group jumped into a speed up and more energetic rendition of “Foolish,” a track from the new album.
Though Cuco did perform most Fantasy Gateway, he did include some classics. “Where are my OG fans?” asked Cuco before performing his tracks from his self-produced EPs, Wannabewithu and Songs4u. Fans sang at the top of their lungs to Cuco’s early tracks such as “Lover is a Day,” “Lo Que Siento,” “One and Only” and more. Cuco even performed his beloved rendition of Eydie Gormé’s “Piel Canela.”
As the night progressed, Cuco continuously surprised fans with several tricks up his sleeve. The floor literally shook as the crowd went wild when Cuco brought out special guest Jean Carter to perform “Bossa No Sé.” Everyone was jumping and singing along to every word with intensity, some even threw roses and gifts on stage. Cuco also brought out DannyLux, who had opened the show earlier that night, to perform their song “Decir Adios.”
Of course it would not be a Cuco concert without killer guitars and his mind-blowing trumpet solos. Cuco performed a stunning guitar solo for his dreamy cumbia rock single “Under the Sun.” With the spotlight directly shinning down on Cuco, he played his trusty trumpet for his solo in “Amor de Siempre.”
Needless to say, Cuco is a must-watch multi-talented artist. His live performance is an experience quite like no other mixing not only a variety of sounds but also mixing cultures within his music, creating a new genre in which many Latinos feel represented by. Congratulations to Cuco on the new album and here’s to more to come from the Hawthorne musical genius.
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