Transcript

Cuban Cowboy in the 305: Orlando Mendez on Motherland, Miami Roots & the “Always Summer” Six-Pack

From Stay Tranquilo · Episode page · Watch on YouTube

· 37 min · 8,222 words · 195 timestamped sections

This is the full, timestamped transcript of "Cuban Cowboy in the 305: Orlando Mendez on Motherland, Miami Roots & the “Always Summer” Six-Pack", an episode of Stay Tranquilo published December 3, 2025 (37 min, about 8,222 words). It mentions 63 people, works and ideas, including Beers Back Home, Cuban American, guitar, Motherland, Chris Daniel.

What this episode is about

Orlando Mendez, known as the "Cuban Cowboy," reflects on his life as a second-generation Cuban American in Miami, sharing his family's rich heritage and the impact of their experiences after leaving Cuba. The discussion offers insights into Miami's cultural landscape and the connections that shape its community, highlighting Mendez's journey and the local influences that inspire him.

Key takeaways

  • Miami is a melting pot, but sometimes it's also a bubbling Cuban coffee.
  • You can't spell 'Cuban Cowboy' without 'Cuba'—roots run deeper than a rodeo.
  • Cultural identity often feels like salsa—spicy, complex, and best appreciated with age.
  • In Miami, 'Keep it in the family' means more than just using abuela's recipes.
  • Cuban-American: The hyphen holds more weight than a Havana cigar's smoke.

Who speaks in this episode?

What is discussed, and when

  1. – 5:00: second generation, Cuban American, Cafeito Iroetas, Castro regime
  2. – 10:00: Blake Shelton, Cuban American, Darius Rucker
  3. – 15:00: guitar, Motherland
  4. – 20:00: Motherland, Always Summer Six-Pack, Cuban American, The AP experience
  5. – 25:00: Chris Daniel, Modern Day Pirates, the Keys, Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies
  6. – 30:00: Beers Back Home, Filillmore, Modern Day Pirates, Chris Daniel
  7. – 35:00: Beers Back Home, Higher, Larona, Larona
  8. – 36:48: Always Summer Six-Pack, Orlando J Menddees, Tik Tok

Notable quotes from "Cuban Cowboy in the 305: Orlando Mendez on Motherland, Miami Roots & the “Always Summer” Six-Pack"

  • Yeah,, so, born, and, raised, right, here, in the 305. second generation Cuban American. my Willows had you know a very honest and very you know genuine Cuban story and leaving the island of that's where their heart.
    about Cuban American · at
  • And, you, know,, I, looked, over, to, the corner of my room and there was this guitar that I had two times in my life tried to pick up when, I, was, a, really, young, kid., I, quit quick.
    about guitar · at
  • Coming right. It was flowing right out of me. And like one of the first things I wrote was that Motherland song.
    about Motherland · at
  • Free sound and stuff. And so the second I touched down, I called my friend Chris Daniel and, from, the, from, the, Yeah., Mr., 305 camp and told him about the told him about…
    about Chris Daniel · at
  • Lucky enough to get Phil Moore who's also part of Mr. 305 Records to, jump, on., We, we, went, to, the, Keys., stayed in a beautiful house in Keargo and wrote for two days…
    about the Keys · at
  • We, wrote, five, there,, but, there's, six, in total cuz one of them I did write in Nashville. So, we got Modern Day Pirates, which was the first one that came out.
    about Modern Day Pirates · at
  • No,, that's, crazy., And, then, you, got, beers back home, right? Talk to me about that one. That one I feel like is like fits that summer vibe, but it's also like a testament to like the story that.
    about Beers Back Home · at
  • There's been three released. Water day Pirates, Hurt to Hit and, Saltwater, Salvation.
    about Saltwater Salvation · at

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

  • Chris Daniel — Person · 4 mentions · first at
  • Phil Moore — Person · 2 mentions · first at
    And, so, Chris, Daniel, got, on, board., I, was lucky enough to get Phil Moore who's also part of Mr. 305 Records to, jump, on., We, we, went, to, the, Keys., stayed in a beautiful house in Keargo and wrote for two days straight. Just.
  • Filillmore — Person · 2 mentions · first at
    It, was,, you, know, that's, impressive., And, I, think, what really hooked it, I think Filillmore was the one What about we're Bonnie and Clyde on an island? I was like That is like modern day pirates.
  • Ebenas Diaz — Person · 1 mention · first at
  • Orlando Mendes — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Friend of the family, friend of the friend of St. Tranilo Mr., Orlando, Mendes,, aka, the, Cuban cowboy.
  • Johnny Cubo Stanilo — Person · 1 mention · first at
    It on this. And of course, my favorite sponsor ever Johnny, Cubo, Stanilo., We, got, all, the whole fam here on set represented, bro.
  • Darius Rucker — Person · 1 mention · first at
    High school around high school age and I remember I found the music of Darius Rucker who I remember being a very familiar voice from my childhood of course like I like we all…
  • Blake Shelton — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Me into the genre, found Darius, found his catalog, and then that led me to Blake Shelton and Dirks Bentley and Billy Krington, all the people, all these guys and female…
  • Chris Lockach — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Happen like that. There's a lot of writing camps and, especially, Chris, Lockach,, who's, the producer of this EP. He said it best.
  • Orlando J Menddees — Person · 1 mention · first at
    Orlando, J, Menddees, Music, on, Instagram and Tik Tok. We got the Always Summer six-pack coming out December 5th. it's going to be a movie, bro. We're going to try to promote the hell out of.
  • Ben Juan — Person · 1 mention
  • Billy Currington — Person · 1 mention
  • Dierks Bentley — Person · 1 mention
  • George Raft Jones — Person · 1 mention
  • Jana — Person · 1 mention
  • Merle Haggard — Person · 1 mention
  • Tim McGraw — Person · 1 mention

