In a move that further blends the lines between advertising and entertainment, Daffin Records has announced that artist Jon Lindsay has created an original song for Don Gato Tequila, the brand co-founded by actor and comedian Danny McBride. The track, titled “Cool Times,” is written, produced, and performed by Lindsay, with longtime collaborator Benji Hughes providing backing vocals. It debuts in a new one-minute spot directed by Don Gato co-owner Chris Walldorf, which depicts a sun-soaked pool party where the tequila flows and the vibe never dips. The collaboration matters because it signals a deepening of the branded-entertainment model, where original music is not an afterthought but a centerpiece of the campaign, and where artists of Lindsay’s caliber lend their credibility to commercial projects.
The song’s title draws from Don Gato’s ethos, “Made good. For cool times,” and extends a campaign that has already garnered significant advertising-industry recognition. McBride and David Gordon Green established the Don Gato universe through a series of films known as the “Saga of All Sagas,” which were noted by Ad Age, Adweek, and MediaPost for their unique blend of lucha libre mythology, tequila, cats, and McBride’s signature comedy. By adding an original song to this narrative, Don Gato is not just selling a product but building a world—one that consumers can inhabit through music, video, and, of course, the beverage itself. This approach could influence how other spirits brands think about storytelling, potentially leading to more ambitious, artist-driven campaigns.
Lindsay, who is based in both New York City and Savannah, has a long history of collaboration with Hughes, dating back to their early days in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their musical partnership has included national tours and an official SXSW showcase, as well as appearances with Jackson Browne and Jeff Bridges. Lindsay’s involvement in the Don Gato project is a natural fit, given his admiration for McBride’s creative vision. “I’ve been such a fan of the world Danny created for Don Gato from day one,” Lindsay said. “The ads have been insane and are getting a ton of well-deserved recognition. With as hard as the guys were going at the whole ‘cool times’ vibe, I couldn’t believe there wasn’t already a slammin’ song for it.”
The spot, written, directed, shot, and edited by Walldorf, who attended film school with McBride, reinforces the tight-knit creative network behind Don Gato. Walldorf has worked with Lindsay and Hughes for years, and the comfort level shows in the final product. “It was a perfect fit as we all go way back,” Walldorf said. “It always makes for cool times when you’re working with old friends.” This collaborative spirit is central to the brand’s identity, and it may serve as a blueprint for other companies seeking to create authentic connections with consumers through entertainment.
As the advertising and music industries continue to converge, projects like “Cool Times” demonstrate the potential for brands to become cultural patrons. Lindsay’s fourth LP, Big Stage, released by Daffin Records in 2025, showcases his own artistic trajectory, while his work for Don Gato highlights how commercial partnerships can coexist with personal creative endeavors. The full release is available on www.newmediawire.com, and the song itself can be streamed on major platforms. For more information on Jon Lindsay, visit Jon Lindsay.
