Don Gato Tequila, the award-winning brand co-founded by actor and producer Danny McBride, has expanded its creative universe with an original song and commercial titled “Cool Times.” The track was written, produced and performed by Savannah- and New York City-based artist Jon Lindsay, who brought longtime collaborator Benji Hughes in on backing vocals. The announcement was made by Daffin Records and reported via NEWMEDIAWIRE, signaling a notable fusion of independent music and brand storytelling that could influence how advertisers approach original content.
“Cool Times” soundtracks a new one-minute Don Gato house-party spot written, directed, shot and edited by Don Gato co-owner Chris Walldorf in Charleston, S.C. The film depicts a sun-soaked poolside blowout where Don Gato pours tequila, raises glasses and eventually takes the party into the pool. Musically, the song is described as warm, loose and instantly familiar, built for open windows and late-summer afternoons. It takes its title from Don Gato’s “Made good. For cool times.” ethos, extending a campaign that has already drawn major advertising-industry attention.
McBride and longtime collaborator David Gordon Green established the larger Don Gato world through the brand’s “Saga of All Sagas” films, which were recognized by Ad Age, Adweek and MediaPost for their mix of lucha libre mythology, tequila, cats and McBride’s comedic sensibility. The new spot builds on that momentum with an original song that Lindsay saw as a natural extension of the Don Gato universe. “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.”
Lindsay and Hughes have been making music together since their early days in Charlotte, North Carolina, with Lindsay serving as a longtime member of Hughes’ band on keyboards and vocals. Last year, they toured nationally and played an official SXSW showcase, with appearances alongside Jackson Browne and Jeff Bridges. Lindsay’s fourth LP, Big Stage, was released by Daffin Records in 2025. More information about the artist is available at Jon Lindsay’s official site.
Walldorf, who attended film school with McBride and has worked with Lindsay and Hughes for years, noted the collaboration’s organic roots. “It was a perfect fit as we all go way back,” he said. “It always makes for cool times when you’re working with old friends, especially when they’re as talented as Jon and Benji and knock it out of the park like they did.” The full release is available at www.newmediawire.com.
For the advertising and music industries, the partnership underscores a growing trend of brands commissioning original music rather than licensing existing tracks. By leveraging Lindsay’s indie credibility and Hughes’ cult following, Don Gato Tequila not only reinforces its playful mythology but also creates a piece of content that can live beyond a single campaign. For consumers, it means a more immersive brand experience that blurs the line between commercial and art. As beverage and lifestyle brands compete for attention, this model could become a blueprint for authentic engagement, particularly when it taps into existing creative communities and long-standing friendships.