Books & papers

  • Beers Back Home — Book · 6 mentions · first at
  • Motherland — Book · 4 mentions · first at
  • Modern Day Pirates — Book · 4 mentions · first at
  • Saltwater Salvation — Book · 3 mentions · first at
  • Always Summer Six-Pack — Book · 2 mentions · first at
    Yeah,, so, this, this, project, now, called the always summer six-pack. and you have seen it from inception like from the very beginning.
  • Hurt to Hit — Book · 2 mentions · first at
    Just, a, scrolling, note., And, I, came with all these concepts. So, Modern Day Pirates, Hurt to Hit, Day Drinking Tonight, Built to Last, we have Beers's Back Home and the last and the last I'm forgetting a goodie, too.
  • Day Drinking Tonight — Book · 1 mention · first at
    Just, a, scrolling, note., And, I, came with all these concepts. So, Modern Day Pirates, Hurt to Hit, Day Drinking Tonight, Built to Last, we have Beers's Back Home and the last and the last I'm forgetting a goodie, too.
  • Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies — Book · 1 mention · first at
    With all these concepts. So, Modern Day Pirates, Hurt to Hit, Day Drinking Tonight, Built to Last, we have Beers's Back Home and the last and the last I'm forgetting a goodie, too.
  • Margaritaville — Book · 1 mention · first at
    Everybody wanted to live, in, Margaritavville, or, be, a, part, of Mar you know be in Margaritaville right and you then started associating it you know with the water and all…
  • Higher — Book · 1 mention · first at
    Like lyrics on the phone there on Spotify and low and then we're like higher by Creed and we're like yeah bro that song's great and we're like wait a minute we, got, to, play…
  • It's Five O'Clock Somewhere — Book · 1 mention

Companies & orgs

  • Cow Bakery — Company · 2 mentions · first at
    You, got, you, got, the, cafroetas, right there with your friends from Cow, Bakery.
  • Johnny Cuba — Company · 2 mentions · first at
    Cow, Bakery., We, got,, you, know,, we, got, a little Johnny Cuba hot sauce and beer.
  • Cafeito Iroetas — Company · 1 mention · first at
  • State Tranilo — Company · 1 mention · first at
  • Yeti Yeti — Company · 1 mention · first at
    And of course us at State. So, just a Oh, and let's not forget about our friends over at Yeti. Great, great people. so here we are. It's a beautiful day. want to obviously…
  • stateopod — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Great people. so here we are. It's a beautiful day. want to obviously we've had you on the stateopod, but obviously a lot has changed since then and we really want to kind of highlight obviously your story. That's kind of the.
  • The AP experience — Company · 1 mention · first at
    The, AP, experience., Absolutely.
  • Mr. 305 Records — Company · 1 mention · first at
    And, so, Chris, Daniel, got, on, board., I, was lucky enough to get Phil Moore who's also part of Mr. 305 Records to, jump, on., We, we, went, to, the, Keys., stayed in a…
  • John Bell Construction — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Johnny, Cuba,, my, friend, Jana,, Johnny, Cuba being the first. Yeah. and then from there, John Bell Construction, Cow Bakery Larona big, time, for, them.
  • Larona — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Being the first. Yeah. and then from there, John Bell Construction, Cow Bakery Larona big, time, for, them.
  • Latrona — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Yeah,, Latrona., the, holidays, coming, around.
  • Margaritaville — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Everybody wanted to live, in, Margaritavville, or, be, a, part, of Mar you know be in Margaritaville right and you then started associating it you know with the water and all…
  • Tik Tok — Company · 1 mention · first at
    Orlando, J, Menddees, Music, on, Instagram and Tik Tok. We got the Always Summer six-pack coming out December 5th. it's going to be a movie, bro. We're going to try to promote the hell out of it. we're going to try to keep this.
  • AAR — Company · 1 mention
  • Ainko — Company · 1 mention
  • Henco — Company · 1 mention
  • Hootie & the Blowfish — Company · 1 mention

Products & tech

  • guitar — Product · 4 mentions · first at
  • Johnny Cuba hot sauce — Product · 1 mention · first at
    Cow, Bakery., We, got,, you, know,, we, got, a little Johnny Cuba hot sauce and beer.
  • portable mic — Product · 1 mention · first at
    And, on, top, of, that,, we, recorded, most, of the vocals at that house on a portable mic like this in just straight into a laptop.

Concepts & topics

  • Cuban American — Concept · 4 mentions · first at
  • second generation — Concept · 3 mentions · first at
    Yeah,, so, born, and, raised, right, here, in the 305. second generation Cuban American. my Willows had you know a very honest and very you know genuine Cuban story and leaving the island of that's where their heart.
  • Castro regime — Concept · 1 mention · first at
    Away from them right from, the, Castro, regime, when, they, took over. And then, I say it all the time, they were left, like a lot of families, with a choice. they could stay there, but everything they.
  • writing camp — Concept · 1 mention · first at
    I, wrote, that, song, with, Phil, Moore, and Chris months before we even did this writing camp. Actually, I think almost a year before, we, did, the, writing, camp.
  • independent (music) — Concept · 1 mention

Places & events

  • the Keys — Place · 4 mentions · first at
  • the 305 — Place · 1 mention · first at
    Yeah,, so, born, and, raised, right, here, in the 305. second generation Cuban American. my Willows had you know a very honest and very you know genuine Cuban story and leaving the island of that's where their heart.
  • Keargo — Place · 1 mention · first at
    Also part of Mr. 305 Records to, jump, on., We, we, went, to, the, Keys., stayed in a beautiful house in Keargo and wrote for two days straight. Just wrote and had fun. We drank and had a good time and we wrote and did.

Sponsors

  • Cow Bakery — Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at
    You, got, you, got, the, cafroetas, right there with your friends from Cow, Bakery.
  • Johnny Cuba — Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at
    Cow, Bakery., We, got,, you, know,, we, got, a little Johnny Cuba hot sauce and beer.
  • State Tranilo and Henco — Sponsor · 1 mention · first at
    Good morning, Eenas Diaz. Welcome back to another episode of Cafeito Iroetas brought to you by State Tranilo and Henco. Today we're joined by a repeating friend of the family…
  • Yeti Yeti — Sponsor · 1 mention · first at
    And of course us at State. So, just a Oh, and let's not forget about our friends over at Yeti. Great, great people. so here we are. It's a beautiful day. want to obviously…
  • John Bell Construction — Sponsor · 1 mention · first at
    Johnny, Cuba,, my, friend, Jana,, Johnny, Cuba being the first. Yeah. and then from there, John Bell Construction, Cow Bakery Larona big, time, for, them.
  • Larona — Sponsor · 1 mention · first at
    Being the first. Yeah. and then from there, John Bell Construction, Cow Bakery Larona big, time, for, them.
  • Ainko — Sponsor · 1 mention

Full transcript with timestamps

Good morning, Eenas Diaz. Welcome back to another episode of Cafeito Iroetas brought to you by State Tranilo and Henco. Today we're joined by a repeating friend of the family, friend of the friend of St. Tranilo

Mr., Orlando, Mendes,, aka, the, Cuban cowboy. What's, up,, brother?, How, we, doing?

