Rhythm Cafe MKE | Brandon Payton Carrillo | Meet the Artist

Born and raised in the heart of Wisconsin, Brandon Payton-Carrillo’s musical journey is as rich and diverse as his roots. Growing up in a half Black, half Mexican household, music was always part of the fabric of his life. It wasn’t until middle school when a classmate named Dustin Thalman showed up with his guitar that Brandon realized music could be more than just something you listen to—it could be something you create.

From those early moments of discovery, Brandon’s path in music has been an evolving blend of classical, gospel, Latin, alternative rock, and more. He’s embraced a wide range of influences—from the sounds of coridos and soul to the modern wave of shoegaze and Latin alternative music. His musical journey reached a turning point when he discovered artists mixing cumbias with rock, roll, and electronic beats, a blend that allowed him to explore the full scope of his identity without having to choose between his Black and Latino heritage.

Brandon’s music is all about fusion—fusing genres, cultures, and eras together into something new, fresh, and undeniably his own. Whether it’s a shoegazy Latin groove, Afro-Peruvian rhythms, or retro-futuristic soundscapes, Brandon’s work always looks forward while drawing deeply from the past.

The Milwaukee music scene has been a huge influence on Brandon’s growth as an artist. It’s a place where experimentation is welcomed, mistakes are part of the process, and the spirit of collaboration is alive in every note. It’s where artists of all backgrounds come together to create, perform, and truly grow.

What does Brandon want his music to do for you? It’s simple: He wants you to feel love. To connect with the intimate, raw moments of your life, to embrace your emotions—whether they’re happy, sad, or anything in between—and to know that, no matter what, we’re all in this together.

Join Brandon on his journey as he blends the past with the future and brings people together through the universal power of music.

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