Doing, chilling,, bro., First, time, here, on Capesito. This is Listen, I've been watching this segment for a while now. You guys crush it on this. And of course, my favorite sponsor ever

Johnny, Cubo, Stanilo., We, got, all, the whole fam here on set represented, bro.

Whole, fam,, baby., It's, it's, it's, as, Miami as it gets. 100%,, bro. You, got, you, got, the, cafroetas, right there with your friends from

Cow, Bakery. Cow, Bakery., We, got,, you, know,, we, got, a little Johnny Cuba hot sauce and beer. We got our business partners at Ainko and of course us at State. So, just a Oh, and let's not forget about our friends over at Yeti Yeti. Great, great great people. Uh, so here we are. It's a beautiful day. Uh want to obviously we've had you on on the stateopod, but obviously a lot has changed since then and we really want to kind of highlight obviously your story. That's kind of the basis of a lot of these conversations highlighting the stories of Miami, all the influential amazing people that walk through Miami. Right. So I want to let's bring it back, right? Let's bring it back from the beginning. You know, tell tell us about being born raised in Miami, family Cuban, all that fun stuff.

tell us a little bit about that. Yeah,, so, born, and, raised, right, here, in the 305. Uh second generation Cuban American. Uh my Willows had you know a very um honest and very uh you know genuine Cuban Cuban story and leaving the island of that's where their heart was. That's where they had worked you know not only them but generations before to make their lives over in Cuba and um and then to have everything taken away from them

right from, the, Castro, regime, when, they, took over. And then, you know, I say it all the time, they were left, like a lot of families, with a choice. You know, they could stay there, but everything they ever worked for would now belong to the state. The government, you know, was no longer theirs. Um, or they could leave but they weren't going to leave them much. And they left with hardly anything and and made their way, you know, and then found their way to this great city and this great country that took them in. And so, um, you know, my story is very much like the Cuban American story and now just trying to continue, uh carrying that with me, you know absolutely as, as the second generation as it gets further from

you, know,, as, my, widows, are, now, passed and as we get further along the line just carrying that that mantle.

Yeah., No,, absolutely., I, mean,, it, it's funny, right, cuz we, like you mentioned, are the next generation of of Cubans, right? Like what? Keeping the traditions alive, keeping the cultural identity alive. And not to say that like we feel like we have to, but I I think we're just so passionate about, you know, where we've come from course and you don't really appreciate it until you start getting older and older, right? Our grandfather, both all my grandparents

are, gone,, you, know?, So, now, it's, really like the, pass, of, the, baton., And, obviously, my my parents were around and and all that but like for me it's like we are that next generation, right? Because they were directly associated with that direction considering they're their parent, but like if it's not us, then then it dies. it's gone

right?, Then, then, it's, over., So, I, think for us it is really about keeping those traditions alive, but like in a more modernized way.

Of, course,, at, the, end, of the, day,, we are, you know, we are second generation. We are

almost, more, American, than, we, are, Cuban. 100% being born here, being raised here and and you know, this is what we know. But

like, you, said,, um, that, culture, that, runs through our veins, that Cuban blood that's still there, it's our job to carry it on because if not us, then who? Our passing away, our parents now getting older.

After, that,, really,, like, you, said,, our parents have that direct lineage. They have that those are my parents.

Exactly. But, now, we're, two, generations., It's, like now we need to, you know, dig deep and find it and carry it carry it on

100%., And, obviously, I, think, you've, done a great job of doing that and you're now

your, nickname, is, the, Cuban, cowboy, right? So I mean and we talk about like that modernization of like how do we keep it around and because it is your identity right and it's not it's not necessarily straying away from it but it's actually like owning it as part of your identity because I have friends that they're like

they, ask, like, are, you, cute, you, know, are like where are you from right and they're like I'm American right and I'm like okay yes you are American we were all born in American I'm not I'm not saying we're not American but like

why, not, label, yourself, as, CubanAmerican right like because That's really who you are, right? Because you wouldn't be here in America if it wasn't for the fact that your grandparents left Cuba to find a better life and owning that that is part of your identity. And it's like there's there was like almost like a stigma around like coming from Cuba or not like being proud of like being from another country or being connected to another country, right? And reality is whether you came from Colombia Venezuela, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dr. you know, wherever whatever place

we, have, that, cultural, connection, to, it because it's where our ancestors came from and they are the ones like you said that made the choice to come into America for the opportunity and for that better life. So for me like we are Cuban-American and then you know you being the Cuban cowboy is like the perfect way to kind of just express that.

Yeah., No,, you, know, what, and, you, know Andre you said something there. It's like I also ran from it for a while. Yeah., Yeah,, I'm, not, going to, lie,, I, did spend a lot of people.

I, spent, a, portion, of, my, life,, especially for some reason, man, it was around that like high school age that [clears throat]

I, I, just, kind, of, neglected, anything, like being Cuban. I was like, I'm a what I love, you know, I'm American, I love football and I love country music and I love truck, you know

and, although, I, still, truly, love, all, of those things and they are part of me

I, started, digging, deep, when, I, started losing my willows. started digging deep as okay but there's this whole other side of things that I absolutely love too and it was all because I love my oilos and because I love them I felt an adopted love for the land that they came from

for, my, heritage, for, my, culture, you, know everybody who's surrounding me my family my parents my my brothers you know my theos they are

all, go, back, to, this, common, thing, of, like we are all Cuban 100%, 100%, and, I, I, think, for, us, like, this We lived it, right? So, we experienced it and now it's it's part of our identity. So, te tell me a little bit. Obviously, we mentioned Cuban cowboy. So, when was it that

you, chose, to, to, get, into, that,, right? You we'll get into kind of your um, I, guess, path, into, music,, right?, But part of that path, I'm sure, is where kind of the inspiration of the Cuban cowboy came into life.

Yeah., Where, like, where, I, found, country music. Yeah. Yeah. I I mean I think I was like I always try to remember but I the best way I can pin it I was like in high school around high school age and and I remember I found um the music of Darius Rucker who I remember being a very familiar voice from my childhood of course like I like we all have you know we had that that common theme of every Sunday when the Dolphins lost you know that song would bring us right back

every, single, time you, know, the, hoodie, the, blowfish, and, so that voice just kind of connected it helped I had a, you know, I had a girlfriend at the time who loved country music as well. So, uh, she kind of got me into the genre, found Darius, found his catalog, and then that led me to you know, Blake Shelton and and Dirks Bentley and Billy Krington, all the people, all these guys and and female artists that were popping off at the time. Fell in love with the genre. I mean, just like took the deep dive and loved it, bro. I mean, the the stories the lyrics, the sto, you know, like I said, the lyrics and the melodies

and, mostly, just, the, stories, it, told. like every song was had some sort of meaning, you know, and I've lived my life to storytelling. That's that's what I'm most passionate about.

So,, dude,, just, fell, in, love, with, the genre, deep, dive., And, then, I, found, country music kind of in reverse. You know, a lot of people

grow, up, with, it,, right?, And, they, they grow up with like their parents country which, is,, you, know,, the, 70s,, ' 80s,, 90s country,

and, then, they, get,, you, know,, then, their own taste comes into it with the modern stuff. I found the modern stuff first those early, you know, 2010, late 2000s 2010s country, and then had to do my work, you know, and my research to go backwards and start listening to the Johnny Cashes and the and the George Joneses and the

you, know,, all, these, incredible, the, Merl Haggards and all these incredible artists that had come before

right?, Yeah., It's, funny, you, bring, up Johnny Cash. I remember my grandfather used to listen to Johnny Cash a ton right? Like he loved Johnny Cash

but, for, me, it, never, really, gravitated, you know? Now I love the hell out of and appreciate Johnny Cash like crazy, but for me it was not like I kind of just heard it like in the background, right? But it's almost like that subconscious mind is like you hear it, right? And you're you're kind of like vibing, but you're not really like damn, I love this cuz you're so young, right? Like so like

if, it's, not, popping, or, it's, not, like mainstream, then for you it's just like it's whatever. But you're you're actually kind of drawn to it without even realizing, right?

And, for, me, it, was, very, similar, like country music. My mom was the one that would always just have it on in the car. it when like in high middle like late middle school early high school and that's where I really started to listen to it and it was uh who was it? It was Tim McGrath.

Yeah,, the, man. Yeah,, Tim, McGrath, is, really, what, got, me into country into country music and that was the evolution of my like country fanhood because I mean it wasn't like generation to generation it was really around. It was just now like hey this is here I'm listening to it and I kind of you kind of like go through that self-discovery which I think is interesting.

Yeah., Yeah., I, learned, country, in reverse. I always like to say that. And, then, so, around, co, right, was, when like your music making journey began right.

Yeah., Before, that, I, was, uh, I, was, acting actually. Okay. I've, like, entertained, my, whole, life.

So, entertaining's, always, been, in, the DNA. I, know, for, a, fact, I, was, born, to, do, this because I've never wanted to do anything else. I've always my entire life wanted to just be either be on a stage or in front of a microphone or on a camera just entertaining and and that's where I feel alive, right?

And, I've, known, that, since, I, was, probably six, seven years old. Yeah., Six,, seven,, eight, years, old., Yeah. So,

uh, and, then,, you, know,, really,, like, you said, when it kicked off was co I was acting. I was going back and forth between Miami, New York, auditioning after I got out of college for everything, bro. I mean, I did a lot of theater stuff, but also um on camera stuff, small commercials and roles and and indie films and stuff like that.

Co, shut, that, whole, thing, down., I, was actually in New York when CO like was like first started popping.

Damn. And, I, remember, I, was, over, there auditioning for something. I was in the middle of like what I thought was going to be my biggest role ever. It was for an off Broadway production.

And, I, was, in, rehearsals, one, day, and, and things just started getting weird. the news started coming out that it was hitting uh and people just it was like pandemonium. I remember one of those days looking around and

there, were, the, streets, were, empty and, people, were, like, just, staying, home and and and stockpiling stuff.

It, was, like, apocalyptic, almost. Yeah., Stockpiling, stuff., And, I, remember calling my mom and being like, "Mom, uh I think I got to get out of here. Like

I, don't, think, I, need, to, be, here." I, was, on, the, next, flight, out, and literally like the week after New York shut down.

I, was, going to, say, because, New, York, was one of like the first places to shut down. So yeah

can, you, imagine, you, would, have, been, you would have been you would have been stuck there.

I've, been, stuck,, bro., That, would, have been bad. I, mean,, maybe, get, in, a, car, or, something like that.

Maybe., Yeah,, maybe, rent, a, car. Some, But, even, then,, I, don't even, know, if you would have been able to rent a car.

I, don't, know., My, mom, would, have, found, a way to get me out. Let me tell you, if there's anything that a Cuban mom would have found a way to get my ass out for sure, bro. I don't know. I don't care. It would have been a plane, a train, a boat. She would have got my ass out.

She, would, have, just, drove, herself, up there. Driving, 20, hours, north, and, I'm, driving back. She wouldn't care. Bro

it's, so, crazy., I, got, out., So, true. Yeah., But, I, got, out, and, then, like, I said, I was at home like a lot of us with all the time in the world and nothing to do.

And, you, know,, I, looked, over, to, the corner of my room and there was this guitar that I had two times in my life tried to pick up

when, I, was, a, really, young, kid., I, quit quick. Yeah. I, couldn't, understand, my, teacher, and, I didn't like it and so I quit. And then the second time I was probably like in high school. Same time I kind of started liking country music but I liked girls too much too. So I would didn't spend enough time priority.

Yeah., didn't, spend, enough, time, playing and and so I had all this time. I picked up the guitar

and, taught, myself, how, to, play,, you, know, YouTube, you know, taught myself how to play my favorite country songs and and songwriting has always been something I'm passionate about. Even when I couldn't put chords to it, I would get in a notebook and start writing lyrics start writing songs. Uh but now I finally had chords and music to put behind it. Uh and that's where really honestly, bro, that's where it all sprung. It's it's crazy because CO was like that for a lot of people, right? Kind of like

new, new, identities,, I, guess,, that, were built through the process of CO because it's like like you said, you had so much time.

No, one, really, knew, what, to, do, with, that time because you've been so occupied and just doing whatever you were doing on a daily basis at that time and that's what consumed it, right? Not there was not like the flexibility to just say, "Hey I'm going to pick up a guitar and try to learn how to play, right? Or I'm going to pick up a paintbrush and and try to start drawing something, right?" like that was not really an option because we get so consumed in the everyday that we don't really have the time to actually think about other things that maybe we might want to try or even attempt to just like immerse ourselves in. And here you are during this time and it like changed the trajectory of your life really

100%., you, were, saying, you, were, going into acting, you know, you're about to land, you know, kind of like this Broadway role role. And for you obviously, you've been in the entertainment space, but reality was like universe was like, "Hey, now we're going we're going a different direction here."

Yeah., Yeah., I've, never, looked, a, guitar in your hand. Yeah,, bro., And, that's, just, so, special. I've never looked back and I've never been happier.

Yeah. I, know, for, a, fact, like, this, is, this, is what I want to do with my life, you know? So, it's been gamechanging. Gamechanging.

Yeah., So, talk, talk, to, us, a, little, bit about kind of like the process of writing those songs, right? And and and obviously the the evolution, right? Because like let's say somebody wants to get into music, right? And doesn't know the first thing like how does that songwriting, process, look, like?, Like like how do how do you go through that and how do you evolve over the course of time and becoming a better songwriter?

Yeah., No,, it's, changed, a, lot, for, me., You know, it's like anything, you get better at it the more you do it. But, you know in the beginning, I think there was still something special cuz it was so raw, you know, it was genuine. It was coming right. It was flowing right out of me. And and like one of the first things I wrote was that Motherland song.

Yeah. And, just, cuz I, didn't, know, any, better than, to, just right, straight, straight, from, the, heart and straight off the dome.

And, like, before, you, kind, of, get, into, the rest of this, right, you bring up Motherland, right? And I and I think it's important to mention, right? Like you said like it was just coming out of you. What was it actually that like you were like I gotta write this song?

Yeah,, I, think, there, was, two, things,, two major uh kind of moments in my life. The first was right before the pandemic. I was a part of a really influential show here in Miami called Aar. Okay.

The, AP, experience., Absolutely. I, was, part, of, the, last, part, of, it., You, I took over for one of the roles. Yeah. I took, over, for, one, of the, roles, the, last month or two of the show. uh which was super special, but really connected me to my roots cuz that show was just so powerful.

It, told, the, Cuban, American, story, in, such an incredible way and made you feel like nothing else. Made you feel more connected to

impressive to, Cuba, and, the, story, than, anything, I've ever experienced. So was definitely big for me. The second thing was I started losing my oils around that time. started losing my grandparents and you know just started to understand how big of an impact they had had in my life and how much they meant to me and because of that I started digging deep into okay

who, were, they, and, who, am, I, because, of them and, that's, really, why, I, think, Motherland came out like it did it was just that stuff was so fresh on my heart

you, know yeah, because, I, mean, could, have, wrote about anything right usually it's it's a breakup or you know you you know celebration maybe, but you went true to like to the core, which I think is is very unique and honestly has paved such a direction for you from like

you, know, a, a, branding, standpoint obviously, but like you as a whole and as a person, right? And I and it is impressive to say that like that was the song that kind of like drove you into this direction, right? You being a Cuban artist in Miami when there's, you know very few to none. um that that make music of of this genre, but being able to still bring it back home, right? Which is which is

which, is, crazy,, right?, Because, it, it, was literally something that was here. It was fresh in the moment. It was connected to your roots and then being able to turn that into a song fresh out of, you know, a new experience essentially that you were getting into.

100%., And, like, like, it, this, goes, back, to the songwriting thing is I didn't know any better. Like I didn't know to write about, you know, all these other things or like to make it

to, like, try, to, make, it, perfect., I literally was just coming straight out straight from the heart, straight from the hip.

And, like, those, lyrics, I, wrote, never, went, back, and, edited, edited, them. You know, a lot of times it's

fresh., Now,, yeah., Raw., Now, I, go, back, and I write and I freaking over analyze and I come back to it. I'm like, that's trash. And I, you know, and I

I, over, complicated, now, because, now, you, know,, with, with, time, and, experience, now I know and now I'm like aiming for something else. I'm aiming for the next you know, for for a great hit song

right? Then, it, was, just, really, just, telling, my story and what I was feeling

you, know,, and, a, lot, of, times, I, try, to get back to that. Now it's harder because I'm much harder critic now on myself,

but, back, then, it, was, just, like, this, is what I'm feeling. This is this is what I'm feel like saying and I'm putting it on the page. I was about to ask you that like do you ever feel like you'll you'll try to like lean into that more maybe I don't, know if, it's, like, free, flowing, or you know obviously we're always going to be our biggest critic right um and sometimes that's it's for the good but it's also for the bad right because you're kind of putting a cap on what you think but reality is it's like could be anything and that's really what Motherland was at the end of the day.

Yeah., No,, I, get, like, I, like, you, know like I said I get over overly critical now where I try to aim for

yeah, let, me, write, something, fun, let, me write a hit let me try to write a hit which you never know what's going to be a hit until it's a freaking hit you know like

true uh, and, I'm, trying, now, nowadays, to, really get back to my roots with that with that free flow free flowing genuine just like what's on my heart what's on my mind what comes out

from, my, mouth, and, playing, these, strings you know yeah, no, that's, awesome, I, mean, listen motherland I know has been a hit for a lot of people here obviously, especially in Miami. Um, it's a great song and and I think it's been a catalyst obviously for you and and to where you are today right? You know, now you're here working on a new project. Um, which is a phenomenal project and I' I've seen it from like inception to to what it is today. And I think it's perfect timing but I know you had some obstacles along the way to get it out, but it's out. So tell us a little bit about this new project and uh kind of like the dynamic and the thought process of this new project that you're working on.

Yeah,, so, this, this, project, now, called the always summer six-pack. Um and you have seen it from inception like from the very beginning. Uh I've probably came up with this concept I don't know probably February March earlier this year. Um to be honest, I had a tough end of last year beginning of this year in Nashville and um just really a lot of setbacks and and like what am I, you know, kind of one of those moments in life where you just kind of

you, know,, look, around, like, what, am, I doing? You know, where am I going? What am I doing? What's

you, know,, one, of, those, um, cris, not not crisis moments, but just a really, you know, a look in the mirror moment.

Exactly., That's, way, to, put, it., Yeah., And so, uh, I was on a plane back to Miami from Nashville and just low, man. Just in a low low point. And I was sitting on that plane and all of a sudden I started thinking about, okay, well, what are the things that make me happy? Like, what are the things that I'm escaping Nashville to go do? And it was to be in the sun, it was to be on a boat, was to be on a beach, to be back to the places that make me feel good, man, that make me feel whole, that make me feel present with life. And so as I started going through and just visualizing all the things that I love, the palm trees, the ocean, all these things, I was like

"And, summertime.", And, man,, would, it, be cool to write a bunch of summer sounding songs? Oh yeah.

And, so, I, came, up,, it, just, sprung, my, mind like the summer six-pack. Six, songs, all, about, summer,, all, coastal vibe, you know, all just like about the things I love the most, man. And just free free sound and stuff. And so the second I touched down, I called my friend Chris Daniel

and, from, the, from, the, Yeah., Mr., 305 camp and told him about the told him about the concept. Told you about the concept. I don't know how early it was in the process. I know.

It, was, early, because, I, don't, I, I, mean, I don't even think a song had even been like recorded yet.

No., No., I, hadn't, even, gone, and, written them yet. It was just like concept right?

I, told, you., I, told, uh, Chris, Daniel., Like I said, I told also Juan. Yeah., you, know,, our, boy

it, fit, so, perfect, with, like, the, beer brand with the brand. Yeah. And then I remember we had a we had a conversation at some point about the concept and about like what the songs were going to be even before they were written what the songs were going to be sound like and what the look look for the project was going to be. And so that's how it kind of started.

Yeah. And, so, Chris, Daniel, got, on, board., I, was lucky enough to get Phil Moore who's also part of Mr. 305 Records

to, jump, on., We, we, went, to, the, Keys., uh stayed in a beautiful house in Keargo and wrote for two days straight. Just wrote and had fun. We drank and had a good time and and we wrote and did.

But, you, immerse, yourself, in, that experience to be able to get those like creative, you know, that creative flow going.

Yeah., This, is, like, May, at, this, point once once this started coming about. Uh we spent two two days just writing in the like I said in the environment.

Um, and, we, banged, out, like, four, or, five songs of of the project. Um just in those two days

48, hours., Yeah. Wow. Yeah., Completely is, a, special, place. Super, special., And, we, were, inspired, man. And you know, it doesn't always happen like that. There's a lot of writing camps

and, especially, Chris, Lockach,, who's, the producer of this EP. He said it best. He's like, "Man, I've been on a lot of these writing camps and they don't always go like this." Like

really, you, know,, sometimes, it's, not, two, days, sometimes four or five days, and you don't get

quarter, of, what, we, did, here and, nothing, of, value., We, got, like, four or five solid songs. We used every single one of them on the EP.

Wow. And, on, top, of, that,, we, recorded, most, of the vocals at that house on a portable mic like this in just straight into a laptop.

Holy, cow. So,, not, only, did, we, write,, but, we, also cut almost all the vocals and he he produced out a big chunk of the songs right there.

Damn. In, those, two, days. That's, impressive., And, 48, hours., Like, I I'm just like going through the process of like a 48 hour period maybe with like some sleep component in there.

Yeah., Barely. Yeah., Very, very, little., Uh, and, just thinking of like damn, you know, maybe a song you be like, hey, you know what? This is a great song. Maybe two, but four. What was it? Five. You said

five. Five, is, crazy., Yeah,, five, is, crazy. That's So what what are these? Like tell us about

Yeah., So, they're, all, five. All, summer, themed,, right?, So, what, what are they?

We, wrote, five, there,, but, there's, six, in total cuz one of them I did write in Nashville. So, we got Modern Day Pirates, which was the first one that came out.

And, dude,, the, way, I, just, want, to, get into for a second the way this process kind of works. So, I'm coming up with titles all the time. There's like little that that's probably the one thing that I'm best at is just putting titles together in my head.

So,, I, had, all, these, I, have, a, notes,, you know, a note on my phone. Yeah.

With, probably three,, four,, 500, titles. Uh, just, a, scrolling, note., And, I, came with all these concepts. So, Modern Day Pirates, Hurt to Hit, Day Drinking Tonight, um Built to Last, we have um Beers's Back Home and the last and the last I'm forgetting a goodie, too. Saltwater Salvation.

Saltwater, Salvation. Yeah., So,, I, came, with, all, these, titles and then we just started, you know, I would I would launch them titles and titles titles till they're like that one and we would we would go with it. So when when you obviously said you had a list of those song titles out

but, when, you, were, producing, those, songs, right, or writing those songs in the Keys House

was, it, already, with, the, intent, of, lining up with those names or were those songs written and then you were kind of like "Okay, let me look through my list and see what song name matches these songs that I've written."

No,, no,, we, started, off, with, the, titles with the song names. Yeah, we started off with the titles. So, the song names played some sort of inspiration into Okay, that makes sense cuz I'm like

okay,, I'm, assuming, like, there's, got, to be a tie into the name obviously to be able or did you just have so many song names that they just happened?

No,, no,, no,, no,, no., We, [clears throat] started the reverse order. Yeah. So, we would we sat down and then, okay, well what do you got? We, you know, we all started throwing titles out there and

I, think, the, first, one, we, wrote, was modern day pirates and, I, wrote, modern, I, I, said, I, got, this title called modern day pirates about just you know

mostly, inspired, by, people, down, here, like in the Keys living like modern day pirates, you know.

Uh, get, up, in, the, morning, and, get, after it, bro. You know, like those are my favorite kind of people. Especially in the Keys that's Keys living right there

dude., That, song, we, wrote, in, like, 30 minutes. What? Yeah,, like, in, 30, minutes.

That's, insane. It, was,, you, know, that's, impressive., And, I, think, what really hooked it, I think Filillmore was the one like, "What about we're Bonnie and Clyde on an island?" I was like "That is like modern day pirates."

That, is, a, golden., Yeah. No,, that's, crazy., And, then, you, got, beers back home, right? Talk to me about that one. That one I I feel like is like uh fits that summer vibe, but it's also like a testament to like the story that you were just telling, right? Like what are the things that make me happy? Like I'm coming back from Nashville. I'm kind of down and I need to kind of like just feel like, you know, I'm doing all this, right, which is aligned with my purpose and my passion and all these things, but yet here I am and I'm not I'm not feeling fulfilled, right? And it's like I needed to get back home right? I needed to find that sunshine. I needed to find the ocean. And beers back home to me is like

that, moment, where, you, kind, of, are, like experiencing this like in your career but realizing like beers back home is like what makes you happy. Of course. Yeah,, of, course., And, and and, I, can't believe I didn't say this, but that So Beers Back Home kind of proved the concept to me or it was the initial proof of concept.

I, wrote, that, song, with, Phil, Moore, and Chris months before we even did this writing camp. Actually, I think almost a year

before, we, did, the, writing, camp. Interesting. That, was, when, we, got, together., So,, Beers Back Home wasn't written on the writing camp. It was written almost a year before. Remember Chris Daniel called me up. He's like, "Hey, um, I want you to come to the studio. I have our our country artist on the label. His name's Filillmore. He's gonna come through and he's in town. Like, we're just gonna write.

And, we, got, there, and,, you, know,, I thought I was gonna be writing for Filillmore. And for some reason, it turned out everybody started writ I write for me enough, bro. Let's write for you.

And, super, super, selfless, of, him,, man., I was like, that's that's awesome. And

so,, we, started, talking, about, stuff, and, I brought up a conversation very much like that where like, I'm in Nashville, but my heart's in Miami. My heart's back home with my people. and he started thinking. He was like, you know, no one's no one's ever wrote a song, I don't think, called Beers Back Home. And he started looking, we started looking through Spotify and sure enough, no one had come out with something like that yet.

Wow. Uh,, and, then, we, wrote, it, and, it, was, just like it it just made so much sense to me.

It, it, I, mean,, you, think, of, like, the, the concept of the song that resonates with anybody, right? Like how many times are we kind of pulled out of like our home right? Or pulled out of our life, you know, whether that's for jobs relationships, whatever. opportunities, right? Like those things. But there's something or even if like you're a college kid right? And you're going you're going out of, you know, going out of town for college because you're you're going to god knows where and you got to return home for the holidays or whatever it is.

There's something about returning back home and just having like that drink with, you know, with your boys and your family and just like that that moment just hits different.

Of, course., And, the, way, I, intro, it, now, like on live shows, it's like this song is all about how when you're around people you love, when you're around your people,

how, the, laughs, are, just, a, little, harder, you know, the time just goes by a little faster and the beers just taste a little sweeter, you know, and so

absolutely, that's, the, that, is, the, theme of Beers Back Home and it really I think

brings, the, uh, you, know,, it, brings, the, EP to a close. It's the last song on the EP, but it's

really, just, saying, this, is, my,, you, know, this is my feelood what, I'm, about., So,

yeah., Yeah., So,, have, all, six, been released? No., Not, yet., So,, the, the, other, three, there's been three released. Water day Pirates, Hurt to Hit

and, Saltwater, Salvation. No,, actually, Beers's, Back, Home and, then, cuz, Oh,, I, remember, cuz, the whole thing happened with the Saltwater Salvation.

Saltwater, Salvation. There's, been, a, lot, of, ups, and, downs, on this EP, bro. I'm not going to lie. This thing was supposed to come out. It was a summer six-pack and then it was what? Always

summer, sixack. This, thing, was, supposed, to, come, out during the summer. Like this is supposed to be a August release, you know, while it's still hot and while we're still you know, on in the water

but, there's, been, a, lot, of, ups, and, downs on this, first of all, from funding. And I got to just say thank you so much to the people who have believed in this project and who decided to jump on board.

Johnny, Cuba,, my, friend, Jana,, Johnny, Cuba being the first. Yeah. Uh, and then from there, John Bell Construction, um, Cow Bakery Larona uh,

big, time, for, them. Yeah,, Latrona., Uh, the, holidays, coming, around. They're, incredible., Um,, and, just, jumping on board and believing on it. So funding was a big setback at first. Just it

it, takes, money, to, to, record., It, takes money to get music. Realize, that and, more, than, you, think,, you, know., So, uh, that was a thing that pushed it back. Then we also had, you know, when you're dealing with uh other artists timelines and record labels and stuff like that

that, pushed, the, Saltwater, Salvation, got pushed back a lot and then ultimately, pushed, the, project, back, a lot. So

just, things, we, have, to, deal, with,, man. In just, the, nature, of, the, business., Yeah,

of, course., And, I'm, learning, every, day. You know, I do this all by myself independent. I wear all the hats, which hopefully will change here in the near future,

for, sure., Uh,, but, with, that, comes, like things slip through the cracks or I I'm not able to

um, go, to, bat, sometimes, as, well, as, I should, right? And push for things.

And, so, instead, of, August,, we, have, a December early December release. But you know, we're still getting it out there man.

But, it's, always, summer. Always, summer. Always, summer., That's, all, that, matters. Especially down here.

Always, summer, down, here., And, you, know something I love about St. Tranilo? Always summer up here, bro.

Oh, yeah., It's, always, summer, up, here, man. Always, summer, up, here., And, always summer, you know, in your heart. I mean you know, like Stan Gilo was born off the keys. It's just like, you know, like when you and that's why I love beers back home so much

because, like those, moments, do, hit, that, that,, right? And those moments provide, you know this here like we need that, right? Like you got to be around your people, got to be around, you know, the just the right places in the sunshine, right? There's a reason why people from the up north come down here when it's freezing cold and the sun's setting at 3 4:00, right? Like, and I think it almost kind of fits the narrative like it's always summer because it is always summer down here. Like, this is the place to be. And guess what? Yeah, it gets hot. Guess what?

We're going to the beach and we're going in the water and we're going in the pool. Like, it it it's how we live.

It's, how, we, live, down, here., And, to, me, this is like that vibe. Like I I, can't, leave, Miami., It's, impossible, for me.

It's, hard. It's, impossible., And, I, know, you, left, to Nashville for a little bit and I could do those type of things where maybe I leave for a little bit, but

come, back., you're, just, gonna, somehow always just get pulled right back over here because it's it's really special.

No,, this, place, is, where, my, heart, is, and I'll Yeah. I, pray, that, I, can, live, and, die, here, bro. And then, you know, do my work and make it to a place where I can be down here full-time. Yeah.

And, that's, the, ultimate, goal., Yeah. You, know,, that's, the, ultimate, goal., And and

you, know,, this, EP, more, than, anything, in caps, you know, captures that idea of

always, summer, and, doesn't, matter, where you are. You know, Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy Buffet did an incredible job at this and why he was such a legend is cuz he captured the vibe of Always Summer.

Yeah. And, uh, took, it, to, the, world. Margaritavville., I, mean,, like it's, always, five, o'clock, somewhere,, you know?

Right, here., Right, here., Like, that's, like when you talk about a guy like inspiration that right like you said like the parro head like you know kind of like uh lifestyle

and, that, Margaritavville, was, a, song, but it really became a lifestyle right everybody wanted to

live, in, Margaritavville, or, be, a, part, of Mar you know be in Margaritaville right and you then started associating it you know with the water and all that and it's like creating that level of association through a song or through a tagline, whatever that may be. And like you said, he did that, right? When you think Margaritaville, like you're just like, I want to just be chilling, you know? Like that's it.

It's, an, escape,, man., It's, an, escape. So, that's next, Jimmy, Buffer, right, here., Next

Yeah,, man., You know, big big, uh, like, I, said,, big, inspiration, of mine. And just dude, if I can

if, I, can, bring, even, half, the, peace, and happiness that he did to people then, then, that's, uh

it, is, crazy, how, much, music, is, like, that kind of outlet, right? I I love music so much. All genres, country, reae hip-hop, maybe a little creed, you know?

It, can, go, anywhere. I,, love, a, little, creed., I, love a little creed. It's, so, crazy,, bro., So,, at, my, boy's wedding in Colombia, you know, they have like their playlist set for the wedding and all that. And all the groom, well not all the grooms, like me, the the groom, and one of the other groomsmen are all there just kind of talking before like the actual wedding

and, I, don't, know, why,, but, Creed, came, up in a conversation and we're all like "Yeah, bro. Like, Creed Creed's fire." Like, I don't think we give like Creed enough of his flowers. And we're like we're like kind of listening to a couple like lyrics on on the phone there on Spotify and low and then we're like higher by Creed and we're like yeah bro that song's great and we're like wait a minute

we, got, to, play, Creed, at, the, wedding, at one point and play Higher and Weddings's going on, you know, after party all that stuff. And then we got the DJ. The guy kind of looks at us. He was in Colombia. I, don't, even, know if, he, knows, who, Creed is.

He, goes, and, he, plays, it., Bro,, everybody comes off the dance floor and just like eight guys in the middle of the dance floor [ __ ] screaming at the top of

you. It was one of the craziest moments. It, was, so, awesome., And, I'm, like,, that's why music is great cuz it's moments like that, you know, like memories you'll forever have% and if you can attach a song to a specific moment

like, that's, that's, it. That's, literally, why, I, do, this., And, I always say my biggest inspiration of doing music is I want to be my I want my songs to be anthems in people's lives just like I have anthems through my life.

I, have, anthem, songs, in, my, life., So, if, I get to the point where my some of my songs can be anthems, you know, for people to deal with with life, the joyful moments and and the moments that are that are tough. Yeah.

The, heartbreak, moments., If, my, songs, can be anthems at any point in someone's life, that's that's uh that's what I want my legacy to be. I think that's a that's that's the way to kind of like think about it. I mean, that's awesome. But listen, appreciate you as always. Um, if you guys haven't, go check out um the EP. Um, let them know where to find you. Let them know where to see it. And uh, obviously there's going to be more music to come as always.

Um,, so, it's, it's, always, a, pleasure, and uh, we love your music. But man brother, love you, bro. Absolutely.

Orlando, J, Menddees, Music, on, Instagram and Tik Tok. We got the Always Summer six-pack coming out December 5th. Uh it's going to be a movie, bro. We're going to try to promote the hell out of it. Uh we're going to try to keep this ball rolling and keep the good times coming.

Absolutely., Hell, yeah., Always, summer, right? Always, summer., Always, summer, up, here.

All, right,, guys., Well,, thank, you, so, much for tuning in this week. Make sure to always sip your cavacito, eat your crocettas, and we'll see you guys on the next one.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "Cuban Cowboy in the 305: Orlando Mendez on Motherland, Miami Roots & the “Always Summer” Six-Pack"?

Eenas Diaz (Host), Orlando Mendez (Guest), Chris Daniel (Guest), Phil Moore (Guest), Chris Lockach (Guest), Juan (Guest), Johnny Cuba (Guest).

What is "Cuban Cowboy in the 305: Orlando Mendez on Motherland, Miami Roots & the “Always Summer” Six-Pack" about?

Orlando Mendez, known as the "Cuban Cowboy," reflects on his life as a second-generation Cuban American in Miami, sharing his family's rich heritage and the impact of their experiences after leaving Cuba. The discussion offers insights into Miami's cultural landscape and the connections that shape its community, highlighting Mendez's journey and the local influences that inspire him.

What is mentioned in this Stay Tranquilo episode?

63 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including Beers Back Home, Cuban American, guitar, Motherland, Chris Daniel, the Keys. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "Cuban Cowboy in the 305: Orlando Mendez on Motherland, Miami Roots & the “Always Summer” Six-Pack"?

The episode runs 37 min; the transcript is about 8,222 words in 195 timestamped sections.

More from Stay Tranquilo

About this transcript: the episode's spoken words as captioned on YouTube, split into timestamped sections. Reclip.Me locates every person, work and idea in the text, keeps the time it is first named, and quotes the words around it verbatim. Last updated December 14, 2025.